The company has already started re-testing its motor range according to the new standard, IEC/EN 60034-2-1, and will publish the new efficiency values in its catalogues during 2008, as soon as tests are completed.
ABB spokesman Steve Ruddell said: “We welcome the fact that the efficiency measurement standards for electric motors are becoming more harmonised worldwide. We have waited a long time for a level playing field to be introduced,” he added.
The new standard will tighten up testing procedures and give manufacturers the opportunity to publish more accurate efficiency values.
Unlike the old standard, which was partly based on estimated values, the new one is based on actual measured values of losses in the motor, giving more accurate efficiency values. The measuring of winding, rotor and additional load losses are all affected by the new standard. Winding and rotor losses will now be based on actual measured temperature rises.
ABB said: “The new standard significantly tightens up the calculations of the additional load losses. These losses are the result of magnetic flux created as the motor is running. Under the old efficiency testing standard, additional load losses were estimated at 0.5% of the input power at rated load. The new standard allows for measurement of these losses.”
And concluded: “Compared to other machines, electric motors are very efficient, typically 95% for a 90kW high efficiency motor. But the large number of motors installed means that even small changes in efficiency can make a big difference to industry as a whole. Two-thirds of the electricity used in industry is used by electric motors.”
