Review of upcoming changes to global motor efficiency regulations

On December 19, 2007, the Energy Efficiency and Security Act of 2007 was signed by President Bush. This law mandates upgraded electric motor efficiency beginning in 2010. Canada is expected to follow with a similar requirement beginning January 2011. Other countries are also mandating MEPS (Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards) for electric motors. In response to a need for leadership in the international motor efficiency arena, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has responded by creating a new NEMA Premium® standard for the 50 Hz market. This paper will discuss the benefits of global NEMA efficiency standards and how end-users can now specify NEMA Premium motors as components of equipment built for use on their 50 Hz grid. The standard builds on the already highly accepted 60Hz standard that was established in 2001. The paper will include performance, test and construction considerations that were necessary to optimize motor features and efficiency in a 50 Hz application. This paper will also provide a status of NEMA Premium sales in the previous four years and joint activities with the Standards for Energy Efficiency of Electric Motor Systems (SEEEM) initiative.