Motor Decisions MatterSM (MDM) is a sponsor-driven campaign to support energy savings through proactive management of motor systems. Since 2001, the Campaign has provided resources and tools to support commercial and industrial motor decisions. To view campaign sponsors, learn more about MDM, or access MDM tools, visit the MDM website.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Updated Simple Savings Chart
The MDM Simple Savings Chart (SSC) provides a side-by-side comparison of annual energy costs and potential savings associated with different efficiency levels of 1-500 hp general purpose motors. This back of the envelope comparison is based on two simple user-defined inputs: cost of electricity and annual operating hours. New in 2012, we have expanded the SSC to also include 1200 and 3600 rpm motors in both totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) and open drip proof (ODP), whereas the previous version only covered 1800 rpm motors. We have also updated terminology and reference materials to address the new Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) standards. Visit the MDM website to download the Updated Simple Savings Chart to estimate what you could save each year with higher efficiency motors. For more proactive motor management tools visit the MDM tools page.
DOE ITP Changed to DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office
In late 2011, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Technology Program (ITP) transitioned to become the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). The name change represents a strengthened focus on providing facility managers with resources that improve productivity and reduce costs, and ultimately boost manufacturer’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Similarly, the former Save Energy Now LEADER Initiative has transitioned to become the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program.
The Better Buildings, Better Plants Program supports the broader Better Buildings Challenge, announced by President Obama and former President Clinton on December 2, 2011. The Better Buildings Challenge is a federal initiative to increase commercial and industrial building efficiency by 20 percent and reduce energy costs on businesses by $40 billion in the next 10 years.
To learn more about these changes or find resources to support your commercial and industrial efficiency efforts, visit the Andvanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) website. The Better Buildings, Better Plants Program FAQ document and slides from the November 2011 DOE presentation summarizes general information, program requirements, and the relationship between the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program and other DOE initiatives.
Motor Management Spotlight: Best Practice Repair Rewind
Motor rewinds that are performed improperly or performed on a motor with significant damage have the potential to degrade its nameplate efficiency. Since the electrical cost to operate a motor over its lifetime is many times greater than its original purchase price, even a small decrease in motor efficiency can cause a significant increase in your total operating costs. Therefore, making efficiency and best practice repair a priority can produce sizable cost savings. Best practice rewinds, as defined by the ANSI/EASA AR 100 standard, return the motor to its nameplate efficiency. When it comes to rewinding motors, work with your motor service provider to develop and implement a repair policy that makes efficiency a priority. Several organizations have resources to help you get started.
Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)
The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) is an international trade organization of over 2,100 electromechanical sales and service firms in 58 countries. Visit the EASA member finder webpage to locate an EASA member near you. Three additional resources available from EASA include:
ANSI/EASA AR 100-2010: Recommended Practice for the Repair of Rotating Electrical Apparatus: Developed by EASA and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), this concise 22 page document defines recommended repair practices by establishing guidelines for each step of electrical apparatus rewinding and rebuilding.
The Effect of Repair/Rewinding On Motor Efficiency; EASA/AEMT Rewind Study and Good Practice Guide: Developed by the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) and EASA, this 82 page document has two components:
- A study that provides detailed information about testing motor efficiency related to different repair scenarios, and concludes that repair does not degrade efficiency if done in accordance with best practices.
- A Best Practice Guide that provides an outline for repair methods that were used to achieve the study’s results.
Advanced Energy
Originally founded in 1980 by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Advanced Energy is a nonprofit organization focused on energy efficiency for commercial and industrial markets, electric motors and drives, plug-in transportation and applied building science. Advanced Energy is home to nationally accredited laboratories that perform testing and applied research in all of the disciplines listed above.
Proven Excellence Verification (PEV): This service center certification program provides assurance that PEV's rigorous verification process has been undertaken to ensure best practice motor service and repair, including rewinds. To earn PEV certification service centers work with Advanced Energy to initially assess and evaluate the facility following the PEV Audit Checklist Summary, test and verify that proper motor repairs have been completed, and develop and implement an action plan to resolve any deficiencies. In 2012 Advanced Energy will partner with Arizona Public Service (APS) to introduce an incentive based repair program for PEV certified service centers serving APS customers. This unique utility program will host workshops to announce the program details and benefits for motor service centers and APS customers interested in participating. Visit Advanced Energy’s website to identify service centers with PEV certification or to learn about how you can get started in the program. You may also be interested in Guidelines to a Good Motor Repair a succinct, four page document that provides information for end users on partnering and communicating effectively with motor service centers because “good motor repair is a two-way street.”
Green Motors Practice Group
Established in 2005 with the help of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and independently owned motor service centers, the Green Motors Practice Group (GMPG) is a nonprofit organization with the objective to promote energy efficient motor systems and to differentiate member service centers' delivered finished products and services within the market. GMPG Certification indicates that the service center has the equipment and knowledge required to perform motor rewinds according to the Green Motor Repairing Specification. Currently, GMPG certified service centers operate in the western United States and British Columbia, and several utilities have partnered with GMPG to provide customers with incentives for motor rewinds completed following practices advocated by GMPG certified service centers. Visit the GMPG website to learn more and identify participating service centers and utilities.
Maintenance Technology
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 variable frequency drives (VFDs). The most recent article, “Three Steps to Savings from Motor System Efficiency,” was featured in the November issue.
CleanTech Blog
CleanTech Blog, by CleanTech.org, is a forum for discussing issues concerning “cleantech,” an umbrella term for the investment asset class, technology, and business areas that intersect with clean energy and environmental or sustainable products and services. This October, CleanTech Blog featured MDM as a web resource in a post titled “Get Yer Motors Running.” For more information, visit CleanTech Blog.
Visit the MDM Press Room to check out a full library of articles featuring management strategies for motor-driven systems.