The SyMAX motor from Marathon Electric
Even though an first look at the potential cost of energy-efficient electric motors may seem to be quite high, it is fair to say that you will, over time, earn your investment back due to the electric power that is saved just by using one of these motors. They do of course come with a range of advantages over and above the increased efficiency, so do read on to discover just why you should think about buying this kind of item.
This type of motor is capable of staying cooler, it won’t lose as much energy through heat, while using less electricity than normal motors of the same specifications and it is quite clear how this part alone can save money. However, before going into the money-saving aspect, it is perhaps beneficial to quickly explain the role efficiency plays and what is actually meant by it.
A machine is more efficient when it takes incoming electrical energy and converts as much of it as possible into actual mechanical energy to perform its required actions. An efficient motor it would be capable of converting 85% of the electrical energy into mechanical energy to work with the rest being lost through heat. This is different to inexpensive motors, which means they give up efficiency in design and materials.
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Summary of the Energy Independence and Security Act
Signed on December 19, 2007 by President Bush, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) aims to:
- move the United States toward greater energy independence and security;
- increase clean renewable fuel production;
- protect consumers;
- increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles;
- promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options;
- improve the energy performance of the Federal Government; and
- increase U.S. energy security, develop renewable fuel production, and improve vehicle fuel economy.
EISA reinforces the energy reduction goals for federal agencies put forth in Executive Order 13423, as well as introduces more aggressive requirements. The three key provisions enacted are the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the appliance/lighting efficiency standards.
EPA is committed to developing, implementing, and revising both regulations and voluntary programs under the following subtitles in EISA, among others:
- Increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards
- Federal Vehicle Fleets
- Renewable Fuel Standard
- Biofuels Infrastructure
- Carbon Capture and Sequestration
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An energy-efficient electric motor generally is made using materials of a higher quality and the design will be different so less energy is lost when in operation. This does mean it will be more expensive to buy since they are not just churned out as quickly as possible as instead more thought has gone into its development. These changes in design and materials also means a drop in noise levels as well.
By using a more energy-efficient motor, it can run longer without overheating and this does mean you can produce more as a result, but the main thing is that you save money by not using up as much electricity. These particular savings will not take too long to add up before the additional cost for buying this particular type of motor; however, it does also save you money in yet another way.
Finally, as it is being greener there are also opportunities in forms of incentives (or rebates) from various organizations, such as electric companies or Focus on Energy, to reward manufacturing companies that switch to machinery that is being kinder to the environment. These rebates alone can help to recover the money from the initial purchase. It is also worth checking for any grants within your area that are intended to help cover some of the costs associated with buying energy-efficient electric motors.
