Motors Best Practice Tool

The "Onion" Approach to Improving Energy Efficiency
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11 SEAI operates an accelerated capital allowance (ACA) scheme, which is a tax incentive for companies to purchase energy efficient
equipment. It allows companies to write off 100% of the purchase value of specified energy efficient equipment in the year of purchase. To
see which equipment qualifies for ACA and to find out more go to www.seai.ie/aca or click on the graphic below. There is also useful
technical information available on the qualifying equipment. There is also an ACA worksheet in this spreadsheet.
The following Onion diagram illustrates this approach and also identifies some best practice energy savings measures at different
'layers'. Simple energy saving calculation sheets for each of these measures are included in this spreadsheet.
Can the system be designed better?
Finally, are there O&M or housekeeping actions that can be taken to reduce the consumption of energy resources?
Identify the most efficient / optimum operational control parameters for the most effective technology to satisfy each service demand.
Can cycle times be adjusted?
Are there opportunities to distribute the energy more efficiently, e.g. insulation, improved structural integrity (elimination of leaks), isolation
etc.?
Is there scope for technical or operational modifications to the energy conversion systems (compressors, boilers, chillers etc.) to reduce
the consumption of energy resources (natural gas, gasoil, electricity, wood chips etc.)?
Start at the centre of the Onion (see diagram below) by identifying the relevant Energy Service. An energy service demand is the need
for a specific level of work or activity to be performed. However, an Energy Service is more than simply 'motive power'.
To identify the Energy Service, ask yourself:
- What do I want to do with the motor?
- What is the fundamental piece of work that I want the motor to do?
An example of a motor related Energy Service might be: to drive a conveyor belt to move products from one machine to another.
Start at the point of energy service demand and work back upstream through the energy distribution and conversion system(s) this is
consistent with the energy efficiency hierarchy.
Is the technology that is currently satisfying each energy service demand appropriate? Or can it be eliminated or replaced by a more
effective alternative?
Then, for each Energy Service, ask yourself:
- Do I really need (paid-for) energy to deliver this energy service?
- Is there another way of delivering the output that requires using less or no energy?
- Can I use a less energy intensive alternative?
- What is the minimum specification required?
- Can I reduce (increase) pressures, temperatures, run times, flowrates, currents etc. to reduce the energy required?
Housekeeping
Repair/Replace
Operation & Maintenance
Control Systems
Cogged & Synchronous Belts
Energy Efficient Motor
Plant Design
Process
Technology
Reduce Speed/Torque
What do I want to do with the
motor?
What is the fundamental piece of
work that I want the motor to do?
Do I really need energy to deliver
this energy service?
Is there another way of delivering
the output that requires using less
or no energy?
Can I use a less energy intensive
alternative?
What is the minimum specification
required?
Energy
Service
Switch Off
Example Your Data Unit
Motor Power Rating : 45.0 [kW]
Motor Efficiency : 93.7% [%]
Annual Operation Hours : 8,760 [h]
% Switch off Time : 8.0% [%]
Annual Energy Use before
Switch Off
: 420,704 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Annual Energy Use after
Switch Off
: 387,048 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Annual Energy Savings : 33,656 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Average Electricity Price : 0.140 [/kWh]
Annual Cost Savings : 4,712 #DIV/0! [/y]
Source: US Department of Energy Industrial Technologies Programme Energy Tips - Motor Turn Off Motors
When Not In Use 2007
Efficiency of Motor (45 kW EFF1 2-pole motor efficiecy = 93.7%)
= (Motor Power [kW]) / (Motor Efficiency [%]) x (Annual Operation
Hours [h])
= Amount of time switched off expressed as a % of annual operation
hours
=(Annual Energy Savings [kWh/y]) x (Average Electricity Price [/kWh])
Additional Information & Tips
Start-ups can stress a motor by:
- Applying torque loading in excess of full load;
- Applying high magnetic forces to the motor windings;
- Heating the rotor and stator windings.
Frequent shock loading to shafts from starting could reduce system life through metal fatigue. However, most
shaft failures are attributed to other mechanisms such as bearing failures, excessive belt tension and
misapplication.
= (Motor Power Rating [W]) / (Motor Efficiency [%]) x (Annual Operation
Hours [h]) x ( 1- % Switch Off Time [%])
Although frequent stopping and starting does stress motors there is no known relationship between number of
rotor starts and normal life expectancy. So unless the frequency of starting and stopping is excessive, motor life
should not be significantly affected.
= (Annual Energy Use Before Switch Off [kWh]) - (Annual Energy Use
After Switch Off [kWh])
Motors
- Switching Off
Motors use no energy when switched off. Reducing motor operation by 10% can usually result in larger savings
than replacing the motor with an energy efficient motor. Given that 97% of the life cycle cost of buying and
running a motor is energy-related, switching off a motor for 10% of the time could amount in enough energy
savings to buy three motors.
Estimate Your Savings
24h/7d = 8,760 hours; 24h/5d = 6,240 hours; 8h/5d = 2,080 hours.
Parameter Comment
Rated Power of Motor
Rule of Thumb:
What Does this Sheet Do? This sheet calculates the energy savings achievable by switching off motors when not
in use.
Insert from Energy Bills Analysis Tool
Another common concern relates to the maximum demand and excess MIC charges levied by electricity suppliers.
The excess demand during motor start-up is of very short duration (from a couple of seconds to about 10s for
larger star-delta connected motors). Therefore, it is relatively easy to stagger startups to avoid the effects of initial
inrush current.
A common concern is that the frequent starting of motors can result in higher electricity consumption. Starting a
motor does draw more power than when operating at full load because the inrush current can be between 4 and 8
times full-load current. However, because the power factor is low when starting, the power consumed is not
equivalent to 4-8 times full load power. Starting usually takes under 2 seconds and rarely lasts more than 10
seconds. One additional minute of operating time after a start-up consumes far more energy than a motor start-up
itself.
Motor Power : 5.5 [kW]
Efficiency of Existing EFF3
Motor
: 84.7% [%]
Efficiency of New High
Efficiency EFF1 Motor
: 88.6% [%]
% Full Load Loading : 65.0% [%]
Annual Operation Hours : 8,760 [h]
Existing Motor Electricity Usage : 36,974 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Proposed Motor Electricity
Usage
: 35,347 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Annual Cost Savings : 228 #DIV/0! [/y]
Existing MotorElectricity Usage [kWh] - Proposed Motor Electricity Usage
[kWh]
Motors
- Energy-Efficient Motors
= (Motor Power [kW] / Efficiency of Exisitng Motor [%]) x (% Full Load [%])
x (Annual Operation Hours [h])
= (Motor Power [kW] / Efficiency of New Motor [%]) x (% Full Load [%]) x
(Annual Operation Hours [h])
Efficiency of Existing Motor
Efficiency of New Energy-efficient motor
% of Full Load Capacity at which motor operates
Parameter
The efficiency of a motor is the ratio of mechanical power output to the electrical power input and is typically expressed
as a percentage. An energy-efficient motor is simply a motor that uses less energy than a conventional one. It will deliver
the same mechanical power output but requires less electrical input power. Energy-efficient motors are manufactured
with higher quality materials and techniques, and therefore usually have longer bearing lives, less waste heat output, and
less vibration, all of which can increase their reliability and longevity.
In general, you should consider investing in an energy-efficient motor whenever you are purchasing a new or a
replacement motor or thinking about repairing an existing motor. Choosing an energy-efficient motor makes sense in the
following circumstances:
- When purchasing new equipment packages or machines that have integrated electric motors;
- When purchasing spare motors or replacing faulty motors;
- As an alternative to rewinding old standard-efficiency motors;
- To replace oversized and under loaded motors.
Rule of Thumb:
Comment
What Does this Sheet Do? Calculates the energy savings achievable by changing from a standard efficiency motor
(EFF3) to an energy-efficient motor (EFF1)
= (Annual Energy Savings [kWh/y]) x (Average Electricity Price [/kWh])
Payback: The capital cost of an energy-efficient motor can be 20-30% higher than that of a standard-efficiency motor.
However, the running costs of a motor are a multiple of the capital cost, and an energy-efficient motor saves money
during its entire lifetime. The payback period for an energy-efficient motor will depend on how much its used, on the size
of the motor load and on the price of electricity. The simple payback of a continuously operated energy-efficient motor
can be recovered through energy savings typically in less than 2 years.
Inrush current: Overloading of circuits should be avoided. Energy-efficient motors will typically have a lower electrical
resistance than a standard-efficiency motor, with the result that inrush currents will be higher. The duration of the inrush
current is too short to trip thermal protection devices but could result in nuisance trips of in-built magnetic circuit
protectors in some energy-efficient motors on start-up.
There are several standards and classifications which are used by motor manufacturers to categorise their products as
energy-efficient. The one most commonly referenced in Ireland is the European CEMEP classification. CEMEP
(European Committee of Manufacturers of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics) defines three efficiency classes:
EFF1, EFF2 and EFF3, with EFF1 being the highest efficiency classification.
Motor speed: The average speed of an energy-efficient motor can be slightly higher than the average speed of an
equivalent-sized standard-efficiency motor. Installing a new motor with a higher speed can result in reduced energy
savings. For centrifugal pump or fan applications in particular, it is important to select a replacement motor that has a
comparable full-load speed.
Motor sizing: Size motors to run mainly in the 65% to 100% load range. Consider replacing motors running at less than
40% load with properly sized motors. Applications with occasional high peak loads can be served using VSDs for pumps
and fans, reservoirs for fluids, and fly wheels for mechanical equipment.
Maximum full load motor efficiencies for different motor efficiency classes (EFF1 etc.) vary with motor size (kW) and
number of poles. Maximum efficiency typically increases with motor size and number of poles. In the example above,
an efficiency of 88.6% was assumed for a new 5.5 kW EFF1 2-pole motor. The corresponding efficiency for a 400 kW
EFF1 4-pole would be 96%.
Normally, standard-efficiency motors can be replaced directly with energy efficient motors. AC induction motors are a
commodity product and most are produced in standardised frame sizes, making them interchangeable between
manufacturers and between efficiency classes. However, European and US standard sizes differ. The nameplate of your
existing motor will list all important design characteristics that need to be taken into account when replacing it. You
should consult with your supplier of energy-efficient motors to help identify the correct replacement for an existing
standard-efficiency motor.
Rated Motor Power : 50.0 [kW]
Motor Efficiency : 93.0% [%]
Efficiency gain for using a
Cogged Belt
: 2.0% [%]
Annual Operation Hours : 4,000 [kWh/y]
Annual Energy Savings : 3,226 #DIV/0! [kWh]
Annual Cost Savings : 452 #DIV/0! [/y]
Synchronous belts are the most efficient choice. They require less maintenance and retensioning, operate in wet and
oily environments, and run slip-free. Like cogged belts they are noiser than V-belts. They are also unsuitable for
shock loads and they transfer vibrations. In these circumstances, cogged belts may be better.
Motors
- Switching to Cogged or Synchronous Belts
Parameter
(Rated Motor Power [kW]) x (% Full Loading [%]) x (Annual Operating Hours
[h]) x (1/Motor Efficiency [%]) x (Efficiency Gain for Using a Cogged Belt [%])
Most belt drives use V-belts, which have a trapezoidal cross section to create wedging action on the pulleys. This
increases friction and the belt's power transfer capability. A typical peak efficiency for a V-belt drives is 95% - 98% (at
installation). Unfortunately, this efficiency can deteriorate by as much as 5% over time if slippage occurs because the
belt is not periodically re-tensioned.
Cogged belts have slots that run perpendicular to the belt. Cogged belts can be used with the same pulleys as
equivalently rated V-belts. They run cooler, last longer, and can give a 2% efficiency gain (compared to standard V-
belts). Synchronous belts are toothed and operate with mating toothed-drive sprockets. A typical peak efficiency for
a synchronous belt is 98%. This efficiency can be maintained over a wide load range, unlike V-belt efficiency which
reduces sharply at high torque.
Rule of Thumb: Changing from a V-belt drive to a cogged, timing belt type drive can reduce motor energy
consumption by 2% to 5%.
Comment
Gain in Efficiency from using a Cogged Belt (assume = 2%)
What Does this Sheet Do? Calculates the energy savings achievable by changing from a V-belt to a cogged belt.
Cogged belt systems tend to be noisier than V-belt systems. They are also more prone to dust and other
contaminants.
Efficiency of Motor
Payback:
Existing Motor Power : 5.5 [kW]
Existing EFF3 Motor
Efficiency After Rewind
: 82.7% [%]
New EFF1 Motor
Efficiency
: 88.6% [%]
Annual Operation Hours : 8,760 [h/y]
Annual Energy Use -
Existing Motor
: 49,520 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Annual Energy Use - New
Motor
: 46,222 #DIV/0! [kWh/y]
Annual Cost Savings : 6,933 #DIV/0! [/y]
Motors
- Repair or Replace
In most cases repairing or rewinding a motor reduces its efficiency by about 1 or 2%, depending on the motor size.
Couple this with the efficiency difference between an existing EFF3 motor and a new high efficiency EFF1
replacement motor, and a new motor will be typically 3-5% more efficient than an existing one. Taking these
efficiency differences into account will mean that increased running costs will quickly exceed the initial savings from
rewinding a motor instead of replacing it. Therefore when considering whether to repair or replace a motor the
choice should not just depend on the purchase cost of a new motor versus the repair cost of the old motor, but also
the running costs associated with the operation of the motor during its lifetime.
Rule of Thumb: The efficiency difference between a new high efficiency motor and an existing rewound motor will
typically be the difference in the nameplate efficiencies plus 1 or 2% depending on the motor size, although
rewinding efficiencies can vary dramatically depending on the materials used and the techniques applied.
What Does this Sheet Do? Calculates the energy savings achievable by changing from a repaired (rewound) EFF3
motor to a new high efficiency (EFF1) motor.
Parameter Comment
Payback: In order to calculate the payback associated with replacing a motor you should take into account the cost
of rewinding the existing motor, the cost of a new high efficiency motor, the associated savings with a high efficiency
motor and the operational lifetime of the motors.
= (Motor Power [kW]) / (New Motor Efficiency [%]) x (Annual Operation
Hours [h]) x (% Full Load Loading [%])
Efficiency of new EFF1 Motor
= (Annual Energy Use Old Motor [kWh]) - (Annual Energy Use New Motor
[kWh])
Rated Power of Existing Motor
Source: UK Carbon Trust Motors Technology Overview 2007, US Department of Energy Industrial Technologies
Programme Determining Electric Motor Load and Efficiency
Efficiency of existing motor, taking account of rewinding losses and lower
efficiency to begin with (use 84.7% - 2% rewinding losses for 5.5 kW EFF3
motor)
= (Motor Power [kW]) / (Existing Motor Efficiency [%]) x (Annual Operation
Hours [h]) x (% Full Load Loading [%])
If you are considering rewinding a motor it would be advisable to contact a reputable motor rewinding company and
ask them for an estimate of the rewinding efficiency losses specific to your motor.
Maximum full load motor efficiencies for different motor efficiency classes (EFF1 etc.) vary with motor size (kW) and
number of poles. Maximum efficiency typically increases with motor size and number of poles. In the example
above, an efficiency of 88.6% was assumed for a new 5.5 kW EFF1 2-pole motor. The corresponding efficiency for
a 400 kW EFF1 4-pole would be 96%.
Generally it is advised to replace an existing motor with a new high efficiency motor if the cost of a rewind exceeds
60% of the cost of a new motor.
It is almost always best practice to replace motors smaller than 11kW
Capital cost of Qualifying
Equipment
: 100,000 []
Corporation Tax Rate : 12.5% 12.5% [%]
Actual Year 1 Net
Cashflow without ACA
: 98,438 0 []
Actual Year 1 Net
Cashflow with ACA
: 87,500 0 []
Year 1 Saving in Net
Cashflow
: 10,938 0 []
Discount Rate : 9.0% [%]
PV of standard Capital
Allowance
9,426 0 []
PV of Accelerated
Capital Allowance
12,500 0 []
Remember that these savings are in addition to the operational savings (energy, and environmental) associated
with using energy efficient equipment.
In summary, the ACA benefits you by ensuring:
- increased opportunities for further investment
- a shorter break-even period on the investment
- a higher return on the investment
- lower ongoing energy costs through using energy-efficient equipment
- a marketing edge through being environmentally friendly
- a higher real value on capital allowance return in an inflationary market
Standard capital allowance allows firms to write off 1/8 of capital cost against
tax each year (for 8 years)
= (Actual Year 1 Net Cashflow without ACA) - (Actual Year 1 Net Cashflow
with ACA)
The Discount Rate used by your business
Present Value (PV) to your business of the Standard Capital Allowances, i.e.
no ACA
See www.seai.ie/aca for details of qualifying equipment
Source: www.seai.ie/aca
Accelerated capital allowance allows firms to write off ALL of capital cost
against tax in first year
With the standard capital allowance for plant and machinery, the tax saving is spread equally over eight years and
therefore also subject to typical monetary devaluation. With the ACA, it is all recovered in the first year, resulting in
direct cash flow benefits without degradation of value with time.
Present Value (PV) to your business of the Accelerated Capital Allowances,
i.e. with ACA
Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA)
In addition to saving money by operating more energy efficient equipment, you can improve cashflow by investing in
equipment that qualifies for the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme operated by SEAI. This is a tax
incentive for companies to purchase energy efficient equipment. To see which equipment qualifies for ACA and to
find out more go to www.seai.ie/aca or click on the graphic below. There is also useful technical information
available on the qualifying equipment.
Rule of Thumb: ACA allows companies to write off 100% of the purchase value of specified energy efficient
equipment in the year of purchase.
What Does this Sheet Do? Calculates the Cashflow savings achievable by availing of Accelerated Capital
Allowances for qualifying energy-efficient equipment.
Parameter Comment
Energy MAP Tool Version History
Version Description of Modification(s) Date
Draft Issued to SEI for review 12/23/2009
1.0 Final - for publication 6/9/2009
2.0 Final - updated logos and links to reflect SEAI rebranding 10/5/2010
Energy MAP Tool Version History
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The "Onion" Approach to Improving Energy Efficiency

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