Energy Efficient Motor

What is an energy efficient motor?

An "energy efficient" motor, simply put, is a motor that gives you the same output
strength by consuming lesser amounts of power. 2. How is an energy efficient
motor different from a standard motor?

Energy efficient motors are manufactured using the same frame as a standard T-
frame motor, but these have:

• Higher quality and thinner steel laminations in the stator.

• More copper in the windings.
• Optimized air gap between the rotor and stator.
• Reduced fan loses.
• Closer matching tolerances.
• A greater length.

And as we spoke in point1, an Energy Efficient Motor means that you get the
advantage of more with less.

Are all new motors energy efficient motors?

No. EF1, EF2 are energy efficient while EF3 is standard motor. So if you want an
EEM, you should go for the first two.

Where can I buy an energy efficient motor?

Energy efficient motors can be purchased directly from standard manufactures

providing energy efficient motors.

Do energy efficient motors require more maintenance?

On the contrary, Energy efficient motors require less maintenance and have
longer life because of lower motor operating temperatures.

Can an energy efficient motor replace my present U- or T-frame motor?

Yes. Standard T-frame to energy efficient T-frame should be a straight

replacement. However, an adapter or transition base is required for a U-frame to
T-frame replacement. In addition, some manufacturers now make energy
efficient U-frame motors.
Should I rewind my standard-efficiency motor or purchase an energy
efficient motor?

An energy efficient motor will result in lower energy costs when compared to a
rewound standard-efficiency motor. Its cost effectiveness will depend on the
hours operated, motor efficiencies, utility rates, and the difference in cost
between the rewind and the energy efficient motor.

Can a standard motor be rewound as an energy efficient motor?

Rewinding a standard motor as an energy efficient motor is possible when it is

rewound with a slightly larger diameter wire in older designed motor. This can be
done when there is slot space available to accommodate higher copper.

Rewinding might improve the efficiency but adversely increases the starting
current of a standard motor above its initial level. However, the efficiency would
still be lower than that of a new energy efficient motor. Energy efficient motors
can be rewound to maintain their original efficiency.

What is the efficiency of an energy efficient motor at different load points?

Energy efficient motors are much better off than standard-efficiency motors under
full, partial, and unloaded conditions. The efficiency of any motor varies with such
factors as size, speed, and loading.

Do energy efficient motors maintain the same percentage edge over

standard?

Yes. Most manufacturers are designing their energy efficient motors to provide
peak efficiency at 75 percent to 100 percent load. Typically efficiency stays fairly
constant from full down to 50 percent load.

What is the power factor of an energy efficient motor?

Power factors vary tremendously depending on motor loading manufacturer.

Overall, replacement of a standard with an energy efficient motor isn't likely to
have much influence on power factor. On an average, you can expect a power
factor improvement of less than 1%. In any event, power factor correction is
easily achieved by adding external capacitors.

Is the service factor any different from that of a standard motor?

No. Service factors for both standard and energy efficient motors range from 1 to
1.25 with about 88 percent of motors at 1.15.

How much do energy efficient motors cost?

Generally, the initial cost is about 15% to 30% more than standard motors, but
depending on the specific motor manufacturer and market competition, they can
be even less expensive.

The price premium per horsepower is lower for the larger motor ratings. As the
population of EE Motors increases the initial cost will come down and may be
available at the same cost as a standard motor in the near future.

What is the payback period for energy efficient versus a standard-

efficiency motor?

For new purchase decisions, the simple payback on the incremental cost of a
continuously operated energy efficient motor can be recovered through energy
savings from few months to 2 years depending on the hours of use and efficiency
of replaced motors and tariff.

Are oversized motors less efficient than motors that are matched to their
load?

Oversized motors will require greater starting currents and operate with a lower
power factor than motors that are closely matched to load.

So what do I finally get from Energy Efficient motors?

Energy Efficient Motors bring you a world of benefits. A substantial rise in

productivity at a cost that is substantially low, results in more profits.

But most importantly EE Motors make a phenomenal contribute to the nations

energy conservation program, as motors alone consume around 70 % of the total
electricity used in the industrial sector.

When should I purchase EE or high efficiency motors?

• When there is a new installation or modification to be done to your plant/

equipment or new projects.
• Old motors are damaged and need rewinding.
• Existing motors are under loaded or overloaded.

Is it possible to convert a standard motor in to an EE Motors?

No, it is not possible, because the EE Motors have longer core and more winding
length.
Are there any financing or leasing schemes for EE Motors?

Yes, IREDA and other financial companies such as ICICI, IDBI etc. have a lot of
schemes that can help you to acquire EE motors.

Do EE Motors need any specialized engineer to repair, install or rewind

them?

No. Specialized training is not necessary for the installation, repair or

maintenance of EE motors. However leading manufacturers are providing data &
training to rewinders.