Raising China’s electric motor efficiency

Panel: Panel 7: Making industries more energy efficient

Author:
Ming Yang, Energy and Environment Economist, International Energy Agency

Abstract

Electricity consumption by electric motors in China is projected to grow from 1,400 TWh in 2006 to approximately 3,000 TWh in 2020, accounting for about 60 % of total electricity consumption in the country. Over 70 % of total motor electricity consumption is attributed to inefficient medium and large induction motor systems (with a capacity of no less than 10 kW/unit). Thus, improving energy efficiency in electric motor systems provides significant potential for energy savings. A number of energy technologies — including intelligent motor controllers, (computerised devices to minimise energy inputs according to the drive loads of the motor systems), have been developed to exploit this potential. The objective of this paper is to assess the cost-effectiveness of improving the energy efficiency of China’s medium and large induction motor systems by using intelligent motor controllers. On-site interviews with technology investors and users have been undertaken. Financial and economic analyses have been carried out to justify cost-effectiveness. Two analytic scenarios have been designed to assess the impacts of energy efficiency policy on energy savings. CO2 emissions mitigation due to the use of advanced technology has been estimated. Four barriers to using new and wider technologies have also been identified. This paper concludes that (1) using intelligent motor controllers in China is financially viable within a payback period of less than two years; and (2) CO2 reduction could be over 570 million tons between 2007 and 2020.