Which digitalisation technologies are applied with motor systems? What are their positive and negative energy effects?
The new EMSA report Classification of digitalisation technologies for electric motor driven systems analyses the following technologies: sensors, Internet of Things, intelligent control, data analytics on equipment level, data analytics for production line or on company level, real-time monitoring, artificial intelligence, digital twins, cloud based services, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, robotics, drones.
Some of the main conclusions of the report:
- Digital technologies are mainly used for reasons other than energy efficiency, such as higher production efficiency, a more flexible system, better control and predictive maintenance.
- While digital technologies can help identify opportunities, energy savings will only be realised once this information is acted upon.
- Examples of specific applications with concrete evidence of energy savings are rare.
- Limited data is available on the energy consumption of digital communication and data analysis applications used for energy optimisation, since this is often not possible to be distinguished from energy used for other process and quality-related analysis.
EMSA is currently undertaking further research to provide more information and clarity especially on concrete examples of specific applications as well as on the energy consumption of digital communication and data analysis applications used for energy optimisation.
