Investigation of electric motors energy saving potential in industrial applications

Abstract

It is estimated that motor driven systems account for around 65% of the electricity consumed by European Union Industry. It is further estimated that switching to energy efficient motor driven systems can save Europe around 202 TWh in annual electricity consumption. This excess energy consumption represents increased industrial operating costs and around 80 million tons of CO2eq emissions per year. Reduction of CO2 emissions shall aid abating today’s problems regarding climate change. In the majority of the cases, energy efficient motor systems have reduced running and maintenance costs. This reduction can rise to 35%. The envisaged reduction in costs by introduction of energy saving measures would increase industry’s competitiveness. This paper analyses the leading of the injection mould machine’s electric motor where it is found that most of the time, the motor operates below the rated power. This introduces inefficiency and by applying several schemes such as replacing the standard motor and/or installing a motor energy controller the efficiency is increased. Simulations will show that an injection mould machine can save up to 11.7%.