AT A GLANCE

• Efficient motors save energy
• Don't forget lifecycle costs
• Induction motors
• Motor efficiency testing is complex
• Copper rotor improves efficiency

In simplest terms, energy-efficient electric motors are high-quality versions of standard motor products. They pack more of 'active' electric materials (steel laminations and copper) into essentially the same physical package—hence carry a price tag 15-30% higher than their less-efficient cousins. That's a premium often worth payingwww.cechina.cn, with electricity charges taking nearly all of many motors' lifetime operating cost.

The purchasing process for electric motors tends to mask true lifecycle cost. Since lower procurement price is the goal of most purchasing departmentsCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, buying less costly and lower efficiency motors seems attractive at first, without attention to huge operating expenses that accrue over a long product life. Such costs are well understood by plant engineers and maintenance personnelwww.cechina.cn, yet they're not typically involved in what's purchased. Also, company business climate can dictate minimum spendingwww.cechina.cn, just to keep the plant running. Top management and purchasing people need to become more aware of the impact of equipment efficiency on business.