EU reaches energy efficiency milestone
ABB welcome Europe’s new efficiency requirements for low-voltage motors
ABB have welcomed the European Union’s introduction of minimum efficiency levels for low-voltage motors, as the new requirements are in-line with the company’s focus on providing customers with high-efficiency motors both for the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) market in the US and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) market elsewhere around the world.
The latest requirements (Commission Regulation EC 640/2009) came into effect on 16 June 2011 and are generally referred to as EU MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard). The legislation covers most two-, four- and six-pole motors in the 0.75–375kW power range for alternating current AC power supply frequencies between 50–60Hz.
All motors covered by EU MEPS in the European market after 16 June must achieve a minimum International Efficiency standard level 2 (IE2). Some motors, such as those for explosive atmospheres, are currently excluded from EU MEPS, but ABB expect these types of motors will have to comply with standard IEC 60034-30 and have, therefore, provided them with IE markings.
The second stage of EU MEPS will apply from January 2015, when the minimum requirement for motors with output power levels above 7.5kW will be efficiency level IE3, or IE2 if combined with a variable-speed drive (VSD).
The third stage of EU MEPS, which will apply from January 2017, will extend the IE3 requirement, or IE2 with a VSD, down to 0.75kW power output.
Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB’s discrete automation and motion division, said: ‘We will not offer, sell or deliver IE1 CE marked products in any markets across the globe from 16 June 2011 onwards. ABB will ensure that they comply with the regulations under all circumstances.’
While EU MEPS covers the European market only, other countries including Australia, China, Brazil and Canada have already implemented similar energy-efficiency schemes.
