STAC

Project Information Center

Achieving More with Less: Efficiency and Economics of Motor Decision Tools

Approximately 70% of industrial electricity is used to power electric motors. Recent studies show that there is still tremendous energy saving potential available by converting to new, higher efficiency motors. The objective of this project is to provide fact-based information that has the potential to significantly affect motor choices in U.S. industry. The methodology of this project is to conduct analysis and testing in two areas: energy efficiency of in-service motors and motor reliability of new vs. repaired motors.

Achieving just half of the potential savings of premium efficiency motors would be equivalent to a reduction of approximately 40 TWH/year or the output of seven 1,000 MW power plants. This equates to about 35 million tons of coal per year, or about 100 million barrels of oil per year.

The project involves partners from four states: North Carolina, Washington, California, and New York. Advanced Energy, the primary proposer, has been a leader in the motor industry for 20 years and operates the only independent accredited motor test laboratory in America. The Washington State University Energy Program has also been a leader in the motor industry for over a decade. Project partners also include the California Energy Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA.) The project enjoys strong support from a number of motor manufacturers who have provided in-kind support equal to over 40% of total project cost. The project also has the support of a wide range of other parties including the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and its Motor Decisions Matter campaign, the Copper Development Association and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Project Components:

This project will install 100 NEMA Premium™ motors in industry while testing the displaced, older motors in an accredited lab. Savings and paybacks will be calculated providing powerful case study information to share with other manufacturers.
Economic benefits of more highly reliable motors will be studied, for the first time, providing factual data in this area that is of great interest to motor purchasers.
Finally, a thorough dissemination program will ensure that the information is shared for maximum impact. This will include updating many of the common motor decision tools.

Contact:

Advanced Energy
909 Capability Drive, Suite 2100
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 857-9007
Contact: Daniel Welch
Email: dwelch@AdvancedEnergy.org

Partners:

Washington State University Energy Program
California Energy Commission
New York State Energy Research & Development Authority

Cost:

Total project cost: $888,156
STAC-DOE portion: $320,156
Participant portion: $568,000

Final Report

Last Updated: 03/15/07