Improving Motors and Drives

Find efficiencies and cost savings

According to E Source, an energy research organization, a fully-loaded motor operating continuously for a year can use energy costing about 10 times its initial price.

Motors can account for up to 50% of electricity costs in commercial buildings and up to 75% in industrial facilities. Replacing standard-efficiency models with more efficient models—or adding adjustable-speed drives to create a more tailored performance—will help save money.

Minor efficiency improvements can lead to significant cost savings in a short time.

How to update your motors and machinery

• Determine whether adjustable-speed drives can help. An adjustable-speed drive controls energy consumption by matching fan or pump speed to required load, using only what you need at that time. In a fan or pump system, reducing motor speed by half reduces energy requirements to 12.5% of what the motor would use at full speed.
• Match motors to your requirements. Don’t go big just because you can. Consider actual load levels when selecting motors—both starting and running—as well as expected durations.
• Choose the right size. If you go too small, you’ll potentially overload your motor and cause downtime and lowered life expectancy. If you go too big, you’ll operate at reduced efficiency.

If you're interested in learning more or have a project in mind, contact one of our Energy Experts.