High-efficiency motors make big savings

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 16, 2002

WEG reckons its W21 line of high efficiency motors provides one of the most cost effective and simple ways to reduce energy costs to combat the effects of the Climate Change Levy.

WEG reckons its W21 line of high efficiency motors provides one of the most cost effective and simple ways to reduce energy costs to combat the effects of the Climate Change Levy.

In field tests, replacing an existing standard two-pole 18.5kW motor with a WEG W21 high efficiency equivalent has resulted in savings of as much as GBP 513 per motor per annum.

On larger sizes the savings were even greater still.

For users this means that payback times can often be measured in months, with subsequent longer term savings contributing directly to profit.

The fact that over two-thirds of industrial electricity consumption is due to the running of electric motors means that the scope for savings using WEG's high efficiency range is vast.

The W21 Line is probably the most energy efficient range of motors on the market today.

It both complies with and, in many cases, exceeds, the demands of CEMEP's EEF 1 and EEF 2 classifications, providing users with the best possible solution to their energy saving requirements.

Included in the range are: improved efficiency motors that meet the requirements of CEMEP's EEF 2 levels; premium efficiency motors meet the requirements of CEMEP's EEF 1 levels; and top premium efficiency motors exceed all CEMEP requirements.

All these motor types are registered with the DEFRA to enable users to claim enhanced capital allowances (ECAs) on the motor purchase a further contribution to reducing payback times.

The range offers a choice of two-, four-, six- and eight-pole configurations in the widest range of frame sizes, from 63 to 355M/L, and power output ratings from 0.18 to 400kW.

As all frame sizes benefit from industry standard dimensions (according to IEC-72), users are assured of direct interchangability with existing standard motors without modifications.

The W21 design features sturdy cast iron frames, IP55 rated (IP65 optional) against the effects of dust and ingress from water jets.

It also includes such features as V-rings on both motor end shields, anti-condensation drain holes, thermal protection via thermistors (one per phase) on frame sizes 160M and above and regreasing nipples on frame sizes 255S/M and above.

In addition, both premium and top premium efficiency motors in frame sizes 132 and above are supplied with a two-pack epoxy paint finish, anti-condensation heaters and thermistors.

These options enable the motors to meet the requirements of the "WIMES" specification for use in the water industry As well as providing improved levels of efficiency, the W21 line also explodes the myth that high efficiency motors do not necessarily offer longer life.

With many types of high efficiency motors the quality of insulation, heat dissipation and mechanical protection may not be any different to a standard motor.

WEG, however, has taken a different approach: the company's W21 design offering life enhancing improvements such as Class F, (Class H optional) insulation, reduced temperature rise, improved heat dissipation, lower bearing temperatures and lower noise operation.

Full information and selection criteria for the WEG W21 line motors are included on a new CD ROM, which WEG has just released.

The CD contains information on 35,000 motor variations covering all world markets and also what is probably the world's leading motor selection program.

Designed with today's engineers in mind, the program provides the facility to select and generate motor datasheets, performance curves and dimensional drawings.