Introduction to Energy Savings

We are all familiar with the figures: around 70 per cent of industrial energy demand comes from electric motors. This represents CO2 emissions on the order of some 427 million tons. The European Commission is convinced that savings equal to the electrical power consumption of Sweden could be achieved with suitable measures.

Bauer Gear Motor welcomes the EU Directive

EU Directive 2005/32/EC (Eco-design Requirements for Energy-using Products) defines the conditions for these savings. The EU member states gave their support to the new rules for reducing the energy demand of industrial motors at a meeting of the ecodesign regulatory committee on 11 March 2009.

A briefing on the same date quotes the words of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalg: „This measure contributes substantially to the realisation of the goals set by the EU with regard to energy efficiency and climate protection. It will quickly lead to significant energy savings and considerable benefits for society and industry, as provided for in the European Economic Recovery Plan.“ He referred hereby to the hope, associated with the proposed regulation, that around 40,000 new jobs will be created by 2020 and that energy savings of 9 billion euros will be achieved.

The ordinance sets out three stages: from 16 June 2011 onward, motors must comply as a minimum with MEPS (Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards) energy efficiency class IE2 (High Efficiency; formerly EFF1). From January 2015 onward, energy efficiency class IE3 (Premium Efficiency) will be the standard for motors with rated power of 7.5 to 375 kW, and from January 2017 onward for motors with rated power of 0.75 to 375 kW. Motors controlled by frequency converters are exempt from this regulation. For such motors, IE2 is sufficient.

Company policy

Bauer Gear Motor sees ecodesign as an affirmation of the group‘s own efforts. A footnote in the 2008 Annual Report states: "Bauer Gear Motor strives to reach its goals with minimum consumption of raw materials and energy, the least possible impact on the environment, and efficient use of resources." Some years ago, the Danish industrial enterprise endorsed the International Chamber of Commerce‚ Charter for Long-term Sustainable Development‘, thus undertaking to prevent possible environmental damage and above all to encourage the development and dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies. A memo to employees says: "Bauer Gear Motor fully supports the Directive, especially because most of our developments are committed to energy savings. The philosophy of the Directive is also in tune with our system of values and our mission."

What does the EU directive mean?
EN 60034-30 is an international standard for energy-efficient motors and will in future years be used worldwide in this area.

Electric motors account for approximately 1.07 billion kWh of the total energy demand of the EU. Using energy efficient motors would achieve energy savings of 20 to 30 per cent, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) and reducing global warming.

As things stand today
New IE (International Energy Efficiency) efficiency classes were introduced at the beginning of 2009:

• IE1 = Standard Efficiency (~EFF2)
• IE2 = High Efficiency(~EFF1)
• IE3 = Premium Efficiency (10 - 15% higher efficiencythan IE2)
• IE4 = Super Premium Efficiency

The IE classes cover the following:

• Rated voltage up to1000V
• Power 0,75kW to 375 kW
• NUmber of poles 2, 4 or 6 (50 and 60 Hz)
• Operating modesS1 or S3 with duty cycle > 80%
• And new: consideration of geared motors

Deadlines for EN600034-30