Electric motor systems are responsible for 53% of worldwide electricity use. In the industrial sector their share is more than 72%. Significant savings are possible and can be benefited from. According to the International Energy Agency, electric motors are one key appliance on the way to net zero. EMSA raises global awareness through its publications and active engagement in different events.
Aligned international technical standards are building blocks of national regulations. EMSA representatives are directly involved as national experts in the relevant international standardisation technical committees and groups, bringing in an independent voice and a more regulatory-focused approach. EMSA provides an overview of all relevant international standards for electric motor systems.
Different technical standards are applicable to different components of the electric motor system and need to be aligned. EMSA served as a catalyst for establishing the joint advisory group ISO/IEC JAG 22 which works on aligning the different standards. ISO/IEC JAG 22 is a unique example of global co-operation, bringing together industry and independent experts in addressing all aspects of the efficient electric motor system, to maximise the possible energy savings.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are a powerful instrument to move the market. MEPS for motors are the first step. MEPS for Variable Speed Drives, pumps, fans, air compressors are the next step. The level of MEPS always depends on the individual country context. EMSA provides an overview of MEPS worldwide.
In order to reach market transformation, other policy measures need to accompany MEPS, like information and incentives. Policies need to target both new and existing motor systems and a variety of stakeholders. EMSA compiled successful policy instruments to learn from best practices and published an audit guide for motor systems.
Independent testing evidence helps to clarify testing methods, energy performance of equipment and policy options. For example, in the EMSA Round Robin for Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), a Uniform Testing Protocol was established and applied. Based on this, modifications to eliminate the ambiguities regarding the repeatability of the testing method were proposed which the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) included in the revision of the test standard IEC 61800-9-2. In addition, the Round Robin has shown that the most beneficial policy options are introducing MEPS for VSDs and information requirements for part load duty points, to enable calculation of efficiency at part load. These could be combined with other policies that stimulate improving efficiency at a system level.
Average savings on a system level are estimated at 20 – 30%, while savings on a component level are suboptimal and considerably lower. EMSA makes independent tools available, like the Motor Systems Tool, to help maximise savings on the system level.
Digitalisation of electric motor systems creates transparency and thus helps to identify optimisation opportunities. EMSA published a total of six reports on the subject targeting policy makers, end-users and technical experts.
New technologies open up new opportunities for maximising energy savings. EMSA works in collaboration with the 4E Power Electronic Conversion Technology Platform (PECTA) along a Wide Bandgap Industrial Variable Speed Drives Research Roadmap, to address key challenges of using this new technology.
