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𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐄𝟓 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬

In residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, electric motors are used in a variety of ways. Motors account for about 45 percent of global electricity consumption due to their widespread use. NEMA and IEC, for example, are well aware of this and are continually working on standards to increase motor efficiency.

Building owners can save thousands of dollars each year by installing higher-efficiency motors.

By reducing the transmission and distribution load on the grid, efficient motors could help power providers save money on operating costs.

Efficient motors also aid the environment, as fossil fuels still account for a substantial amount of the electrical supply.

Standard, Energy Efficient, and Premium Efficiency are the three NEMA motor efficiency classes. IEC, on the other hand, is divided into four categories: IE1, IE2, IE3, and IE4. The first three IEC classes are similar to NEMA classes, whereas the IE4 class is known as Super Premium Efficiency. The IEC 60034-30-1 standard specifies these efficiency classifications, and the most recent version was issued in 2014.

The IE5 class, also known as Ultra Premium Efficiency, will be included in the future revision of the IEC standard. Between classes, energy losses are reduced by 20% or more, implying that an IE5 motor will have a 20% loss reduction compared to an IE4 motor. Although the Ultra Premium Efficiency class has yet to be established in standards, some manufacturers have already manufactured conforming motors.

𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞

An energy audit is the best way to figure out how much money you can save with an electric motor upgrade. The percentage savings, on the other hand, can be calculated using the following formula:



Assume that an 85 percent efficient motor is replaced with a 91 percent efficient unit. The savings value is 0.066 or 6.6 percent using the formula above. The new motor will save 19,800 kWh per year if the old one consumed 300,000 kWh per year. With an electricity price of 16 cents per kWh, this equates to a savings of $3,168 per year.

Three key elements impact the amount of money saved with a motor upgrade:

The difference in efficiency between the old motor and the new one.

The motor's operating schedule.

The cost of power in the area.

Starting with motors that have low efficiency and a long-running schedule is the best way to maximize the return on investment from a motor upgrade.

Increasing the Savings from a Motor Upgrade with Speed Control

Speed controls can help save money when motors are utilized intermittently or at part-load for long periods. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) lower the RPM and power consumption of a motor by lowering the input voltage and frequency. This form of control is especially useful for fans and pumps, which have a fluctuating workload throughout the day.

If motors are updated to IE5 Ultra Premium Efficiency and subsequently installed with VFDs, significant savings are attainable.

When it comes to HVAC systems, motor upgrades can work in tandem with other measures like chiller and boiler replacements.

A thorough evaluation of the wiring and electrical protections is strongly suggested before upgrading motors. Motor upgrades are typically costly projects, and it is in the best interests of building owners to protect their investment. Because motors are susceptible to issues such as under-voltage and phase voltage imbalance, the quality of the power supply is particularly vital to ensure that they have a long service life. Electrical engineers can identify problems with your installation and recommend cost-effective fixes.

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