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Standards for Efficiency of Electric Motors

Article  in  IEEE Industry Applications Magazine · March 2011

DOI: 10.1109/MIAS.2010.939427 · Source: IEEE Xplore

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 Permanent magnet
synchronous motor technology

B Y A N Í B A L T . D E A L M E I D A ,
FERNANDO J.T.E. FERREIRA,
& J O Ã O A . C . F O N G
IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS

LECTRIC MOTORS IN IN-

E dustrial applications consume

between 30% and 40% of the
generated electrical energy world-
wide. In the European Union (EU), electric
motor systems are by far the most important
type of load in industry, using about 70% of
the consumed electricity. In the tertiary sector
(nonresidential buildings), although not so rele-
vant, electric motor systems use about one-third of
the electricity consumed. Their wide use makes elec-
tric motors particularly attractive for the application of
efficiency improvements. Despite the wide variety of elec-
tric motors available in the market, three-phase, squirrel-cage
induction motors (IMs) represent, by far, the vast majority of the
market of electric motors [1], [2].
Higher efficiency electric motors can lead to significant reductions in energy © FOTOSEARCH

consumption and also reduce environmental impact. To promote a competitive

Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MIAS.2010.939427

12
Date of publication: 12 November 2010

1077-2618/11/$26.00©2011 IEEE
motor market transformation, a new international standard,
International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) 60034-30
[3], was approved in November 2008 to globally harmo-
nize motor energy efficiency classes in general purpose, sin-
gle-speed, line-fed, three-phase, squirrel-cage IMs. In this
standard [3], three efficiency classes are proposed, standard
efficiency (IE1) [the designation of the energy efficiency
class consists of IE (short for International Energy Efficiency
Class), directly followed by a numeral representing the clas-
sification], high efficiency (IE2), equivalent to EPAct, and
premium efficiency (IE3), equivalent to National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) premium. In addition,
in the last proposal of the IEC 60034-31 technical specifica-
tion standard, a super-premium efficiency (IE4) is also pro-
posed, intended to be informative, since no sufficient
market and technological information is available to allow
its standardization and more experience with such products
is required. All the IE1, IE2, IE3, and IE4 efficiency levels are
defined for the 0.75–375-kW power range, equivalent to the
1–500-hp range.
Regarding the IE4 class, some European manufacturers
see no technical feasibility to reach the first IE4 proposed
levels with IM technology with the same IEC frame sizes
(defined in [5]) as IE1/IE2-class IMs. However, very high-
efficiency motors with permanent magnet (PM) rotor
technology are being introduced in the market, which allow
not only reaching but overtaking the proposed IE4 levels.
The IE4 class under consideration can be applied both
to line-fed motors and inverter plus motor units. For low-
power levels (up to 7.5 kW), it is clear that moving away
from IM technology and considering emergent technolo-
gies such as PM synchronous motors (PMSMs), either
electronically controlled (EC) or with an auxiliary cage in
the rotor to allow direct line-start mains operation [18],
can allow achieving efficiency levels significantly higher
than those defined by premium IE3 class.
In this article, feasible minimum limits for IE4 class
are analyzed, taking into account the estimated efficiency
limits and rated efficiency for emergent or commercially
best available line-start PMSM technologies. The presented
results can be useful to set up future international standard
super-premium or IE4-class levels/limits. The practicabil-
ity and technical limits associated with the IE4-class effi-
ciency levels proposed in [4] are addressed, taking into
account technical and economical limitations. It is expected
that advanced technologies will enable manufacturers to
design motors for the IE4-class efficiency levels proposed in
[4], with mechanical dimensions compatible with the exist-
ing IMs of lower efficiency classes (e.g., flanges, shaft heights,
or frame sizes as defined in standards EN 50347 [5] and
NEMA MG1 [6]). NEMA frames sizes are larger than the
IEC frame sizes, allowing the use of more active materials. In
addition, 60-Hz operation enables higher power density and
higher efficiency levels with the same frame sizes.
Moreover, in the case of EC PMSMs, the electronic con-
troller, inverter, or variable-speed drive (VSD) efficiency
and its impact on the motor efficiency are taken into
account during efficiency focused analysis.
Since most general purpose IMs are oversized (in the
EU, the IMs’ load factor is, on average, slightly lower than
60% [2]), the part-load efficiency or their load dependency
should be analyzed to underline the potential advantages
of PMSM technology in that respect, which, in general,
are significant.
New Motor Efficiency Classification Standard
IEC 60034-30 [3] is intended to globally harmonize motor
energy efficiency classes in general purpose, line-fed (direct
on-line connection) IMs used in stationary applications,
defined according to IEC 60034-1 [7]. The classification
standard also applies to IMs rated for two or more voltages
and frequencies. IMs in the 0.75–375-kW power range
make up the vast majority of installed motor population
and are covered by this standard. For the application of IEC
60034-30 standard, motor efficiency and losses shall be
tested in accordance with IEC 60034-2-1 [8] using a low
uncertainty method, such as the “summation of losses” test
procedure with stray load losses (SLLs) determined from
residual loss—a procedure similar to IEEE 112-B [11]. The
rated efficiency and the efficiency class shall be durably marked
on the rating plate. In a motor with dual-frequency rating,
both 50- and 60-Hz efficiencies shall be marked for each rated
voltage/frequency combination. Motors with full-load effi-
ciency equal to or exceeding an efficiency class boundary
are classified in that efficiency class. As stated previously,
IE1, IE2, and IE3 classes are normative [3], [4], [10].
Motors covered by this standard may be used in VSD
applications (for further information, see Application Guide
IEC 60034-17); however, in these cases, the marked effi-
ciency of the motor shall not be assumed to apply because of
the increased losses from the harmonic voltage content of
the VSD power supply. Motors specifically built for opera-
tion in explosive atmospheres (according to IEC Standards
60079-0 and 61241-1) are also covered by this classification
IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS
standard. Some design constraints of explosion-proof motors
(such as increased air gap, reduced starting current, and
enhanced sealing) have a negative impact on efficiency.
Geared motors and brake motors are included, although spe-
cial shafts and flanges may be used in such motors [10].
According to the IEC 60034-25 standard, motors
specifically made for converter operation with increased
insulation, motors completely integrated into a machine
(pump, fan, compressor, etc.) that cannot be separated from
the machine, and all other nongeneral purpose motors
(such as smoke-extraction motors built for operation in
high ambient temperature environments according to EN
12101-3) are clearly excluded. Special motors required by
applications with a large number of start/stop cycles are
also not covered by this standard. The full-load, continu-
ous-duty efficiency of these special motors is typically
below standard efficiency because of the need to reduce
rotor inertia. In some countries (e.g., Australia and New
Zealand), eight-pole IMs are included in energy efficiency
regulations. However, their market share is already very
low (in Europe about 1% or less). Because of the increasing
acceptance of VSDs and the low cost associated with four-
and six-pole standard IMs, it is expected that eight-pole
IMs will further disappear from the general market in the
future. Thus, this standard excludes provisions for eight-
pole IMs [11].
The 50-Hz values for IE3 class are newly designed and
set about 15% reduced losses above the requirements for
IE2 class. The 60-Hz values were derived from the 50-Hz
13
values taking into account the influence of supply
 98 98
NEMA Premium at 50 Hz
96 NEMA Premium at 60 Hz
96 EPAct at 50 Hz
94
EPAct at 60 Hz
92 94
90
92

Motor Efficiency (%)

Motor Efficiency (%)

88
86 90
84 Four Poles

82 88
50 Hz, IE1
80 50 Hz, IE2
86
50 Hz, IE3
78 Four Poles
50 Hz, IE4
76 60 Hz, IE1 84

74 60 Hz, IE2
60 Hz, IE3 82
72 60 Hz, IE4
70 80
0.1 1 10 100 0.1 1 10 100
Motor-Rated Power (kW) Motor-Rated Power (kW)
(a) (b)
1
IEC 60034-30 and 31 efficiency levels and NEMA and EPAct minimum efficiency requirements for 60- and 50-Hz,
four-pole IMs [10].

frequency on motor efficiency [4], resulting for four-pole
IMs, in the levels presented in Figure 1 for four-pole IMs.
This approach will enable manufacturers to build motors
for dual rating (50/60 Hz).
The levels of the IE4 efficiency class are envisioned
IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS
All efficiency curves are given in mathematical formula
in smooth form to allow for various regional and national
distinctions for frame dimensions and motor sizes.
The approved IEC 60034-30 efficiency classification
standard will harmonize the current different requirements

to be incorporated into a future edition of IEC 60034-31
technical specification standard. The goal is to reduce
the losses of IE4 by about 15% relative to IE3. Tech-
nologies other than IMs will be required to meet IE4
levels [3].
for IM efficiency levels around the world, hopefully ending
the difficulties that the manufacturers encounter when pro-
ducing motors for a global market. Additionally, custom-
ers will benefit by having access to a more transparent and
easier to understand information.

Efficiency Limits for Line-Start Industrial Motors

The relative importance of the five different kinds of IM
100 losses depends on motor size, as it can be seen in Figure 2.
Windage and Friction Losses
In small/medium IMs, I2R losses are dominant. Since I2R
90 losses remain constant for 50 Hz and 60 Hz as long as the
80 Core Losses torque is kept constant, the output power is 20% higher
for the 60-Hz IMs, and although windage, friction, and
70 iron losses increase with frequency, they play a minor role
in IMs. Therefore, most IMs develop a better efficiency at
Loss Fraction (%)

60 Stray Load Losses 60 Hz compared with that at 50 Hz, becoming easier to

reach a high motor efficiency when the motor is designed
50 Rotor I 2R Losses for and operated at 60 Hz instead of 50 Hz. The difference
40
in efficiency between 50 and 60 Hz varies with the number
of poles and the size of the motor. In general, when com-
30 pared at the same torque, the 60-Hz efficiency of low-volt-
age, four-pole IMs in the 0.75–375-kW power range is
20 Stator I 2R Losses between 2.5% points (small motors) to less than 0.5% points
(large motors) greater when compared with the 50-Hz effi-
10 ciency [4], [10].
0
Only large two-pole IMs may experience a reduced
0.75 1.5 3 5.5 11 18.5 30 45 75 110 160 250 efficiency at 60 Hz because of their high share of wind-
Motor-Rated Power (kW) age and friction losses. Another important issue is the
2 load dependency of losses and its impact on the IM effi-
14
Typical fraction of losses in 50-Hz, four-pole IMs [10]. ciency. When considering EC IMs or PMSMs, those
efficiency variations are not critical, since frequency can
be set as a function of the needed speed, and the mag- 98
netizing flux can be properly regulated to maximize
the efficiency. 96
Excluding the use of amorphous steel sheets in the stator
and rotor cores, which means that copper is used in the stator
windings and conventional ferromagnetic steel sheets are 94
used in the stator and rotor cores, the efficiency improve-

Motor Efficiency (%)

ment of the industrial motors can be achieved mainly by 92
improving the design and changing the rotor materials.
The use of copper in the rotor cage was an important
90
step toward premium efficiency levels, maintaining the
typical wound stator and frame size. However, if the frame
size is respected, such material change is not enough to 88
reach super-premium levels although it allows to reach effi-
ciency levels slightly higher than IE3 class. Ultrapremium 86
efficiency IM models are already commercially available, as
can be seen in Figure 3 [12]. The efficiency gain over
NEMA premium or IE3-class efficiency levels is nearly one 84
percentage point for the 1–10-hp power range, meaning Four Poles
that losses were lowered from 6.2 to 11.4% (Figure 4) by 82
means of improved design and use of copper in the rotor 0.1 1 10 100
Motor-Rated Power (kW)
cage. As expected, the efficiency gain decreases with the
rated power. This clearly shows the efficiency improvement IE3 Efficiency Levels for 50 Hz
potential limits associated with IMs, if standard frame sizes IE3 Efficiency Levels for 60 Hz
are respected. Adapted Ultrapremium Efficiency Levels for 50 Hz
Nevertheless, new promising technologies are being Commercial Ultrapremium Efficiency Levels for 60 Hz
investigated, such as the single-speed non-EC line-start 3
PMSMs (with auxiliary cage) and the EC PMSMs [16]– Commercially available ultrapremium efficiency 60-Hz,
[31]. The last technology is currently commercially four-pole IMs [3], [12].
available [13]–[19], but the first one is not yet com-
mercially available (at least in large scale) because of estimate the maximum achievable efficiency level (at 50

IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS

the inherent problems related with starting torque and
synchronization effectiveness reported in a number of
studies [20]–[31].
Considering PMSM technology as the best candidate
for line-start, single-speed, super-premium motors, it is
important to estimate the maximum achievable effi-
ciency. This can be done by assuming that the stator core
and windings are optimized in terms of design and mate-
rials, regarding cost-effectiveness issues and large-scale
manufacturing technological restrictions (e.g., the type of
stator winding used). On that basis, only the rotor can be
improved or changed. In the case of PM rotors, there are
two main options: with or without auxiliary squirrel-cage
to allow line-start capability [18]. Within the PM rotors,
there are several types with surface or interior PMs, with
Hz) resulting from the reduction of each loss component.
The new improved motor-rated efficiency resulting
from the losses reduction is given by (1) and (2), where gnew
is the new rated efficiency (in percent), gorig is the original
rated efficiency (in percent), Dptotal is the total losses (in
percent), l is the loss component identification (e.g., rotor
I2R losses and stator core losses), pcomp_l is the loss compo-
nent l (in percentage of total losses), and Dpcomp_l is the
variation of loss component l (in percent).
12
IE3 Versus
10 Ultrapremium
Four-Pole, 60-Hz IMs
Losses Reduction (%)

or without rotor saliency, and conventional or claw-pole 8

geometry [18], [32].
6
Line-Start PMSMs with Auxiliary Rotor Cage
In the case of PM rotors with auxiliary squirrel-cage, con- 4
sidering the steady-state, synchronous operation, the rotor
electric and magnetic losses are mainly due to the effect of 2
negative- and positive-sequence magnetomotive force
spatial harmonics in the cage, inducing stray currents, 0
which will produce losses, vibration, and parasitic torque 0.75 1.1 1.5 2.2 3.7 5.5 7.5 11 15
components. Nevertheless, for an optimized stator wind- Motor-Rated Power (kW)
ing and rotor cage, those effects can be neglected. 4
On the basis of the typical fraction of losses for four- Loss variation between IE3-class efficiency levels and
pole, 50-Hz IMs presented in Figure 2 and the 50-Hz IE3- commercially available ultrapremium 60-Hz, four-pole
15
class efficiency levels presented in Figure 1, it is possible to IMs [10], [13].
 h  i1
gnew ¼ 104  gorig  104 þ Dptotal  102  gorig ð1Þ
60
Rotor I 2R Losses
Loss Component Fraction (% of Total Losses) Stator I 2R Losses Dptotal ¼ 102  R5l¼1 pcomp l  Dpcomp l : ð2Þ
Core Losses
50
In the following analysis, 50-Hz IE3-class efficiency
levels are considered the original efficiencies. The loss com-
40
ponents, in percentage of total losses, are assumed as in
Figure 5. Using (1) and (2), three cases were analyzed in
terms of efficiency gains by means of losses reduction:
2
n Case 1: elimination of rotor electric I R losses
30 2
n Case 2: case 1 and 58% reduction in stator I R losses
n Case 3: case 2 and 60% reduction in the stator
core losses.
20 The percentage reduction of stator electric I2R and core
losses is adapted from the expected/typical motor active
material volume reduction from IE2-class IMs to PMSMs,
10 according to Table 1 [15], assuming that the current density
in stator windings and the magnetic flux density in the sta-
Four Poles, 50 Hz
tor core are maintained constant.
0 On that basis, it is considered that stator core and stator
0.1 1 10 100
Motor-Rated Power (kW)
I2R loss reduction is directly proportional to the respective
5 volume decrease. The results for Cases 1, 2, and 3 are pre-
sented in Figures 6, 7, and 8, respectively, denoted as
Assumed motor loss component fraction (in % of total losses).
above-IE3-class efficiency levels, which evidence the possi-
ble efficiency gains associated with line-start PMSMs with
TABLE 1. MATERIALS COMPARISON BETWEEN PMSM auxiliary cage.
AND IE2-CLASS IM [15].
Line-Start Electronically Controlled PMSMs
Core Steel Copper Magnets
In the case of PM rotors without auxiliary squirrel cage, the
(%) (%) (%)
effects referred to in the “Efficiency Limits for Line-Start
PMSM 40 42 100
IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS

IE2-Class IM 100 100 0

100

98
100
IE3-Class Efficiency Levels 96
98 Above-IE3-Class Efficiency
Levels (Case 1) 94
Motor Efficiency (%)

IE4-Class Efficiency Levels

96
92
94
Motor Efficiency (%)

90
92
88
90
86
88
84
86 Four Poles, 50 Hz
82
0.1 1 10 100
84 Motor-Rated Power (kW)
Four Poles, 50 Hz
IE3-Class Efficiency Levels
82
0.1 1 10 100 Above-IE3-Class Efficiency Levels (Case 2)
Motor-Rated Power (kW) IE4-Class Efficiency Levels
6 7
2 2
Full-load efficiency levels after rotor I R losses elimination in Full-load efficiency levels after rotor I R losses elimination
four-pole, 50-Hz, IE3-class IMs, denoted as above-IE3-class and stator I2R losses reduction in 50-Hz, four-pole, IE3-class
16
efficiency levels (Case 1). IMs, denoted as above-IE3-class efficiency levels (Case 2).
Industrial Motors: Line-Start PMSMs with Auxiliary Rotor
Cage” section do not exist, and therefore, the rotor losses are
extremely low. However, the motors with such rotors have
to be EC by inverters (or VSDs) to be able to properly start
100
98
and reach synchronization. In this case, there are additional
losses associated with the VSD itself and in the motor be-
cause of the PWM voltage-related harmonic losses.
When integrated in the system, although the energy
savings potential associated with speed regulation, VSDs
have a negative impact on the full-load efficiency motor
system because of their internal losses and to the additional
high-frequency losses in the motor. In Figures 9 and 10,
the VSD efficiency typical levels and variation of efficiency
with load are presented.

96

100
94
Motor Efficiency (%)

95
92
90

VSD Efficiency (%)

90
85
88
80

86 75

70 1.1 kW Integrated VSD for IM

84
1.1 kW External VSD for PMSM
Four Poles, 50 Hz
65 11 kW External VSD for PMSM
82 and IM
0.1 1 10 100
Motor-Rated Power (kW) 60
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
IE3-Class Efficiency Levels VSD Load (%)
Above-IE3-Class Efficiency Levels (Case 3) 10
IE4-Class Efficiency Levels Efficiency for high-efficiency 1.1- and 11-kW VSDs [29].
8

IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS

2
Full-load efficiency levels after rotor I R loss elimination and
stator I2R and core loss reduction in 50-Hz, four-pole, IE3-
class IMs, denoted as above-IE3-class efficiency levels 100
(Case 3). IE3-Class Efficiency Levels
98 Above-IE3-Class Efficiency
Levels (Case 4)
IE4-Class Efficiency Levels
100 96

94
Motor Efficiency (%)

98
92
96
90
VSD Efficiency (%)

94 88

86
92

84
90 Four Poles, 50 Hz
Typical Full-Load Efficiency 82
0.1 1 10 100
88 for Standard VSDs
Motor-Rated Power (kW)
Full-Load Efficiency for
High-Efficiency 11
Four VSDs
Poles, 50 Hz
86 Full-load efficiency levels for motor-VSD units, considering
0.1 1 10 100 rotor I2R loss elimination and stator I2R and core losses
VSD-Rated Power (kW) reduction in four-pole, 50-Hz, IE3-class IMs, and the
9 VSD efficiency, denoted as above-IE3-class efficiency
levels (Case 4).
17
Typical full-load efficiency levels for VSDs.
 Considering the impact of the inverter output PWM vol-
tages on the motor efficiency as well as the inverter effi-
ciency, the overall efficiency is given by (3), where gvsd is
the VSD efficiency (in percent), gorig is the original effi-
ciency of the motor (in percent), gnew is the motor-VSD
unit efficiency (in percent), and Dgorig is the motor effi-
ciency decrease (in percentage points).
 
gnew ¼ 102  gvsd  gorig  Dgorig :
Using (3), Case 4 is analyzed in terms of efficiency
reduction due to the efficiency of the VSD, and the results
are presented in Figure 11. In this case, the impact of the
98
Four Poles, 50 Hz
96
94
92
90
Motor Efficiency (%)
VSD output PWM waveforms in the motor efficiency is
not considered.
Comparison of Standard
and Commercial Efficiencies
Some manufacturers sell integrated PMSMþVSD solutions,
which achieve full-load efficiency values significantly higher
than IE3 class. In Figure 12, the full-load efficiency of
commercial PMSMþVSD units from two different manu-
ð3Þ
facturers, as well as the estimated maximum achievable
full-load efficiency levels for PMSMþVSD units, is shown.
It can be seen that, for the low-power range, efficiency
improvements are still possible.
Materials Usage
IE2-class IMs incorporate more active materials than PMSMs,
as can be seen in Table 1 and Figure 13. According to two
PMSM manufacturers, PMSMþVSD units and IE2-class
IMþVSD units have an equivalent manufacturing cost.
However, IE3-class IMþVSD units incorporate more materi-
als and have a higher cost. Moreover, considering that copper
is not used in the rotor, IE3-class premium IMs incorporate
much more material than IE2-class IMs.
Therefore, in variable-speed applications, when com-
pared with IE3-class IMþVSD units, PMSMþVSD units
use less active materials. Even considering the additional

rotor magnet cost, PMSMþVSD have lower costs, and they

achieve significant energy savings, thus being more
88
environmentally friendly. As a consequence, in low-power
range variable-speed applications, it seems advantageous to
86 shift the market directly to IE4-class levels using PM technol-
ogy, jumping through the IE3-IM technology.
84
IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS MAGAZINE  JAN j FEB 2011  WWW.IEEE.ORG/IAS

Conclusions
82 Growing environmental concerns and high energy costs
emphasize the importance of considering the life-cycle costs
80 of nonstandard technologies. PM motors prove to be signifi-
cantly more efficient than IMs, particularly in the low-power
78 range. Moreover, they have higher power factor and cooler
operating temperature. Former disadvantages, such as the
76
0.1 1 10 100
Motor-Rated Power (kW) 1.1 kW/Four Poles
8
IE3-Class Efficiency Levels
7 IE1 IM_al
IE4-Class Efficiency Levels
IE2 IM_cu
Estimated Maximum Efficiency for 6 PMSM + VSD
EC-PMSM (Case 4)
IE1 IM + VSD
Brand A, Four-Pole, EC-PMSM 5
Line-Start PM
kg (kW)

Brand B, Four-Pole, EC-PMSM

4 One-Phase IM_al
Brand C, Ultrapremium-Class IM,
Adapted to 50 Hz 3
Brand D, Four-Pole, NonECLINE-Start PMSM
2
12
1
Comparison between IE3-class and IE4-class efficiency
levels, commercial EC PMSMs full-load efficiency 0
us
s
um
n

r
l

pe

et
ee

(considering the VSD efficiency), precommercial non-EC

ro

o
n
im
l/I

op

er
St

ag
ee

in

ym

line-start PMSM prototypes full-load efficiency, and the

C
e

M
um
or

St

l
Po
C

estimated maximum efficiency levels for EC PMSMs

Al

(considering the VSD efficiency), corresponding to the 13

above-IE3-class levels (Case 4) presented in Figure 11 [3], Materials usage (kg/kW) in different motor technologies.
18
[4], [12]–[15]. (Source: European motor manufacturer.)
higher costs, have now been rendered
obsolete. Therefore, even applications
that were exclusively limited to asyn-
THE RELATIVE
chronous motors for cost reasons can IMPORTANCE OF
now profit from the advantages of PM
motors. For single-speed applications, THE FIVE
with direct mains operation, the IM
still has a cost advantage, although new DIFFERENT KINDS
developments in line-start PMs may be-
come a cost-effective alternative. OF IM LOSSES
With variable-speed applications,
low-power IMs (with VSD) lose in terms DEPENDS ON
of energy efficiency, and they have simi- MOTOR SIZE.
lar cost to PMs (with VSD), which are
therefore an advantageous option.
Since the energy-saving potential
associated with super-premium IE4-class motors is large, chronous motor,” Proc. Int. Conf. Electrical Machines, Belgium, Aug.
and the technology to achieve such efficiency levels is 25–28, 2002. Paper 153.
already available to be produced in large scale, it makes [22] K. Kiurihara and M. Rahman, “High-efficiency line-start interior
permanent magnet synchronous motors,” IEEE Trans. Ind. Applicat.,
sense to promote such motors, by means of proper classifica- vol. 40, pp. 789–796, May/June 2004.
tion and labeling schemes and, in the near future, introducing [23] T. Miller, “Synchronization of line-start permanent-magnet ac
upgrade minimum energy performance standard (MEPS), motors,” IEEE Trans. Power App. Syst., vol. PAS-103, pp. 1822–1509,
particularly in the small-medium power ranges. July 1984.
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[2] A. de Almeida, Ed., “Improving the penetration of energy-efficient
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Commission DG-TREN, SAVE Programme, 2000.
[3] Rotating Electrical Machines—Part 30: Efficiency Classes of Single-Speed,
Three-Phase, Cage-Induction Motors (IE-Code), Ed. 1, IEC 60034-30,
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[4] Rotating Electrical Machines—Part 31: Guide for the Selection and Appli-
cation of Energy-Efficient Motors Including Variable-Speed Applications, Ed.
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Anı́bal T. de Almeida (adealmeida@isr.uc.pt), Fernando J.T.E.
Ferreira, and João A.C. Fong are with the University of Coim-
bra, Portugal. Ferreira is also with the Engineering Institute of
Coimbra, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal. de Almeida
and Ferreira are Senior Members of the IEEE. This article first
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