RMI’s winding technique is claimed to improve a three-phase induction motor's efficiency by one IE class. The technology, tested at 1.5, 37 and 225kW by motor test lab, Advanced Energy, has delivered results that illustrate RMI’s efficiency improvements over a range of application loads. The auxiliary winding uses smaller capacitors to improve the power factor without impacting motor efficiency.
“This new method will allow someone to go from an IE1 to an IE2 level, in a very cost-effective way, merely through winding, and then from an IE2 to an IE3,” explained Dan Jones, acting chief engineer for RMI. “We are currently rewinding a number of 3.7kW IE3 motors to achieve IE4 performance, which is where many companies in Europe are now moving in terms of AC induction motor efficiency.
“You don't need magnets, all you need is a winding change to achieve higher motor efficiency performance that will be required by various regulatory agencies as our industry tries to become more energy-efficient,” he added.
Electric motors account for about two thirds of industrial power consumption and about 45% of global power usage. That means almost half of all power plants worldwide produce electricity for the sole purpose of running motors, RMI says that any gains in efficiency will have a large impact on consumption and reducing CO2 emissions.
Jones will discuss the topic further at the CWIEME exhibition for coil winding, insulation and electrical manufacturing in Berlin on 10th May.
