Review of upcoming motor and drive systems efficiency regulations in U.S. and Europe

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued new efficiency regulations in May of 2014 [1] for integral horsepower motors effective June 2016. This paper will provide an update on these new regulations for one (1) through 500 horsepower (HP) low voltage AC induction motors. The scope of coverage has been expanded to cover more configurations than in previous regulations. 56 frame enclosed motors are covered. Motor regulations for Canada and Mexico generally follow what is adopted in the U.S. Europe is updating succeeding regulations for LV motors (<1000 Volts) and drive systems with an “extended product approach” from 0.12 through 1000 kW by 2018. Additionally, the DOE is studying pump, fan and compressor systems and how the efficiency can be regulated. We will provide an overview of the DOE proposals and the new European standard for efficient drive systems in case any users wish to follow and become involved with comments. This paper will review the motor and system efficiency regulations for the U.S. which are being issued by the DOE and also discuss extended product regulations under development by the European Union (EU).