One of the biggest challenges mankind is facing today is battling climate change. The effects are very real and very visible. The world’s energy demand is forecasted to surge by 37% by the year 2040. The bulk of it will be from countries driven with robust economic and demographic growth, such as India.
Based on International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates, energy efficiency is projected to contribute 51% of the cumulative abatement of energy‑related emissions by the year 2035, significantly higher than the shift to alternative sources of energy.
Consider this:
Hence, it is a prudent decision to upgrade and adopt higher efficiency motors which in turn can increase energy and cost savings to the industry.
Three-phase LT a.c. Induction motors are the most commonly used motors in industrial and commercial applications, having a share of 67% compared to other types of motors. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) defines the standards for energy efficient three-phase squirrel cage induction motors in Indian Standards (IS):12615: 2018. Since June 30, 2011, the industry started following the second revision of the IS:12615: 2011 standards based on the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) 60034-30 standards. In India, the Line operated three-phase a.c. motors are covered under IS 12615: 2018 by BIS, which is based on IEC 60034-30-1: 2014 issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission. This standard includes specifications for 3 phase motors of the following efficiency classes-
Internationally, forty-one countries representing 76% of the energy consumed by motor systems have worked to transform their regional and national markets towards higher efficiency motors and motor systems through a combination of regulatory measures and supporting policies. These countries include China, USA, EU28 (plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey), Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Australia and New Zealand. Other countries, including Egypt and Indonesia, are working to develop such policies. The majority of these countries have adopted IE3 as MEPS.
The BIS website indicates that a total 107 licenses have been issued for manufacturing motors as per IS 12615 in India. Of these, 60% of licenses have been issued for IE3 motors, which indicates that a significant number of manufacturers are capable of manufacturing these motors as per customer demand. It may be noted that these 60% of the manufacturers contribute more than 80% of the IE3 motors production capacity in India.
Several industries have started specifying minimum IE3 motors as a part of their central procurement policy and specifications for all their new projects and replacement in their plants. End users like NTPC, SAIL, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Steel and ACC Cement, have procured a large number of IE3 motors. Even, consultants like EIL and Holetec, are specifying IE3 in their specifications.
Industry is moving at a faster pace in adopting energy efficient technologies including premium efficiency motors, also due to government initiatives like the National motor replacement program (NMRP) and other policies and guidelines like the PAT scheme for energy intensive industries, with defined targets to reduce the energy consumption. Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL) started NMRP in 2018 with an aim to transform the energy efficient motors market. NMRP, largely through its demand aggregation and ESCO model, has been able to provide innovative solutions to industry for buying IE3 motors either at a lower initial cost, or without any upfront cost to the user. The program has been able to create a large amount of awareness regarding the adoption of IE3 motors and their benefits for industries and the nation.
IE3 motors save not only energy cost, but also operation and maintenance costs and gives substantial savings in production loss during breakdown of the plant. due to high reliability. Additionally, IE3 motors deliver the following advantages over standard efficiency motors:
In addition to these benefits under the National Motor program by EESL, industries can also access innovative financing options and procure IE3 motors at zero upfront cost, which will be beneficial for them to replace a greater number of motors together.
The concern on Green House Gas (GHG) emission is being raised at various forums globally. Premium Efficiency IE3 motors could help in reducing GHG emissions by a significant extent. It is worth mentioning that 20-30% reduction is possible in electricity consumption by deploying energy efficient measures such as mandating Premium efficiency IE3 motors and adjustable speed drives. Achieving such savings will require individual and concerted action on the part of all players, including regulators, policy makers and standards development agencies.
Author: Abhishek Dhupar, Program Manager - Motors & Motor-driven systems, ICA India.
This article was featured in IEEMA Journal, March 2021 issue
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