Four Major Points To Understanding Motor Efficiency

In electric motors, the forces involved in the mechanical rotation is transferred by electrical power, and this is the strength that drives the industrial sector.

Analyzing and measuring these forces, torque, speed and mechanical power, with power quality features are essential in checking the efficiency of rotating equipment.

The measurements only help in determining the failure and also help to prevent downtime.  

They can also be used in checking if additional checkups such as shaft alignment, insulator testing or vibration testing, are needed to correlate the findings.

Practically, getting an expert motor analysis of data will require expensive equipment showdown to permit for the mechanical sensors insulation.

However, to get high-quality electric motors, you will need to contact a reputable motor manufacturer in order to get the best value for your hard-earned money.

Here are four major keys to help you understand the overall motor efficiency and system performance.

1. Motor rating data and expected performance

Based on NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and IEC (International Electrical Commission) classification, motor rating data involves mechanical and electrical parameters such as current load, motor power, motor speed and efficiency.

By using algorithms, recent motors analysis tools can be compared to the measurement of three-phase electric with rated figures to give an overview of the effectiveness of motors under the real load situations.

When motors are operated in mechanical overloaded situations, they cause the stressing of the motor parts including insulation, couplings and bearings which decreases efficiency and cause untimely failure.

2. The impact of torque on overall performance and efficiency

Torque is the rate of forces causing rotation which is created by a motor and it is transferred to a driven mechanical load.  

Motor torque is measured in Newton-meters (Nm) or pounds feet (lb-ft) is a single critical variable which characterize instant mechanical efficiency.

The measurement of torque can provide a direct view of the level of motor health, the load and the processes.

By making sure that the motor runs at the required level gives reliability operation within some time and it reduces the cost of maintenance.

3. Poor power quality has a direct correlation with motor performance

The anomalies in power such as harmonic, transient and unbalance may cause damage to an electrical motor and can also affect motor operation.

Transient alone can seriously affect the voltage circuits and motor insulation, thereby causing loss of huge monetary returns.

Harmonics generate distortion of both current and voltage providing a negative impact, allowing the transformer and motors to run hot (overheating or failure).

By using three-phase on the measurements on the input of the motor, technicians can detect a wide range of information that can assist in indicating the general state of power quality health. This assists them to troubleshoot the root of causes of motor inefficiency.

4. Motor efficiency has a direct impact on the bottom line

The industry is rapidly striving to limit energy intake and trying to increase motor performance through some green initiatives.

Some countries have adopted green initiatives in their law. A recent study described that motors consume about 69% and 49% of all industrial and global electricity respectively.

Through indemnification of poor performance or faulty motor, also by either replacing or repairing them, you will still need to keep the efficiency and energy consumption in check.

The motor analysis and power quality provide information to identify and indicate excess consumption of energy and other inefficiencies.  

Also, the same analytics can verify any improvement after replacement or repair.

Additionally, by knowing the situation of motors and knowing how to intervene prior failure help to reduce exposure to any environmental incidents and potential safety.

Summary

Electric motors use forces and it occurs when the mechanical rotation is transferred by electrical power.

Power quality and motor information are dynamic, and due to the fact that conditions changes, therefore, it requires doing more measurements.

When you need a guide on doing some measurement or solving any faulty parts, it is advisable to contact a reputable motor manufacturer that can give a good quality specification and advice.