New motor efficiency standards
Bauer offer comprehensive range of IE3-rated motors to meet latest energy-efficiency regulations
FROM 1 January 2015 the latest efficiency regulations for electric motors will come into force in Europe, whereby any new installation using a motor between 7.5kW and 375kW must use either an IE3-rated motor or an IE2 motor installed with a variable-frequency drive (VFD).
Aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the installed equipment across Europe, the regulation is supported by a new standard, EN50598, which benchmarks the efficiency ratings of electric motor drives.
EN50598-2, will widen the focus from a single component to the efficiency of the complete power drive system (PDS). The new efficiency classes (IES) provide a structure that allows the losses for a complete drive system to be compared. The median range is IES1 and systems which fall below the minimum value of IES1 are classed as IES0. More efficient systems, with values 20% above IES1, are identified as IES2.
The new standard will also help end-users to gauge payback periods more accurately. Previously, the overall efficiency of speed-controlled motors was estimated using rough energy-consumption figures. Now, with verified efficiency curves, the payback period for a motor/drive combination can be calculated more realistically.
Bauer Gear Motor, who say they have always aimed to remain one step ahead in terms of design and efficiency, already have a complete range of IE3 motors in the marketplace, including all those above 0.75kW and below 7.5kW, to meet further regulations due to come into force in January 2017. Moreover, all Bauer motors are at least IES1 ready.
Although the exceptions according to regulation (EC) 640/2009, ie brake motors and those motors operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, will retain their exempt status, Bauer have, nevertheless, developed S-series permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) which offer variable-speed in efficiency class IE4 for use in explosion hazardous areas.
