Energy Efficient Motors- Are they worth the Cost?

Energy efficiency in commercial and industrial facilities helps to reduce costs, increase profits and stay ahead of competition. In most of the industrial establishments the major user of energy is the electric motor. Hence, energy efficiency should be a major factor to be considered when buying Crompton Greaves electric motors.

What do you mean by energy-efficient electric motor?

Motor efficiency is the ratio of mechanical power output to electrical power input denoted as a percentage. There is a lot of variation between the performances of the standard electric motor and an energy-efficient one. Energy efficient motors are premium motors, the price premium for which is typically 10 to 15 per cent above the price of a standard motor.

The use of improved materials, enhanced design and better manufacturing technique enable Crompton Greaves energy efficient motors to get more work done per unit of electricity consumed. Another equally qualitative product of the same brand is Crompton Greaves flameproof motors.

In order to be considered as energy efficient the performance of the motor must exceed or at least be equal to the nominal full-load efficiency values given by the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association. Various factors such as enclosure type, speed combination, horsepower have full-load nominal efficiency values specified against them and these have to be equalled or surpassed for obtaining the tag of being ’energy efficient’.

Are energy efficient electric motors cost effective?

Energy efficient motors provide various benefits. Due to their enhanced design and superior manufacturing techniques they provide:

Longer bearing and insulation lives

Higher service factors

Lesser waste heat output

Less vibration

Increased reliability

To determine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficient motors in a given situation, various factors have to be considered like the price of motor, efficiency rating, annual usage in terms of hours, installation costs and downtime, energy rates, the firm’s payback norms and obtainability of utility rebates.

In any case, the premium paid towards the energy efficient motors is quickly repaid through savings in energy.

How are energy efficient motors cost effective?

Electric motors are used in industrial applications to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy so that useful work can be done. Motor efficiency can be greatly improved if the motor losses are reduced. Standard electric motors do perform well with their average operating efficiencies varying between 83% − 92%; however, performance of energy efficient motors is significantly better. So, even if the efficiency increases from 92% to 94% the percent reduction in losses is about 25%. This results in significant amount of savings.

Moreover, motor losses result in ejection of heat into the atmosphere, hence, if they are reduced then the cooling loads on the industrial establishment’s air conditioning system is also reduced.The advantage of an energy efficient motor can be gauged in situations where motor losses normally occur. The enhanced quality of bearings, fan design and air-flow in an energy efficient motor results in minimizing the losses.

Therefore, while buying your energy efficient electric motor from any of the electric motor dealers in Mumbai it is essential to ensure that you buy a reputed brand so that they will definitely be worth the cost.