ABB Commits to Offering Customers The Top Industrial Efficiency Option

Electric motor-driven systems such as compressors, refrigerator systems, conveyors and pumps, account for 45% of the world's energy usage, with large motors, those drawing over 375kW, accounting for 23% of all electricity consumed by motors. Increasing the energy efficiency of these motors is one of the single most beneficial steps that can be taken to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. However, the current international energy efficiency standards only cover motors up to 1,000kW, leaving a significant portion of the energy used by motors uncovered. Improving the performance of these large motors by one to three efficiency classes, through selecting the most efficient solution, could lead to a dramatic reduction in energy consumption and carbon dioxide footprints.

The TIE option launched by ABB is a promise to deliver large motors and generators with the highest possible energy efficiency, without compromising reliability, complexity or specification compliance. It is a contractual commitment that suppliers will make to provide their most efficient solution available.

The TIE option is not intended to compete with new and more demanding standards but rather to raise awareness and actively support the fasttrack introduction of official standards for large electrical equipment. ABB believes that by providing cost-effective alternatives to current standards, it can effect change that will ultimately benefit not only its customers but all stakeholders.

ABB's Large Motor and Generator factory in Västerås has already achieved a large motor efficiency level of 99.05%, which is currently the highest known commercial efficiency achieved and equivalent to an IE7 rating. Each individual motor or generator is tested before delivery, allowing ABB to monitor efficiency increases over time. Despite the efficiency levels so far achieved, ABB sees room for improvement, with the potential to further increase the energy efficiency of the products they deliver by one to three IE classes in general.

The TIE option has several key benefits, including the removal of all barriers, such as no added deviations to specs, no extra complexity, and no compromise on reliability. ABB believes that the TIE option is a practical measure that is free and open to everyone, and its uptake relies on customers prioritising efficiency and the total cost of ownership.

Should ABB's existing customers consistently opt to buy the TIE option, it would correspond to a 1.6 TWh electricity saving during the product's lifetime, leading to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and running costs.