D R I V E S &

S W I T C H G E A R

T he European efficiency classification scheme for

low voltage AC motors was introduced in 1998.

New IEC standard on efficiency measurement

methods for low voltage AC motors
The scheme established three efficiency Information from ABB
classes: EFF1, EFF2 and EFF3, with EFF1
being the highest efficiency class.
The scheme specified that efficiency
should be measured in accordance with Rated output power Old efficiency testing New efficiency testing
standard EN / IEC 60034-2: 1996. EN/IEC 60034-2: 1996 IEC 60034-2-1:
This has now been replaced with a new 2007-09
IEC standard, IEC 60034-2-1, which 7,5 kW, 2-pole motor 88,4 % 87,9 %
came into force September 2007; and
11 kW, 4-pole motor 90,9 % 90,3 %
also will be ratified and published as
EN 60034-2-1 at Cenelec level. This 160 kW, 4-pole motor 96,0 % 95,4 %
new standard introduces new rules
Table 1: Comparison of two measuring systems.
concerning the testing methods to
be used for determining losses and
efficiency.
Measuring efficiency for the European classification scheme
How is motor efficiency
measured? Old efficiency testing standard New efficiency testing standard IEC
EN/IEC 60034-2: 1996 60034-3-1: 2007-09
The efficiency of a motor is defined as
the ratio of output (mechanical) power Direct method Direct method
to input (electrical) power. It can be Indirect method: Indirect method:
measured either directly or indirectly. l SLL estimated at 0,5 % of input l SLL determined from measurement
Direct measurement involves calculating power at rated load
l SLL estimated at 2,5 % - 0,5 % of input
the input power on the basis of the power at rated load
voltage and current supplied, and the
output power based on the rotational l Eh star - alternative indirect method with
mathematical salculation of SLL
speed and torque.
Winding losses in stator and rotor Winding losses in stator and rotor determined
Indirect measurement involves measuring determined at 95 oC. at [25 oC + temperature rise measured]
the input power and calculating the
output power on the basis of the losses Table. 2: Methods for measuring efficiency.
within the motor.
Motor losses can be split into five major
areas: so manufacturers are permitted to use The rated current stamped on the motor
l copper losses
an estimate based on the rated power rating plate will be slightly higher to
of the motor. comply with the new efficiency testing
l iron losses
standard. Note also that values by
l rotor losses How do the efficiency figures different motor manufacturers may not
l friction and windage losses
compare under the old and be comparable.
new standards? How has the new efficiency testing
l stray load losses (SLL)

Of these, the first four types of loss can
be determined from input power and
motor current. Stray load losses (SLL) are
much more difficult to determine, and
Table 1 shows examples of how the
efficiency figures compare under the old
and new standards for three different
sizes of motor.
March 2008 - Vector - Page 37
standard changed measurement
methods?
Measuring efficiency for the European
classification scheme. The new method
based on the real measured SLL has
been used in North America and
Canada, where it is required under
the IEEE 112-B (2004) and CSA 390
standards. It is likely to be much more
widely used under the new standard.
The indirect measurement was widely
used by manufacturers under the
old standard. However, the rules
concerning the estimation of SLL in
the indirect measurement method
have been made much tighter under
the new standard and the new values
are now taking into account the actual
measured losses.
The new standard also introduces
new indirect measurement method
options:
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers
CSA Canadian Standards Association
EN European Norm
SLL Stray Load Losses
Table. 3: Key to abbreviations
SLL determined from measurement
l
How can motor users identify
l SLL estimated at 2,5% - 0,5% of which measuring method has
input power at rated load. been used?
l Eh star: the losses are measured Under the new standard, manufacturers
indirectly, with SLL being calculated can select which of the measuring methods
by mathematical means. they apply. The motor documentation
must state which method was used.
Please note that efficiency values provided
by different motor manufacturers are
comparable only if the same measuring
method has been used.
Different approaches
Under the new efficiency testing standard
(IEC 60034-2-1: 2007-09), ABB:
l intends to use the new indirect
method with SLL determined from
measurement.
l has already acquired the equipment
needed to perform the testing.
l is presently retesting motors so that
the new efficiency values can be
included in the next edition motor
catalogues.
At the same time the company is closely
following the preparation of a further
new IEC standard. IEC 60034-30 is
expected to enter into force in 2009,
and will introduce a new international
efficiency classification system (classes
IE1, IE2, IE3).
Contact Anton Henning, ABB,
Tel 011 617-2179,
anton.henning@za.abb.com D
March 2008 - Vector - Page 38