New energy standard for electric motors
In a bid to tackle energy use in industry, the European Commission (EC) has targeted motor driven systems, and mandatory efficiency standards will soon be implemented. What do you need to know about this?
Big energy user
Most manufacturing or processing operations rely on motors to drive systems, regardless of how big or small. And these motors are responsible for two-thirds of all energy used in industry - and 20% of the UK’s total consumption. As these units use so much energy, the EU has decided that they need to be made more energy efficient.
What action?
To make this happen the EC has brought in the Eco Design Requirements for Energy-Using Products Directive (EuP) (seeThe next step). This lays down efficiency requirements for a range of products sold across Europe, including motors, refrigerators, pumps, lighting and televisions.
Standards
The directive uses standards which have been created by the International Electrotechnical Commission. These range from IE1 through to IE4. Motors that meet the IE1 standard offer low energy efficiency. Those that meet the IE4 standard offer super-premium efficiency. The plan is that eventually IE1 motors will become a thing of the past and most will achieve the higher standards.
When is this going to happen?
In the first phase of the scheme, which comes into effect on June 16 2011, all single-speed motors with output ratings from 0.75 to 375kW, bought and sold in the EU, will have to achieve at least the IE2 efficiency level. The standards are then ramped up in the second phase, which begins on January 1 2015, when motors rated from 7.5 to 375kW will either have to achieve the higher IE3 efficiency level, or meet the IE2 level and be equipped with a variable speed drive (VSD). On January 1 2017, the same regulations will be extended to apply to motors as small as 750W.
Note. A VSD regulates the speed and rotational force of an electric motor.
Tip. By upgrading your motors to be controlled by VSDs you can make considerable savings because it reduces the amount of energy drawn by the motor. For example, a centrifugal pump or fan running at 80% speed consumes only half of the energy compared to one running at full speed. Whether a unit has a VSD will be included in the technical specifications. As it’s a big energy saver, you can be sure that sales staff will be keen to tell you that a unit has one.
Will this cost you more?
Initially this is likely to see the price of motors increase. After all, the manufacturers will want to recoup the investments made in making the equipment more efficient. However, this extra outlay shouldn’t take long to recoup. This is because over the lifetime of a motor the purchase cost equates to only 1% of the total spend. The remaining 99% is in energy use, maintenance costs etc.
Tip. Even though the initial purchase costs may be higher, going for a more efficient unit will pay off quickly. For example, the additional cost of buying an IE3 as opposed to an IE1 product, will be recouped in about three months.
For further information on the EuP Directive, visit http://environment.indicator.co.uk (EN 05.03.06).
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