Efficiency

Efficiency indicates how well an electric motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. The higher the efficiency of a motor in specific operating conditions, the lower is its energy consumption.

International standard IEC 60034-30-1 defines efficiency classes through the code “IE” followed by a number.

IE1 (standard efficiency)
IE2 (high efficiency)
IE3 (premium efficiency)
IE4 (super premium efficiency)

The Standard IEC 60034-30-1 defines motor efficiency classes, but it doesn’t legally determine minimum efficiency requirements. As a matter of fact the standard does not specify if motors shall comply with a minimum efficiency class. Minimum efficiency standard are instead specified by individual countries laws.

The new European regulation (regulation EU 2019/1781), it establishes new requirements for brake motors rated for operation on a 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz sinusoidal voltage, rated voltage above 50 V and up to and including 1000 V and continuous duty (S1, S3 ≥ 80%, S6 ≥ 80%) operation, starting from the 1st of July 2021.

Starting from the 1st of July 2021:

• three phase brake motors (and also standard motors) with rated power 0.75 kW ≤ PN ≤ 1000 kW with 2, 4, 6, 8 pole, must be IE3
• three phase brake motors (and also standard motors) with rated power 0.12 kW ≤ PN < 0.75 kW with 2, 4, 6, 8 pole, must be IE2

Starting from the 1st of July 2023:

• single phase brake motors (and also standard motors) with rated power PN ≥ 0.12 kW with 2, 4, 6, 8 pole, must be IE2
• three phase standard motors (this requiremnt doesn’t apply to brake motors) with rated power 75 kW ≤ Pn ≤ 200 kW with 2, 4, 6, 8 pole, must have at least IE4 efficiency level

The new regulation doesn’t apply to some types of motors among which 2 speed motors and TENV motors.

For more details click here to download the UE 2019/1781 regulation.

CEMEP (European Committee of Manufacturers of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics) has drawn up an information document on the new regulation, to download the document click here.

Motor Efficiency regulations are different for each country in the world with regards to minimum efficiency levels, exclusions and labels. As regulations are subject to changes please contact MGM for the most updated information about efficiency regulations.

For a quick calculation of the annual economic savings using a motor with an efficiency (effa) instead of a motor with an efficiency (effb) with the same rated power you can consider the following formula:

Annual economic savings = Hyear x kW x %FL x Costkwh x (1/effa -1/effb)
Hyear = annual motor running (hours)
kW = motor rated power (kW)
% FL = fraction of full load power at which motors effectively run
Costkwh = electricity cost
effa = motor ‘a’ efficiency (%) at the effective load condition / 100
effb = motor ‘b’ efficiency (%) at the effective load condition / 100

The efficiency values ​​in the various load conditions are indicated in the general catalog or on the relevant technical data sheets for each series of motors.

To download the Technical documentation for each motor type according to (EU) Regulation 1781/2019 click here.

Please contact us for furher information.