Motor Decisions MatterSM (MDM) is a sponsor-driven campaign to support energy savings in motor systems. Since 2001, the Campaign has developed resources and tools for commercial and industrial use, available online. To view our sponsors, learn more about MDM, or access MDM tools, visit the MDM website!
IN THIS ISSUE:
MDM Adds a VFD Page 
The Helpful Resources section of the MDM website now includes a webpage dedicated to variable frequency drives (VFDs), which are also known as adjustable speed drives (ASD), variable speed drives (VSDs), or inverters. Certain applications can achieve significant energy savings with VFD's, so it makes sense to analyze this opportunity as part of your motor system management plan.
Visit the website to find VFD...
CEE Publishes New Efficiency Resource
To address the need for a common understanding of key motor and motor system efficiency terms and concepts that affect system performance and optimization, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) recently developed and published Motor Efficiency, Selection, and Management: A Guidebook for Industrial Efficiency Programs (Guidebook). Concepts include current federal minimum motor efficiency requirements, motor selection considerations (e.g. motor design, slip, load), ASD technology and associated energy savings, and motor management considerations. The Guidebook isn't a replacement for the wealth of technical expertise available from MDM sponsors and others, but rather a resource that simplifies these concepts to make them accessible for a general audience. If you, your staff, or customers are in need of a resource that covers several of the motor system basics, check out the Guidebook today!
Energy Management Updates
Managing energy can save money and boost productivity, especially with energy-intensive, electric motor systems. This June, the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) released their new energy management standard, ISO 50001. This new standard provides a recognized framework for organizations to implement effective energy management practices across their systems. Similar to previous ISO standards, 50001 creates a standard pathway for businesses to set goals, improve performance, and track their progress against those goals over time.
Superior Energy Performance (SEP) is a certification and verification program that supports industrial facilities focused on improving their energy performance by streamlining the process to implement, measure, and verify energy management through the ISO 50001 standard and other resources such as: ASME System Assessment Standards (steam, processing heat, pumping, compressed air), Certified ISO 50001 Practitioners, and the SEP Industrial Measurement and Verification Protocol.
Visit SEP's website to learn how SEP resources were applied during the 2008-2010 SEP pilot projects. You can also visit DOE's website for an overview of ISO 50001.
Win-Win Opportunities with ENERGY STAR®
Industry success stories are available in growing numbers on the ENERGY STAR Industrial Service and Product Providers (Industrial SPP) site. In addition to providing a Directory of Industrial SPPs, ENERGY STAR has a series of Teaming Profiles that showcase how ENERGY STAR Industrial SPPs and customers work together to achieve savings. The Teaming Profiles are co-authored by the Industrial SPP and end user to include details such as project scope, project costs, energy savings, and financial return. For those interested in learning how other companies have implemented motor and motor system management, the Teaming Profiles include such projects as, replacing old motors, installing VFDs, and improving pump and fan system performance.
Teaming Profiles present a win-win opportunity for the service provider and end user: ENERGY STAR Industrial SPPs gain the chance to highlight their expertise and end users not only achieve savings, but also have the opportunity to highlight their company's investment in energy efficiency and its associated environmental benefits.
Visit the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, to learn about the 240 industrial and commercial facilities currently tackling the challenge of cutting their energy use by 10 percent or more in 5 years.
Maintenance Technology magazine runs a bi-monthly column, "Boosting Your Bottom Line", contributed by the MDM Campaign, that discusses motor management strategies ranging from making a motor management plan to retrofitting with VFDs. Below are the two most recent articles.
- "Motor-Management Toolbox Essentials," May, 2011.
- "Building on Motor Management - Considering VFD Options," July, 2011.
Visit the MDM Press Room to check out a full library of articles featuring management strategies for motor-driven systems.