Energy Efficient Large Motors with No Compromise
Optimising energy efficiency is a critical driver for the low carbon future.
But while proven technology for energy efficient motors and generators is readily available, customers are not always aware of the possibilities.
That is why ABB has developed the Top Industrial Efficiency (TIE) initiative to ensure that an option with the highest efficiency is always available and visible.
David Bjerhag, Global Business Line Manager, High Speed Synchronous at ABB Large Motors and Generators, outlines below how this higher efficiency option still fulfil all the same requirements as the base offering, but with no compromise on reliability or on using proven technology.
The drive towards sustainability is reshaping industries crucial to our global economy.
Energy or manufacturing sectors are facing unique decarbonisation challenges, and the common thread connecting these diverse industries is their reliance on large motors and generators. Since this equipment is indispensable, enhancing energy efficiency is not just nice to have, but essential.
It's projected that if all 300+ million industrial electric motors in operation worldwide were replaced with high-efficiency models, global electricity consumption could be reduced by 10%.Notably, while large motorsâthose above 375 kWâcomprise only a small fraction of this installed base, they account for about a quarter of total energy use.
This highlights the massive potential energy savings achievable by focusing efforts on these heavy-duty components.
Aligning efficiency, cost and sustainability
For large motors, generators or motor-driven systems it has been shown difficult to establish minimum efficiency standards given the unique pre-requisites for each installation.
Furthermore, a project typically involves a relatively complex supply chain accustomed to focusing on upfront investment cost instead of the total cost of ownership that the end user bears.
The TIE option is designed to compensate for this by highlighting savings in OPEX as well as CO2 saving over the typical 20-to-25-year service life.
It also provides a tangible action that companies can take today in facilitating the energy transition, since based on the Paris agreement, energy efficiency can contribute to 37% of the targeted reduction in CO2 emissions.
By promoting high-efficiency options that match the reliability and performance of lower-cost alternatives, the initiative aims to align long-term energy savings with sustainable industrial decision-making.
Milestones & challenges
Since its launch in 2022, the TIE initiative has facilitated a shift towards enhanced energy efficiency.
Industries with large electricity usage, such as air separation, have already set benchmarks by integrating high-efficiency technologies and prioritising energy savings.
TIE has seen marked success in renewable energy. For example, Ormat Technologies, a leader in renewable energy and a world-class developer in the geothermal sector, has adopted an ABB generator designed according to the TIE option for a geothermal plant in Indonesia.
It has achieved an efficiency level of 98.7% at unity power factor, helping the plant to minimize losses and optimize utilization of the geothermal energy source.
Based on Indonesia’s current average energy mix, the site will save around 200,000 kgs of CO2 emissions annually.
It is important to note that in many projects the supply chain can be complex. This means that the operator, who will benefit ultimately from enhanced energy efficiency, is often not fully involved in the specification process and may even be unaware of the options available.
That is why a key aim of the TIE initiative is to promote pull-through from end-users.
Significant potential for energy savings
ABB's TIE initiative proves its cost-effectiveness over time, although they are about 5% more expensive initially due to their superior materials and designs, they usually pay for themselves within 0.5 – 3 years.
Future regulations, such as CO2 taxes, potentially enhance these financial incentives, making the shift to energy-efficient systems even more attractive.
An open invitation to raise efficiency
The successful implementation of energy efficiency measures relies on pulling through end-user demand, so that prioritising energy efficiency can ripple through supply chains, encouraging an industry-wide adoption that advances climate goals.
That is why we are happy to share our TIE methodology with any other manufacturer.
This ensures that customers can have complete confidence that they can select the most efficient large motor or generator for their application without having to compromise on reliability, complexity, standards compliance and return on investment.
In essence, with TIE, customers have total transparency of information, so they know they really are comparing like with like.
Most importantly, they will have all the data they need to make a fully informed decision on a major investment that will impact their business for the next 25 years.
To learn more about how TIE could benefit you, click here.
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