Motor energy-efficiency regulations tightened further
Bauer Gear Motor highlight existing and pending electric motor energy-efficiency regulations
PLANS by the European Commission to tighten the regulations on the energy efficiency of electric motors came into force at the end of 2013 with a transition period of six months following publication.
With the aim of improving energy efficiency within industry, the regulations already apply to a large section of the market but the amendments look to reduce the number of exemptions, say Bauer Gear Motor, who have already taken steps to ensure their customers will meet the new regulations.
Commission Regulation (640/2009) relates to the eco-design of electric motor drives and currently requires nearly all new equipment with a rated output between 0.75kW and 375kW to meet IE2 efficiency ratings.
There were, however, some exemptions to this requirement, including equipment that would operate at an altitude exceeding 1,000m above sea level, or in ambient temperatures below –15°C or above +40°C.
The revisions to these regulations relate to a widening of the operational windows in which they apply, specifically an increase of the working altitude to 4,000m above sea level and a revision of the working ambient temperatures to between –30°C and +60°C.
Following the introduction of this regulation, IE1 rated motors will no longer be permitted under these conditions. It is currently understood that motors operating in potentially explosive atmospheres remain unaffected.
These regulations will continue to deliver further energy savings with the introduction of IE3 efficiency criteria, which must be adopted on all motors rated between 7.5kW and 375kW from 1 January 2015.
This will be extended to include smaller motors down to 0.75kW from 1 January 2017, all of which will require motor and gear-motor manufacturers to provide a complete range of products designed to meet or exceed these efficiency criteria.
Bauer Gear Motor, part of Altra Industrial Motion, who produce IE2 and IE3 motors that ensure compliance with the future regulations, say their sales team is well placed to offer expert guidance on existing and pending efficiency regulations to ensure that motor operators are fully compliant.
