ABBDrivetrain vibration damping with MEGADRIVE-LCI Improve reliability, extend lifetime and enhance performance

Drivetrain vibration damping with MEGADRIVE-LCI

Improve reliability, extend lifetime and 

enhance performance 

What causes system oscillations?

System oscillations are vibrations that can occur 

during drivetrain operation. They can result from:

• Critical speed points that cannot be avoided 

• Process fluctuations

• Sub-synchronous torsional interactions with 

other equipment

Keeping these oscillations under control is essential 

for drivetrain stability, longevity and performance.

How MEGADRIVE-LCI can reduce oscillations

For MEGADRIVE-LCI with the PEC3 or PEC2 control 

platform, the drivetrain vibration damping feature

is available as an optional add-on. This enhancement 

can detect and actively suppress harmful oscillations 

by filtering them out of the energy flow between the 

electrical and mechanical components. 

Where is this most important?

All drivetrains can experience oscillations, but

they are more common in applications with lowfrequency torque variations, such as:

• Ship propulsion systems

• Cement plant mills

• Compressors

ABB can help assess existing or potential oscillations 

in your drivetrain and provide tailored solutions to 

minimize their impact.

Increased drivetrain reliability 

• Lower risk of failure 

• Decrease in unplanned downtime

Extended lifetime

• Longer lifespan of mechanical parts

• Reduced wear on critical drivetrain 

components

Reduced maintenance costs

• Fewer part replacements 

• Longer intervals between scheduled 

maintenance

• Annual maintenance cost reduction

Enhanced performance 

• Potential expansion of operating range

• Reduced energy waste by minimizing 

oscillations and losses

Main benefits

The MEGADRIVE-LCI can help to 

reduce system oscillations – 

vibrations that, if left unchecked, 

can cause premature wear, 

increased maintenance cost and 

even drivetrain failure.

Service delivery process

You experience premature wear or unexpected 

maintenance cost

Do you face premature wear, increased maintenance needs or even 

drivetrain failure? Are you planning a new drive system and want to assess 

the risk of system oscillations before commissioning? 

Contact your local ABB team

Our ABB service experts will assess your specific needs and recommend 

the best approach.

Torsional analysis

We analyze your drivetrain to identify possible oscillations and provide 

solutions to minimize their impact. The analysis is based on your data or 

measurements taken remotely or on-site by ABB.

Drivetrain vibration damping implementation

Implementation is carefully planned in collaboration with your experts, 

ensuring minimal disruptions to your operations.

Drivetrain oscillations are minimized

By minimizing oscillations in your MEGADRIVE-LCI drivetrain, you benefit 

from increased drivetrain reliability, reduced maintenance costs, extended 

equipment lifespan and improved overall performance.