Standards for efficient electric motor systems SEEEM building a worldwide community of practice

Conrad U. Brunner, A+B International (Sustainable Energy Advisors), Zurich, Switzerland
Anne Arquit Niederberger, A+B International (Sustainable Energy Advisors), USA
Anibal T. de Almeida, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Hans de Keulenaer, European Copper Institute, Brussels, Belgium

Keywords

energy efficiency, electricity, industry, electric motors, minimal energy performance standards

Abstract

Over 300 million electric motors (apart from motors in household appliances) use 40 % of global electricity and have an energy efficiency potential between 20 % and 30 %. Barriers for the implementation of this potential in industrial electric motor systems are manifold. Besides higher initial investment (which will typically pay back in between one and three years) and typically oversized equipment running in less than nominal efficiencies there is an almost complete lack of transparency in the motor systems market: The various efficiency testing methods commonly used deliver different values and the absence of clear and unified marking schemes and labels makes it difficult for the end user to choose the most appropriate motor. Only 10 countries have so far enacted (plus 3 have planned) mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electric motors and very few have done so for entire motor systems like pumps, fans or compressors.

Motors are traded worldwide in large quantities. Product quality comparison standards therefore are crucial elements of free trade. This includes testing standards, energy efficiency classes, marking schemes, labels and minimum energy performance standards. Harmonization has to cooperate with stakeholders like manufacturers and their associations, distributors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), end users, governments, academia and international standard associations. The economy of improved motor systems needs to be explained and users trained to invest accordingly.

We report about the ongoing process for harmonization of Standards for Energy Efficiency of Electric Motor Systems (SEEEM) since its launch in June 2006. We explain the strategy of technical and policy work to enable the international community to agree on advanced energy performance criteria for motors and eventually also for motor systems, coordinated levels and timelines. We report about the building of an international multi-stakeholder Community of Practice to speed and focus implementation processes in industrial (Japan, Europe, etc.) and also in developing countries (China, India, etc.). At a later stage we plan eventually to develop a package of concrete implementation steps for countries to consider in their energy & environmental policy development.