Electrical Contracting News (ECN) December 2016 | Page 28
FEATURE
EU REGULATIONS
GET UP TO SPEED
James Thomas of Siemens provides some practical advice for those responsible
for operating or installing induction motors, as the final phase of a European
Union energy efficiency directive comes into force in January 2017.
T
he 1st January 2017 will see
the introduction of the final
phase of EU regulations
designed to reduce energy
consumption and cut CO2
emissions within industrial
environments. This is a
legal requirement that
must be implemented and is not dependant
on the UK’s future relationship with the
European Union.
EU Regulation 640/2009 and the
supplement 04/2014 have been created to
improve the energy efficiency of induction
motors. As of 1st January 2017, all AC
motors rated from 0.75kW to 375kW
fitted to any device will need to be energy
efficient IE3 rated or IE2 with a variable
speed drive. However, there are some
exemptions where motors are totally
immersed in liquid and for use in harsh or
explosive environments.
There are a number of areas where
good practice will help insulate companies
and contractors from any negative impact
as a result of the new legislation, which,
after all, is designed to enhance industrial
environmental performance and lessen
its potential to harm the world around us
through excessive energy consumption.
Where to begin?
Electricians and electrical contractors
facing any new installation must first
clearly determine the energy efficiency
class of the motor attached to devices such
as pumps, fans and compressors. The
class is normally located on the motor’s
name plate, and the key indicators to look
for are either IE2 or IE3 ratings.
Once this basic information is obtained, it
is up to the user to decide how best to start,
stop and control the motor in question. But,
such decisions need to be informed by the
key fact that while an IE3 rated motor can be
started by any device, in the case of IE2, the
motor must be operated in conjunction with
a variable speed drive (VSD).
These key features include:
‘EU
Regulation
640/2009
and the
supplement
04/2014 have
been created
to improve
the energy
efficiency
of induction
motors.’
• ‘Works out of the box’ – very few VSDs
are designed to work without any initial
parameterisation, essential for easy
installation
•G
ood quality function buttons – cheap
plastic buttons and rotary speed controls
are easily damaged and compromised by
third parties
•S
implicity – look for device-mounted
start, stop and speed control
• I P Rating – a good quality device will
conform to at least IP20
•E
nvironment – seek out a product that
can operate at high temperatures with
coated printed circuit boards and frost
protection
• ‘Keep running’ mode – this is an
essential feature in areas where the
power supply could be potentially
unstable
•O
perator panels – if the VSD requires
cabinet mounting it is still possible to
operate the device externally
•E
lectromagnetic compatibility filters – it
is highly recommended to use filters to
reduce the transfer of electromagnetic
noise between the drive and the mains
power supply
IE3 considerations for
replacement motors
and retrofits
IE3 motors use less energy
at the same power output,
the low nominal current
entails reduced power
consumption, however the
starting current is increased.
As a consequence, instances
of nuisance tripping and other
issues can occur.
When undertaking motor
replacements in existing plant rooms or
for retrofit projects where the switchgear
has not been upgraded, it is advisable to
check switchboards and install IE3 ready
products to enable the switchgear to cope
with the increased in-rush current of IE3
rated motors.
These regulations will ensure that all
devices are operated to ensure maximum
energy efficiency. As a result, the plant
owner simply has to use technology that
meets the regulations and reduces their
energy bills. What’s not to like?
•E
co and Hibernation mode – this feature
will enable energy reduction during both
operation and standby periods.
VSD selection
Many manufacturers have selection tools
and Apps to help customers choose the
right VSD for the application in question.
However, before specifying the final
drive product, contractors and operators
are urged to assess a number of important
elements and carefully gauge the most
appropriate features to ensure a quick
and easy installation process, as well as
providing the foundation to eliminate the
potential for future failures.
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