Integral Hp AC motors Between 1-500 hp
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which restates and broadens the definition of General Purpose Electric Motors, goes into effect on December 19, 2010. Certain motors "manufactured (alone or as a component of another piece of equipment)" will be required to have nominal full load efficiencies that meet the levels defined in NEMA MG-1 (2006) (see Table 12-12). Motors manufactured after December 19, 2010, must comply with the law.
For the first time, OEMs will be held accountable for the efficiency of motors in their equipment. With the deadline quickly approaching, motor manufacturers should have an action plan for complying with the law. They should be conducting testing in accordance with the regulations and carefully recording the results. OEMs requiring design changes should be reviewing their options. End users should be paying close attention to the amount of energy their motors consume, while researching potential cost saving programs available.
This new legislation, while vast in scope, is designed to "move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options." Specifically, the new legislation restates the definition of General Purpose Electric Motors as defined in 10 CFR 431 from the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 (EPCA) and classifies these motors as Subtype I.
Additionally, the law also defines a new category of General Purpose Motors, Subtype II, as motors incorporating design elements of a general purpose motors (Subtype I) that are configured as:
- U-Frame motors
- Design C motors
- Close coupled pump motors
- Footless motors
- Vertical solid shaft normal thrust motor (tested in a horizontal configuration)
- Eight pole motors (900 rpm)
- Poly-phase motors with voltage less than 600 volts (e.g., 575 volts)
Subtype II motors between 1 and 200 hp manufactured alone or as part of another piece of equipment shall have a nominal full load efficiency that is not less than as defined in NEMA MG-1 (2006) (see Table 12-12). Each fire pump motor manufactured alone or as a piece of equipment must comply with Table 12-11. NEMA Design B motors with horsepower ratings above 200 hp and not greater than 500 hp are required to comply with NEMA MG-1 (see Table 12-11).
Subtype II motors must be manufactured to these efficiency levels beginning 12/19/2010.
Subtype I Motors (1-200 hp) must be manufactured to these efficiency levels beginning 12/19/2010.
A significant point is that close coupled and footless motors, used extensively in pumping applications, will now be regulated for the first time ever under Sub Type II. Whether a pump OEM purchases motors from vendors or manufactures them for his own products, the efficiency level must be acceptable and a Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Energy (DOE) is required.
Impact on Pump Manufacturers (OEMs) that Employ Motors in Equipment
Electric Motors (EISA)
After December 19, 2010, covered motors cannot be manufactured alone or sold as a piece of new equipment below the prescribed levels of efficiency. Many OEMs purchase motors from manufacturers and may only have a few specifics to consider. Some already offer motors in their equipment that meet the regulations and market them as high-efficiency models in their product offerings. Some OEMs manufacture their own motors for equipment needs. No matter the circumstance, OEMs will most likely have to address the new regulations.
OEMs purchasing motors from manufacturers requiring increased efficiencies to meet the regulation may have new design considerations to consider. Motors meeting higher efficiencies tend to run faster than their less efficient counterparts. Matching speeds to application need (pump flow, fan cfm) is important to consider. Drives may be required, which offer the
