India driving fast toward energy-efficient motors

Market share of efficient motors has been increasing across the world, and India is catching up with the trend faster than expected
Today energy efficiency is of dominant importance due to the ever-increasing electrical energy demand, increasing awareness around global warming, and the increase in prices of fossil fuels. Electrical motors are the most important type of electrical load in every industry. Moreover, Electrical Motors Driven Systems (EMDS) consume approximately 65 per cent of energy consumed by the industry.
Electric motors and the systems they drive are the single largest electrical end use, consuming more than twice as much as lighting — the next largest end use. It is estimated that EMDS account for between 43 per cent and 46 per cent of all global electricity consumption, raising about 6,040 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The largest proportion of motor electricity consumption is attributed to mid-size L.T motors with output power of 0.75 kW to 375 kW. Asynchronous alternating current (AC) induction motors are most frequently used and consume the most energy. These motors are either sold to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrated into pre-packaged electromechanical products (such as pumps, fans, compressors, etc.), or sold as standalone motors that final customers then integrate into a specific application on site. Such standalone motors are used in large volumes, according to standardised input power and size specifications, with varying channels to market and integration into electromechanical systems.
Standards for energy efficient motors in IndiaThe Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) formulates the standards, and recently BIS has launched the revised energy-efficient motor standards IS12615:2011 in-line with international motor standards IEC 60034-30.
Major points in revised IS12615: 2011This is the second revision. The first revision happened in 2004. The 2004 version had only two levels – Eff1 and Eff2 having a scope of 2P and 4P motors up to 160 kw, and 6P motors of up to 132 kw. The testing methodology was also different back then. This standard got harmonised in 2008. After that the testing procedures and efficiency classes, i.e. IE1, IE2 and IE3 were defined. Going further, in 2011, India also harmonised with the global IEC standard as well as came up with its IS12615:2011.
The scope of IS12615: 2011 standard was revised/extended from 0.37kw to 375kw, over IS12615: 2004. The total band of IS12615: 2011 standard has been classified into IE2 and IE3 efficiency classes. Further, parameters like breakaway torque, current and full-load current are included. The standard also specifies that IE2 is the baseline motor efficiency class. Going further, BIS has created a road map stating that by January 2014, the scope shall be IE3.
Barriers in penetration of high-efficiency motors in Indian market

Lack of awareness among motor purchasers, regarding the potential for energy and cost savings by using more efficient motors within energy-efficient EMDS.
Company organisational structures that manage their equipment procurement budget separately from operations and maintenance budgets.
The fact that motors are often integrated into equipment produced by OEMs before sale to the final end user.
The major barrier is that SMEs have to change their mindset toward the life cycle cost of the motor. Every purchase in industry units needs to weigh the savings that can be achieved through energy-efficient motors. There is always a tendency in the Indian market to go for the lowest initial cost instead of analysing the life-cycle cost. However, as this cost is hidden, people tend to take the decision to purchase a motor, based on the initial cost which amounts to only 4 per cent cost which goes for purchasing. Almost 88 per cent of the total lifetime cost of the motor is because of the consumed energy or the running cost.

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