Looking for ways to save energy while growing a more sustainable business?
Electric motors are everywhere. They run assembly lines, ventilation and cooling systems, pumps and compressors, to name just a few examples. But what most business owners don’t realise is that these motors are also one of the most expensive things running their operations.
Upgrading old motors and systems is one of the single most effective ways to reduce those costs. It doesn’t just improve efficiency, it also helps companies meet their sustainability goals at the same time.
Here’s what you need to know…
Table of Contents
- Why Electric Motors Matter for Business Growth
- The Hidden Cost of Outdated Motor Systems
- Key Motor Technologies Driving Sustainability
- How Inverters Supercharge Motor Efficiency
- Choosing the Right Solutions for Your Operations
- Wrapping Things Up
Why Electric Motors Matter for Business Growth
Electric motors are the powerhouse of the modern industrial world. They turn on everything from factory equipment to ventilation systems. The International Energy Agency estimates that electric motors are responsible for more than 40% of total electricity consumption globally.
That is a lot of power. When something represents such a large portion of an operational cost, it makes sense that businesses would look to reduce it as a top priority. It’s not a surprise, then, that the global electric motor market is one of the most lucrative and rapidly growing in the industry. It is set to reach a valuation of USD 268.2 billion by 2034. Its projected growth from 2024 to 2034 is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%.
Businesses that want to take a proactive approach towards cost savings and sustainability know this all too well. When it comes to the electric motors and inverters they use in their operations, it is important to work with a supplier that can provide high-quality equipment and solutions that fit their exact needs. Consulting with Motors & Inverters ensures that businesses get the performance they need for the long-term.
The Hidden Cost of Outdated Motor Systems
Operating old motors is throwing money away. The older the system, the more it costs a business to run. Outdated motors use significantly more electricity, break down and need to be replaced more frequently, and create issues such as excess heat, noise pollution, and other environmental factors. Old motors create unseen expenses that can compound across the entire system without the proper maintenance and replacements.
Let’s look at some facts and figures.
Electricity bills represent approximately 96% of the total life-cycle cost of an electric motor. Put simply, the money a business spends on energy to power their motors is much more than the money they paid to buy the motor in the first place.
A poorly performing motor operating 24/7 can add an extra few thousand pounds a year to that electric bill compared to a modern high-efficiency motor. Spread that across multiple motors and equipment in an entire facility, and that can mean a very significant impact to the overall profitability.
The effects are not limited to energy use. Old motors also have:
- higher maintenance costs and downtime
- higher heat and noise emissions
- higher carbon emissions and negative environmental impact
Running old motors is not only bad for the bottom line, it is also bad for the business’s brand and public image.
Key Motor Technologies Driving Sustainability
All motors are not created equal.
Advancements in electric motor technology have seen significant developments over the last few years, with modern, high-efficiency motors capable of performing tasks at a much lower energy consumption rate. There are a few specific technologies to watch.
AC Motors are the most prevalent motors in the industry due to their reliability and low running costs. Their application ranges from small motors in HVAC units to larger motors in industrial equipment. AC motors are also valued for their durability and ease of maintenance.
DC Motors are seeing an increased use for certain applications where precise speed control is necessary. They are commonly found in electric vehicles and automated systems that require varying speeds.
Permanent Magnet Motors are the newest technology in the industry. They offer unparalleled efficiency and power density. Electric vehicle manufacturers are starting to use them for their electric motors.
The important thing to note is the right motor for the job. Matching the correct type of motor to the specific application is essential.
Energy efficiency classifications are also important. Aim for motors with IE3 or IE4 ratings. These are premium efficiency motors that may cost a bit more initially but pay for themselves over the lifetime of the motor.
How Inverters Supercharge Motor Efficiency
This is where things get interesting…
Inverters (aka variable speed drives or VSDs) revolutionise how motors are used. They control the speed of the motor so that it only runs at the necessary speed to do the job. It does not run full power all the time, instead varying its speed based on demand.
Let’s break that down…
Say you have a pump running at 80% speed, it is not going to use half the energy of the same pump running at 100% speed. Inverters are not a linear technology. A pump running at 80% speed uses approximately 26% of the energy at 100% speed, and a pump running at 60% uses 11%. The higher the speed, the better the energy efficiency.
Inverters, when paired with quality motors, allow for dramatic increases in energy efficiency. Here are some of the benefits:
- Reduce energy use by adjusting output to actual demand
- Prolong motor life with gentler starts and stops
- Reduce maintenance costs and breakdowns
- Improve process control for better product quality
- Reduce noise in working environments
If businesses are serious about sustainability, inverters are no longer an optional add-on.
Choosing the Right Solutions for Your Operations
When it comes to choosing motor solutions, there is no one-size-fits-all. Each business has different needs. Different applications need different solutions. It is not a case of ‘one size fits all.’
Begin by identifying the motors that use the most electricity. Look for equipment that is operating inefficiently or motors that are approaching end of life. They present the largest opportunity for efficiency improvements.
Here are some things to consider:
- the required power output and speed range
- operating environment
- the duty cycle and use pattern
- space available for the motor and installation
- budget for upfront vs ongoing costs
Do not be afraid of the total cost of ownership. A cheap motor that has high electricity consumption is going to be more expensive over its lifetime than a more efficient, more expensive motor.
The importance of working with a supplier that knows about both motors and inverters cannot be overstated. Having a supplier that can recommend both will ensure businesses get the right combination of both for the best overall efficiency while still meeting the required specifications.
Wrapping Things Up
Saving energy and growing a sustainable business do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Modern electric motor and inverter technology can provide both. The right equipment can decrease the amount of energy needed to power your operations, which lowers your operating costs and reduces your carbon footprint simultaneously.
Don’t take our word for it. Here are the facts.
Electric motors power the majority of industrial operations. Old motors are not just energy inefficient, they waste money. Newer, modern high-efficiency motors can save money. When paired with an inverter, they multiply those savings. The secret is to pair the right solution with the right application.
Businesses that invest in the right motor solutions position themselves for long-term success. Cheaper electricity, greater efficiency, and real environmental impact are one of the smartest things any business can do.
It is a win-win all around.
The technology is here. The savings are real. The only question is how soon a business takes advantage of them.
