WEG's New Water-Cooled Motors Reduce Heat

[Industry Valley]

When air-cooled motors aren't enough, engineers quickly run out of options. In environments like tunnel boring machines, ship engine rooms, and injection molding lines, these applications can't exactly afford the luxury of wide-open spaces or clean airflow to machinery. Dust, humidity, and confined spaces make it difficult to keep traditional motors cool, which can reduce efficiency and shorten service life.
That's precisely the problem WEG's new W22 water-cooled motor series is designed to overcome. Instead of relying on external fans or ventilation ducts, the system circulates water through an internal jacket to draw heat directly from the motor. This approach allows for higher power density in smaller packages, prevents waste heat from returning to the environment, and keeps performance consistent even where air circulation is virtually nonexistent.

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WEG's W22 water-cooled motors are ideal for tunnel boring, marine, and injection molding applications.​

Built for Environments Where Airflow Isn't an Option​

W22 water-cooled motors eliminate the fan assembly entirely, removing one of the main sources of noise and mechanical wear. The motors feature a cast iron frame with smooth lines that prevent dust accumulation, and the water jacket is completely sealed against contamination from particulate or other types of debris that can be found in abrasive conditions, such as mining machinery or tunnel boring systems.
Because heat is removed directly through water circulation, the motor does not transfer excess energy to the environment. This makes it particularly effective in areas where thermal control is critical, such as plastic injection molding, chemical processing operations, and even data centers.

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Close-up cross-section of the W22's enclosed water jacket, designed to provide consistent cooling performance in harsh environments.​

Compact Power, Certified Reliability​

The W22 water-cooled series can offer up to 450 kW of output power, with frame sizes ranging from 324T to 506/7T and configurations from two to six poles. Each unit operates with current up to 460 V and 60 Hz, making it suitable for continuous operation under heavy loads. The system has protection ratings up to IP55, with F or H insulation class options.
WEG's new motors have been tested and certified to meet UL Listed, CE, and UKCA standards, giving them the necessary approvals for global installation. The cooling system follows the IC71W standard, which allows it to be easily integrated into systems that use water circuits for other processes. This makes it a strong choice for marine, textile, and wastewater applications.

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WEG's standard paint has C4 protection against high corrosion.​

Staying Cool in Challenging Conditions​

In addition to tunnel boring and marine systems, WEG also designed its new motor series for compact installations and noise-sensitive environments. This includes machines like mixers, water treatment pumps, and textile spindles, where quiet operation and efficient heat management are as important as raw horsepower. In facilities where airflow is restricted or temperature control is critical, switching to water cooling simplifies system design and extends motor life.
In industries where heat is constant and space is limited, WEG's new W22 water-cooled series offers an easy way to boost performance without sacrificing reliability. By managing heat internally rather than controlling it externally, WEG has turned a long-standing challenge into an advantage for facilities that can never break away from demanding conditions.