Q: What exactly do the efficiency regulations imposed by the EU say?
At the core of the regulation is the efficiency of the motors, categorised according to IE classes. A tightening of the rules in this regard already came into force in July 2021. According to this, motors with a power of 0.12 to 0.75 kW had to fulfill the IE2 obligation and motors in the power range of 0.75 to 1,000 kW had to fulfill the IE3 obligation. On 1 July 2023, a further step in the regulation will take effect: three-phase asynchronous motors from 75 to 200 kW must comply with IE4 class, with brake motors and drives for the Ex area being exempt. In addition, the scope of the efficiency rules will be extended to single-phase motors and ATEX motors, which will then have to meet the minimum efficiency required by law. [Statutory efficiency levels, in %, are plotted below for IE4 motors at 50Hz as a function of rated output power in kW and the number of poles].
Q: What is the background to the new requirements for electric motors?
According to the European Commission, there are currently around eight billion electric motors of all sizes in use in the EU area alone. These motors consume a significant proportion of the total electricity generated in the EU. Against the background of limited resources and advancing climate change, there have been increasing demands on the efficiency of three-phase motors over the course of time. The resulting low power consumption not only helps protect the environment, it also enables users of the motors to make noticeable financial savings. The level of savings depends on the power, efficiency and running time.
Q: To what extent are users of KEB motors affected by the new regulations?
Basically, the eco-design regulations are binding for all manufacturers and suppliers who place electric motors on the market in the EU. However, the majority of the motors in KEB’s portfolio already meet the requirements that will apply from July 2023 or are not affected by the regulations. For example, our synchronous servo motors are designed to be efficient per se and are therefore not subject to any new regulations. For single-phase and ATEX motors, we offer solutions that meet the stricter EU eco-design directives.
BOX: IE2 FOR SINGLE-PHASE MOTORS
According to Danish motor maker Fabrika, because single-phase motors used within the EU are now within the scope of the IE classes, they must achieve a minimum IE2 energy efficiency level. In addition, ATEX motors type Ex eb now need to be minimum IE2. This applies to motors rated for operation on 50Hz, 60Hz or 50/60Hz supplies and with outputs ranging from 0.12 to 1000kW.