Electric motors are playing the key role in making the production units growing with profitable. The most of industries depend upon the performance of electric motors for the flawless low cost production within the timeframe. Efficiency electric motors is an important factor contributing to your ultimate goal- low production cost.
These have become indispensible part of production planning. Some production managers often complain for the low efficiency despite having installed the best quality genuine motors sourced from the authorized electric motor dealers. Wouldn’t you like to improve the electric motors’ efficiency further even if you have the best electric motors installed like the CG electric motors?
What is Electric Motors Efficiency?
It is the ratio between the motor output and input that is often mentioned in % and denoted by “η”.
Four Factors That Affect the Efficiency Electric Motors:
It is must to maintain overall motor functionality at optimal level across all the processes. The technology of electric motors is evolving fast because of the increasing focus on energy saving. For example, we frequently see new arrivals in Crompton Greaves energy efficient motors category. Still, there are certain local factors that may harm their overall performance – running cost, load capacity, maintenance cost and life. Optimize these four factors and you will get the answer to your common concern – ‘how can I improve energy efficiency of electric motors?’ –
1. Minimize Voltage Unbalance: Voltage unbalance between the phases impacts the performance of electric motors because of possible reduction in the full-load speed, breakdown torques, unbalanced current, operation temperature fluctuations etc. Solution:
• Distribute single-phase loads over 3-phase system.
• Update the existing power disturbing plan accordingly.
• Install the reactive / active filters to reduce the current surges
2. Connect Electric Motors to VFDs:
VFD efficiently enables the AC motor to operate over the range of speeds by adjusting the voltage and frequency of the power. The sensors monitor the flow, pressure, liquid levels or the required torque load and transmit the signals to VFD; and VFD adjusts the speed and frequency accordingly. Solution:
• Understand the motor’s specifications
• Review and consider the usage of fan system, air conditioning system and ventilations etc
• Understand load characteristics over the motor. The full- load efficiency of electric motors is around 80%; it drops with drop in load. VFD over 10 HP can improve the efficiency up to 90% even for the loads around 25% of full load.
3. Choose the Right Size Motors:
Installing the appropriate size electric motors can save a lot for you because you would be using the motors at their full capacity. Solution:
• Know the actual load characteristics like variable HP & constant torque, variable HP & variable torque etc.
• Assess the application type like constant speed, position / torque control & variable speed
• Avoid the temptation to use overcapacity or under capacity electric motors
• Get the help of electric motors supplier; like authorised dealers of Crompton Greaves electric motors offer online consultancy to help you buy the right one.
4. Follow Proper Maintenance Schedule:
To get the optimum performance of electric motors, it is must to follow the periodic maintenance schedule. Partnership of users in maintaining the motors on day-today basis helps you get the optimum output at a reduced maintenance cost. Solution:
• Correct the reported and identified problem at the earliest
• Apply trained skills for the specific tasks
• Isolate the motors from the extreme environmental conditions
Concluding Note:
Using the best suitable size electric motor, fitting at proper place in line of the planned process, following regular maintenance, ensuring quality power supply are the smart ways to achieve the peak efficiency of electric motors. The electric motors of different brands come with different technology and performance characteristics. Better, you prefer to buy top brand motors from the local supplier like Crompton Greaves electric motors instead of making the cost the only selection criteria.