Potential savings for induction motor drive systems for heating ventilation and air-conditioning applications

This paper investigates the potential savings using improved motor and power electronic technology and improved motor control, for different heating ventilation and air-conditioning load profiles. Different energy labels (eff1-eff3) and different voltage/frequency (V/Hz) control have been investigated. The general conclusion is that economical savings will be made, both for an induction motor (IM) and frequency converter replacement. The analysis also shows that the choice between an eff2 and eff1 IM, for the given load profiles, always generate the highest saving for the eff1 IM. It is also shown that losses introduced by the commonly over dimensioning of the motor can result in increased energy efficiency with appropriate converter control compared with the use of a motor with lower rating, which is opposite to the case with a grid connected IM.