An assessment of the impact of Brazilian energy efficiency policies for electric motors

Abstract

The three-phase induction motor was the fundamental component for productivity and growth in the second industrial revolution in Europe and the United States in the late nineteenth century. Presently, it is the main charge in electrical systems on a global level. In Brazil, it reaches more than 65% of total electricity consumption. Policies were established on the minimum efficiency level of the three-phase induction motor to improve energy efficiency in the Brazilian electrical system. The Brazilian legislation for the performance of electric motors is recent because the first document was issued in 2002. Based on the policies on the performance improvement of motors, what were the changes that occurred in the three-phase induction motors with the squirrel-cage rotors marketed in Brazil? Therefore, this study evaluated the performance of 435 motors tested between 2015 and 2016, with powers between 1 HP and 250 HP for four normalized speeds based on three laws of electric motor performance: Presidential Decree No. 4,508/2002; Interministerial Ordinance No. 553/2005 and Interministerial Ordinance No. 1/2017. All data were collected via standardized laboratory tests accredited by the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization, and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). The results show that 97% of the tested motors have higher performances than Decree No. 4,508/2002. Relatedly. 64% have higher performances compared to what is stipulated by Ordinance 553/2005. Also, only 21% have higher performances compared to what is stipulated by Ordinance 1/2017.