When federal Energy Efficiency Regulations for 1 to 200 hp polyphase induction motors came into effect on February 3, 1995 they caused a great deal of concern because of the way motors were defined under the regulations.
Now, that definition may be changing.
The regulations specify minimum energy efficiency standards for these motors as well as other requirements with respect to energy performance verification marking, reporting of information to the Ministry of Natural Resources and information to be provided on customs documents upon importation. The motor energy efficiency standards specified in the regulations are found in CSA-C390-M1985, Energy Efficiency Test Methods for Three Phase Induction Motors, Table 3, Minimum Quoted Efficiency Values.
A proposal has been made by the ministry to amend the regulations with respect to electric motors. More specifically, it could revise the electric motor definition and establish higher energy efficiency standards for 1 to 200 hp electric motors. The proposed standards are those specified in Table 2, Minimum Nominal Efficiency of CSA-C390-93. These are the same minimum efficiency levels as those currently in force in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The are also the same as those in the 1992 United States Energy Policy Act that will take effect in the in October 1997.
Concerns have been expressed with respect to the motor definition and the types of motors that should be
covered. Other issues relate to the basic model definition, reporting based on motor model number, the
energy efficiency report, importing of motors, motor energy performance verification programs, and the
impact of the regulations on original equipment manufacturers.
Motor Definitions
Current regulations cover an electric induction motor of the polyphase, squirrel cage and single speed. It must be an Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association of Canada/National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) design A or B type that has a power of not less than 0.746 KW (one horsepower) and not more than 150 KW (200 horsepower), other than an integral gear motor.
This definition was harmonized with the motor definition included in provincial energy efficiency
regulations which are based on Clause 4.10 of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard CSA-C390-93, Energy Efficiency Test Methods for Three-Phase Induction Motors.
Issues
From the questions and comments the ministry has received since the regulations took effect, it has become apparent this definition is not precise enough to adequately define all motors subject to that criteria. Comments have also regarded a number of motor types included by this definition that for technical reasons should, perhaps, not be included.
The ministry has been investigating this issue and there are a number of activities, currently in progress, that have an impact on this matter.
The U.S. Department of Energy is in the process of developing a proposed rule for motors and has sought advice with respect to the motor definitions in the 1992 U.S. Energy Policy Act (EP Act). It specifies motor energy efficiency standards that will come into effect in October 1997. The EP Act states that an electric motor is any motor which is a general purpose T-frame, single speed, foot-mounting polyphase squirrel cage induction motor of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Design A and B, continuous rated, operating on 230/260 volts and constant 60 hertz line power as defined in NEMA Standards Publication MG 1-1987.
The EP Act specifically exempts definite purpose and special purpose motors; they are considered to be any motor designed in standard ratings with standard operating characteristics or standard mechanical construction for use under service condition other than usual or for use on a particular type of application. They cannot be used in most general purpose applications.
Special-purpose motors are those other than a general-purpose motor or definite-purpose motor, which has special operating characteristics, or special mechanical construction (or both) designed for a particular application.
Since harmonization of equipment energy efficiency regulations is a major criteria of the energy efficiency regulatory program, it has been suggested the ministry adopt the U.S. motor definitions. However, there have been some questions raised as to what constitutes a general purpose motor and the U.S. Department of Energy has sought advice in the interpretation of the definite purpose motor definition. As well, tincluding metric equivalents in the definition is being considered.
There are other considerations with respect to the U.S. electric motor definition. The most common voltage used in Canadian industry is 575 V as opposed to that of 230 V and 460 V used in the U.S. In addition, the blanket exclusion of motors which are not foot mounted has generated some discussion in Canada.
The ministry is involved with the CSA technical subcommittee responsible for the CSA-C390 standard. Due to the questions that have come up with regard to the use of the CSA-C390-93 Clause 4.10 definition to identify motors that must meet minimum efficiency levels, the committee has set up a task group to review this clause. At a meeting of the committee in May 1995, the task group was asked to provide a recommendation that would provide a more precise definition of the motors covered along with specific identification of excluded motors. The task group will also provide a recommendation with respect to the inclusion of metric motors. Its work should be completed this fall.
The ministry is particularly interested in receiving proposals regarding the inclusion of IEC (metric) motors in the motor amendment. It wants to develop a motor definition which reflects the scope of motors that will be covered by CSA-C390 and is harmonized to the greatest extent possible with the U.S. motor definitions.
Economic analysis related to motors that will be included by the definition, and therefore regulated, must demonstrate benefits in terms of energy savings and CO2 emission reduction. The ministry has initiated analysis with respect to the technical and economic implications related to motors that are being considered for inclusion or exclusion in the motor amendment.
The ministry may include the following types of motors in the next motor regulations:
IEC type (metric) motors
Flange mount motors with or without feet
Explosion proof motors
Motors for voltages other than 230, 460 and 575 volts
Vertical pump motors other than "P" flange (high thrust bearing) and hollow shaft motors
Close coupled pump motors, gear motors and washdown duty motors (tests to determine nominal efficiency
conducted with seal removed)
Other motors may not be included in the regulations:
Inverter duty motors for adjustable speed drives
"U" frame motors
S48 and S56 frame motors
Motors with special mechanical construction (saw arbor, hermetic and submersible pump motors)
Motors with special performance requirements (NEMA design C and D, multi-speed motors)