Energy Efficiency in Practice: How Energy-Saving Motors with Permanent Magnets Reduce Costs and Save Resources
Why Is Motor Energy Efficiency Crucial for Every Company?
Did you know that electric motors consume 30–40% of all electricity used by businesses and households? With global electricity consumption rising by 1.1% annually according to a McKinsey & Company report, reducing energy intensity is becoming a key priority for sustainable development. This means even small savings from motors can bring a significant financial and environmental benefit.
This is precisely why the development of more efficient motors is so important. Imagine you could save up to 20% on energy thanks to new technologies. Let's explore how this is possible.
Innovation from Brno: Permanent Magnet Motors
As part of a TAČR project, experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at the Brno University of Technology (FEKT BUT) have designed unique motors that are changing the way we think about energy consumption. These are single-phase permanent magnet motors that can be powered directly from a standard electrical outlet and are specifically designed to minimize electrical losses. By doing so, they meet the new, stricter energy efficiency standards set by the European Commission.
These innovative motors have wide applications in many devices we use daily—from heat pumps and ventilation systems to washing machines and refrigerators. Their deployment offers significant potential for a total reduction in energy consumption across a broad spectrum of applications.
Motor Efficiency Classes: What Do They Mean for Savings?
- Since 2017: Motors with a power output of 750 W to 375 kW must meet at least the IE3 energy saving level. If powered by a frequency converter, they must meet at least IE2
- Since 2023: Single-phase motors (like those developed by BUT) must meet at least the IE2 level.
How Do Permanent Magnet Motors Work and What Are Their Advantages?
Permanent magnets ensure the magnetization of the circuit, which reduces the required supply current. The motor starts synchronously and rotates at a constant speed. These unique motors use permanent magnets that provide a constant magnetic field. This allows the motor to start synchronously and rotate at a constant speed without the energy losses that are common in traditional motors.
Key advantages of these motors:
- High Energy Savings: They can save 10–20% of energy compared to conventional motors. Simple Startup: They can be plugged directly into a standard outlet.
- Constant and Stable Speed: Ensures smooth and efficient operation of the device.
- Low Noise: Contributes to quieter operation.
- Long Lifespan: Reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.
The Future of Energy-Saving Motors: From Prototype to Mass Production
Within the TAČR project, the research team from FEKT BUT designed 10 prototypes of these innovative motors and achieved excellent results, meeting the highest IE4 energy saving level. Jan Bárta from FEKT BUT adds: "This is a great result because achieving the IE2 class for single-phase motors is a major challenge."
In the coming months, the implementation phase and the creation of a validation series for the South Moravian company EMP, for which the motors were developed, will take place. The company plans to start pre-series production and launch these more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient motors into serial production in 2024. The project was co-financed by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the THÉTA 3 Program.
Used with kind permission and source: zvut.cz Photo credit: Václav Koníček