Motor controller boosts airport energy efficiency

A Power Efficiency Corporation product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 14, 2007

Kone's EcoStart is a unique motor efficiency controller that soft starts an electric motor, bringing it from rest to full speed.

Kone is implementing an innovative programme using EcoStart for escalators and moving walkways at Denver International Airport (DIA).

Kone's EcoStart is a unique motor efficiency controller that soft starts an electric motor, bringing it from rest to full speed.

Once it is at full speed, the EcoStart monitors the motor and improves its efficiency when operating.

By conserving energy, the EcoStart supports the building's sustainability programmes and contributes to environmental protection efforts.

EcoStart is manufactured by Power Efficiency Corporation exclusively for Kone under private label.

Kone will begin the DIA modernisation project immediately.

Operated by the City and County of Denver, DIA is the fifth-busiest airport in the USA and served 47.3 million passengers in 2006.

The EcoStart motor efficiency controller for escalators will be installed in 160 escalators and moving walkways throughout the airport.

Xcel Energy, the electric utility for DIA, tested the EcoStart at the airport and estimates DIA will save 30-40% electrical use on its escalators and moving walkways, representing a reduction of over 2.0 million kilowatt-hours per year.

Denver Manager of Aviation, Turner West said: "DIA has a long standing commitment to sustainable operations and environmental protection".

"DIA is equally committed to reducing operating costs where consistent with safe operations".

"This project promotes all of these goals".

"The electrical savings of 2 million kilowatt-hours per year will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by four million pounds per year".

"It will reduce DIA operating costs by more than $100,000 per year, and will recover investment cost in 3 years".

"The increased electrical efficiency gained by using this product will immediately benefit DIA", said Vance Tang, President of Kone.

"The EcoStart platform makes good business sense for DIA and the entire Denver community".

"Our focus at Kone is to develop product and service offerings that consider the environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle".

"This commitment leads to benefits such as increasing energy and material efficiency while reducing emissions and wastes for customers like DIA", added Tang.

Doug Ryan, Key Account Manager for Xcel Energy, said: "Through 'ConservationWise from Xcel Energy' we offer cash rebates for purchasing and installing eligible energy-efficient equipment and mechanical system components".

"Our customers not only benefit from reduced energy costs, but the rebates shorten payback periods".

"We are pleased to support Denver International Airport in its efforts to reduce energy use".

"Based on our initial evaluation, this project could have a substantial impact on the airport's annual electricity consumption".

Steve Strasser, Chairman and CEO of Power Efficiency Corporation, commented: "As the manufacturer of EcoStart, we are pleased that DIA and Kone have the confidence in our patented E-Save Technology to implement such an important energy saving program".

"The DIA project is an excellent example of how public and private industry can work together to implement proven, cost effective energy saving technologies that positively impact their customers and the communities they serve".

"Working with Kone, our highly integrated and easily installed products make the EcoStart well suited to address the complex energy savings requirements of a major transportation hub like Denver International Airport", added Strasser.