Electric rotating machine standard the past, present and future of motor & generator design

Electrical machine standards were dominated by the manufacturers until API 541 RP was created in 1972. Up until the mid 1960's, manufacturers constantly re-designed the electrical parts of the machine without user assistance. Critical motors servicing large pipeline pumps were specified with little or no features. All electrical connection points were mounted inside the enclosure and all key mounting dimensions were equally spaced from the center line. The manufacturer concentrated on rotor, stator, cooling and bearing systems. In the late 1950's and early 1960's, the manufacturers discussed more than just motor re-rates and the government intervened with enforcement of the anti-trust laws. From that point onward, the specification writing shifted from the electric machine supplier to contractors hired by the customer. Large manufacturing operations that dated back to the turn of the century were unable to control the market after patent rights expired. Without fixing prices, or the design of the product, new companies, able to revise existing designs to meet customer demands, thrived. In response, the leading electrical suppliers relocated facilities and subcontracted parts to remain competitive. In recent years, the IEEE sponsored API standards have decelerated the ever expanding specification demands placed on the manufacturers. This paper will review the development of past and current standards, and propose a new method of developing future standards so that the motor manufacturer can concentrate again onthe next rerate utilizing super conducting materials & magnetic bearings.