Estimation of induction motor field efficiency for energy audit and management using genetic algorithm

Abstract

This paper proposes an economical method that can help the plants to make right decision in replacing the inefficient induction motors with efficient ones. This method focuses on the field efficiency of motors without the needs for removing motors and measuring the output power. The use of a few sets of measured data from field test coupled with the genetic algorithms for evaluating motor equivalent circuit parameter instead of using the no load and blocked-rotor tests is proposed, to illustrate how well the estimated efficiency matches that of calculated obtained from the standard evaluations. Test results indicate that this method has a high accuracy, then it is suitable for conducting onsite energy audits of motors in order to project cost savings and payback and to support a confidence decision regarding the investment in higher efficiency motors. As the cost of energy is growing at a high rate, the industries can save a considerable amount of money by replacing inefficient motors with new more energy-efficient ones.