Business Energy Savings

Electric motors

Efficiency gains from improving your motors and the associated systems are substantial. In general, savings come from either using a more suitable motor for a given task, or a more efficient one. Changing the system overall may also be the best way to reduce the need for the motor.

No costs/ low costs options.

• Maintain all drives to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Use an on/off control system so the motor is only on when needed.
• Replace vee belts with toothed belts, raw edged cog belts or new generation flat belts. A soft starter or variable speed drive will reduce belt wear.
• Make sure alignment, tension and operation of motors are correct. Noise and heat can indicate energy losses. Vee belts at temperatures over 60jC need attention. The optimum is 40jC

Some investment

• Install efficient motors. Energy-efficient motors typically cost 10% to 30% more than standard models up front, but when deciding which to buy, remember also that these motors tend to be more reliable, produce less waste heat, and run more quietly than standard models.
• Downsize oversized motors: Because motors are inefficient when running at less than 50% of rated load, oversized and under loaded motors can waste energy and money. This problem is extensive.
• Install variable-speed drives: Where loads fluctuate, replace single-speed motors with variable-speed drives. This can reduce motor energy use by 10% to 70%!

Sources:

www.eecabusiness.govt.nz
www.nzbcsd.org.nz
www.coloradoefficiencyguide.com