Energy saving motor control in a box

When using the IE3 motor as required by the new ErP Directive installers have to consider the additional load put on control components at start up this may require uprating control gear or at least ensuring their existing equipment can withstand the higher in-rush currents produced by IE3 specification motors.

EcoStart used with an IE2 motor, is not only fully compliant with the Energy-related Products Directive (ErP) guidelines that come into force in January 2017, but also allow for more precise start up and running requirements of the motor. Supplied to run at 85% motor speed, EcoStart is an out of the box solution that can immediately provide up to 40% energy savings from first installation. The new motor starter also offers users enhanced adjustability if required, meaning it can be set to operate exactly to the specific requirements of the individual application, offering further cost savings, as well as many other benefits.

Complementing the energy saving benefits, EcoStart can also reduce in-rush current with a soft start and stop function that lessens mechanical wear and tear on both motor and machinery, reducing both maintenance costs and system downtime.

Further control of the motor speed is possible using the internal potentiometer and other parameters can be adjusted this means the innovative motor can ensure a closer match between the motor speed and the output requirement of the machine it’s driving. Plus, it’s as hassle-free to fit as a conventional DOL starter; easily fixed to a wall and wired; providing added flexibility for the installer.

Mark McCall, product marketing manager at Newey & Eyre commented: “With 21% of UK electrical consumption generated by industrial electrical motor driven systems, clearly there are vast energy savings to be had through improving technology in this sector. And as electricians will have seen over the last few years, this is being driven by both manufacturer innovation and the introduction of industry wide requirements, such as ErP.”

McCall said, that in the long term, the lower running and energy costs, coupled with reduced maintenance and system downtime, truly make products such as the EcoStart an important step in the right direction. “They will not only help the commercial sector to achieve the UKs carbon reduction commitments, but also make it even simpler for time-stretched installers to comply with the current regulations, as well as beyond.” He concluded: “Going the extra mile to provide contractors with the best tools to aid customers when specifying a new motor starter, Newey & Eyre has also developed a unique Newlec EcoStart App that can calculate the anticipated energy savings and payback period.”