Digitalisation

Digitalisation brings ‘smart’ applications for all kinds of industrial energy systems, of which electric motor-driven systems account for the largest part of the industrial electricity use. Electric motor-driven systems (EMDS) are currently responsible for some 53% of global electricity consumption (IEA 2017) and approximately 70% of the industrial electricity use.

An optimal motor system includes optimally aligned system components (motor control, motor, mechanical equipment and application) that are engineered and operated for the right process demands in a specific timeframe. The application of digital technologies to electric motor driven systems can enlarge the scope and accessibility of optimisation, leading to increased efficiency in operations (operational cost, flexibility, procurement, footprint), energy, materials (circularity) and emissions.

The IEA Technology Collaboration Programme 4E EMSA (Electric Motor Systems Annex) works on the assessment of specific developments in the field of industrial digitalisation. The target is to identify the relevant different technology fields (areas), their potential impact on energy use and efficiency, and the potential need for policy measures.

For more information, download project brief below.

Digitalisation will help companies to save energy, but how?

EMSA organized an international survey on the status of digitalisation in industrial companies and especially motor driven systems. The target was to identify interesting use cases, advantages, but also potential barriers and suggestions for policy intervention.

The summary report is available here. A Policy Brief summarizing the key findings of the report is available here.