Synchrony's Innovative Magnetic Bearings Draw Crowds at IGTI Turbo Expo

Cost-Effective Green Efficiency - Innovative, Frictionless Design Replaces
Traditional Oil-Lubricated Bearings in AC Induction Motor Retrofit

ROANOKE, Va., July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Synchrony, an industry leader providing
innovative solutions and engineering excellence in rotating machinery and
power conversion systems, drew crowds in demonstration of its world-class
product lines at the IGTI Turbo Expo in Orlando, Florida on June 8-11, 2009.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090714/NE46148 )

Magnetic bearing applications are increasing as traditional oil-lubricated,
geared drive trains are replaced with direct-drive trains supported on clean,
frictionless magnetic bearings. Synchrony is a recognized pioneer in this
industry frontier. Its Fusion(R) and NovaGlide(TM) magnetic bearings and
NovaGen(TM)/NovaDrive(TM) high-speed drive trains are true design innovations
in miniaturization, integration and performance that set the standard for
better, smaller and greener.

Synchrony demonstrated an AC induction motor retrofitted with two Fusion(R)
radial bearings and one Fusion(R) thrust bearing. Fusion(R) magnetic bearings
feature all magnetics and control electronics integrated into the bearing
housing, allowing for a much smaller machine footprint by eliminating the
large external bearing control cabinets required in traditional magnetic
bearing systems. Fusion(R) bearings also feature two interface ports through
the bearing housing -- one for 48 VDC power, and the other, an Ethernet
communication port used for machine health monitoring and trending. The motor
was a 250 hp standard NEMA configuration.

The demonstration showed the magnetic levitation of the motor shaft with shaft
position for each bearing within the system shown on a large visual display.
These revolutionary products drew a large number of visitors to the Synchrony
booth, allowing visitors to "bang on the rotating motor shaft" and witness
first-hand how well the bearings react to impact loading. Synchrony's health
monitoring software allowed visitors to visually witness in real-time the
shaft's near immediate return to its centered position.

"The positive reaction we received to our demonstration at the IGTI expo is
reflective of the rising industry interest and demand in magnetic bearings,"
said Troy Jamison, Senior Vice President for Business Development. "Our
Fusion(R) magnetic bearings integrated into a 250 hp NEMA motor demonstrate
that Synchrony has overcome the complexity and cost thresholds that have
traditionally slowed the adoption of magnetic bearing technology. With
Fusion(R), customers can now capitalize on the benefits of magnetic bearings
across a wider range of applications."

Founded in 1993, Synchrony brings a spirit of engineering excellence, bold
innovation and creativity to improving rotating machinery and power conversion
systems. The company develops and delivers world-class products that maximize
the ROI, energy savings, and environmental benefit of our customers' machines.
Synchrony is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia. For more information visit
www.synchrony.com.

SOURCE Synchrony

Bob Hopkins of Synchrony, +1-540-444-4208, bob.hopkins@synchrony.com; or Mike
Burita for Synchrony, +1-202-420-9361, mike@buritamedia.com