By Eamonn Ryan from a SAIRAC Cape Town presentation

At the SAIRAC Cape Town Tech Talk, Marthinus Greeff from WEG South Africa discusses the vital topic of motor efficiency, emphasising its growing importance globally and its impact on South Africa’s energy landscape. The session highlights the need for more energy-efficient motors, especially with the upcoming regulatory changes in South Africa. This is Part 1 of a seven-part series.

The SAIRAC Cape Town Centre January TechTalk.

The SAIRAC Cape Town Centre January TechTalk. SAIRAC Cape Town Centre.

Electric motors account for 40% of the world’s electrical energy consumption, making them central to global energy-saving efforts. Greeff stresses that improving motor efficiency is both an industry priority and an environmental necessity. With global energy consumption rising by 50% from 2003 to 2023 and projections suggesting it could double by 2040 without proper efficiency measures, the push for more efficient motors is crucial in managing this surge and mitigating environmental impact.

The Shift from IE1 to IE3 Motors

A key topic of discussion was the transition from IE1 motors to IE3 motors, which are 3% more efficient and offer long-term cost savings. Starting from May 2024, South Africa has mandated IE3 motors for all low-voltage applications, impacting about 99% of motors in the country. This regulation aligns with global trends and signals a significant step toward improving energy efficiency across South Africa’s industrial operations.

Challenges and considerations

While the new regulations are a positive move, the transition to more efficient motors presents several challenges. For instance, rewinding motors must meet new compliance standards, particularly for critical applications like smoke fans. The need for industry adaptation and ongoing training to keep up with these changes is clear. Additionally, South African manufacturers must meet international standards to remain competitive in the export market.

Industry response and training

Greeff calls for continuous learning and awareness as the industry adapts to the IE3 regulations. Ongoing training is essential for staying informed about technological advancements and ensuring a smooth transition. The local industry has an opportunity to grow, innovate, and remain competitive globally as it navigates these regulatory changes.

Global energy challenges and the push for motor efficiency

Greeff discusses the global factors driving the need for energy-efficient motors, including population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation, particularly in developing regions like South Africa. Without efficiency measures, global energy consumption is predicted to double by 2050. Additionally, governments are under increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, with initiatives like the Paris Agreement pushing for more sustainable energy practices. Companies worldwide are now required to report their efforts to reduce emissions and implement green technologies, reshaping global industries.

The role of electric motors

Electric motors are the backbone of modern industry, powering systems like fans, pumps, and compressors. With such a large portion of global energy used for motors, improving efficiency is critical to reducing overall energy consumption. Motor efficiency has evolved significantly since the 1960s, with major advancements in the 1990s. Today, IE3 motors are standard, and even more efficient IE4 motors are being introduced in regions like the EU and Japan by 2027.

Continued in Part 2…