From laggard to world leader – the role of policies in the EU motors and drives market transformation

Panel: 7. Appliances, product policy and the ICT supply chain

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Anibal T. de Almeida, Institute of Systems and Robotics - University of Coimbra, Portugal
Joao Fong, ISR - University of Coimbra, Portugal
Hugh Falkner, Atkins Global, United Kingdom
Paula Fonseca, ISR - University of Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract

The importance of motors as a major consumer of electricity in industry and service buildings has been recognised for a long time. Several studies showed the very large energy saving potential for these products. However, in the year 2000 the EU motor market was dominated by low efficiency motors (IE0 represented about 70% of the sales). The paper addresses the evolution and impact of motor policies in the EU.

After a period of Voluntary Agreement with limited impact, the Commission Regulation 640/2009 was adopted, which specifies requirements regarding Ecodesign of electrical motors and the use of Variable Speed Drives (VSD), following the first EuP study on motors (Lot 11) which highlighted the importance of introducing Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards (MEPS) relating to these products in Europe.

A new study (Lot 30) has since then been carried out to evaluate the possibility of extending the scope of the Regulation to motors outside the current power range and to technologies other than three-phase induction motors. Electronic controllers, such as VSDs and soft-starters were also subject of the study.

Lot 30 identified a series of policy options that will lead to the reduction of environmental impacts taking into consideration the Life Cycle Cost and the best available technologies in the market. Scenario analysis projected the energy and economic savings for the period of 2013-2030 from each of these options. Six policy options were identified, as well as their possible implementation timelines. Innovative policies, such as Super-Premium and VSD MEPS were proposed for the first time making Europe the leading region in Motor systems regulation.

The policy options proposed, while reducing the environmental impact of motor systems, will begin to prepare the path for the introduction of system oriented policy options, based on the Extended Product Approach and the standardisation work being carried out by CENELEC with the EN50598 series of standards. The main results of the Lot 30 study are presented in this paper.