| Summary: | Recognition of the energy savings potential in motor driven systems has led to the development of energy efficiency testing and classification standards for motors and end-use equipment (e.g., pumps and fans) and the implementation of minimum energy performance regulations targeting them worldwide. However, these standards and regulations have been limited to components, disregarding the interaction between them. The energy savings achievable by addressing and improving the entire system are potentially much higher in relation to those achievable when considering individual components. Recently, an effort to develop standards in this regard was carried out by standardization bodies (IEC and ISO) leading to the publication of the IEC61800-9 Power Drive System standard series. The paper, in its first part, describes recent evolutions in electric motor energy-efficiency standards and in the implementation of related regulations worldwide. In the second part of the paper, using the latest energy efficiency test and classification standards, a comparative analysis of different energy-efficient motor technologies is presented. Using results from laboratory tests combined with data provided by manufacturers, different power drive systems are compared considering different operating points in two typical pumping systems. Estimated economic savings from a total cost of ownership perspective are presented.
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