A historic carousel with a modern twist

Carousels have been delighting riders for generations, and our technology is helping to ensure their timeless magic continues. At the Bushnell Park Conservancy Ohio, an iconic, hand-carved wooden carousel has been brought into the modern era with ABB variable frequency drives (VFD). To ensure safe, efficient operation, Bushnell Park partnered with ABB’s Flow Tech, Inc. to replace the aging VFD and motor with an ACH580 drive and a Baldor-Reliance motor with grounding rings. This upgrade from a 480V unit to a 15 hp, 208V ACH580 allows adjustable speeds, making it ideal for young children, seniors, and thrill-seekers alike. It also allows for reducing energy consumption, and the replacement was scheduled during off hours and off season, preventing downtime and revenue loss. Thanks to this reliable solution, the carousel will continue to delight riders for years.

A gravity-defying thrill ride in Sweden

For those seeking more adrenaline, our motors are behind one of Sweden’s most exciting amusement park attractions. The Loke Gyro Swing at Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg uses an ABB industrial drive to replicate some of the physics of space travel, safely and precisely while conserving energy. The innovative attraction at Liseberg amusement park challenges riders with gravity-defying movements, delivering a unique and unpredictable experience. Roller coaster safety is crucial and this ride's motion relies on ABB motors and drives, which provide precise control over acceleration and deceleration, ensuring both excitement and safety.

The science behind indoor skydiving

For those who dream of flying, Switzerland’s first free-fall simulator in Sion allows for this. At the Realfly simulator, 20,000 guests a year experience this thrill in a safe indoor facility – with a reliable ABB drive.

Our low-voltage motors power massive fans that generate a controlled column of air strong enough to lift people off the ground, allowing them to experience the sensation of freefall—without the need for an airplane. These wind tunnels require extreme reliability and precision, as even the slightest inconsistency in airflow could impact the experience. 

For more than ten years, ABB systems have been powering this closed air circuit, specifically four robust M3BP  electric motors, each with an output of 250 kilowatts. They are supplied by an ACS800 Multidrive frequency converter with exactly the power they need for the desired wind speed.

Pushing the limits of human flight

Another cutting-edge skydiving simulator, developed by EVG Lufttechnik, takes ABB technology to new heights. This advanced system uses high-performance ABB motors to generate powerful airflow, allowing skydivers to practice manoeuvres in a controlled environment. The challenge? Simulating real-world skydiving conditions with perfect airflow stability. Our motors provide the precision needed for users to experience smooth, uninterrupted flight, while also keeping energy consumption low. Whether training for professional skydiving or simply experiencing the thrill of human flight, ABB motors are at the heart of this exhilarating innovation.

Powering fun with precision and reliability

From amusement parks to high-tech skydiving simulators, ABB motors and drives are found in unexpected places- bringing excitement, safety, and efficiency to experiences that millions enjoy worldwide. Whether you're spinning on a vintage ride, defying gravity in Sweden, or flying indoors in Switzerland, ABB is there — powering unforgettable experiences around the world.

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