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06/09/2011
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The new EU motor regulations, introduced last June, will drive more efficient compressor plant, while also reducing carbon and energy costs, according to rotary vane compressor manufacturer Mattei.
 Andy Jones, general manager at Mattei, says that advances in technology mean that replacing ageing compressors with modern equivalents will almost certainly result in energy and carbon savings – making new compressors attractive for plant engineers.
Manufacturers have successfully increased efficiencies through improvements in compressor design, heat recovery, controls and variable speed drives, he explains.
Standard IEC 60034-30:2008 defines the efficiency classes for low-voltage three-phase motors with a power range from 0.75 to 375kW. IE1 is standard efficiency, IE2 high efficiency and IE3 premium efficiency. Measurements for these international efficiencies must be carried out in accordance with IEC 60034-2-1-2007.
Jones points out that although there are more changes to follow in 2015 and 2017, the current requirement is that motors on the market since June 15 2011 must have a minimum efficiency class of IE2. This includes motors integrated into other products such as compressors.
"It is thought that machines driven by electrical motors consume two thirds of the electrical energy used in industry, of which around 15% is consumed by air compressors," states Jones.
"Therefore, if the EU Motor Regulation can ensure the motors used in compressors are energy efficient, carbon and energy costs can be reduced – making the argument for investing in a new compressor even stronger."
Jones believes that any increase in capital cost of a compressor with an IE2 or IE3 motor will quickly be recovered as a result of energy savings, with paybacks being short.
"Before deciding to invest in a new compressor it is essential to analyse the carbon and financial savings that will be achieved," he advises. And he adds: "The initial capital outlay makes up a very small part of the total lifetime costs of a compressor. The main cost will always be the energy required to produce the compressed air – so we suggest the decision should be largely based on this factor."
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Author
Brian Tinham
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