The Government of Singapore has embarked on a mission to reduce the carbon footprint in the little red dot from 2019. Their aim is to reduce carbon emissions by 36% by 2030.

Companies are expected to pay a Carbon Tax of S$5 for every tonne of emissions. This number is expected to go up to S$10 to S$15 by 2030.

Many climate change policies have also been implemented by the government under the Energy Conservation Act (ECA).

To foster a culture of energy saving, the Economic Development Board and the Energy Market Authority have teamed up to create the Energy Efficiency National Partnership Programme. They run the EENP Awards that rewards excellence in energy management.

Doing their bit to reduce the carbon footprint in Singapore is the NEA (National Environment Agency). They have introduced MEPS, that stands for Minimum Energy Performance Standards.

So what is MEPS?

MEPS lays down the specifications that suggest the maximum energy that can be consumed by a machine or a motor that uses energy to perform its task. This is a benchmark that is implemented by countries across the world. The early adopters were Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.

MEPS regulations are not only about improving energy efficiency, but it is also about ensuring user satisfaction when using machinery or devices.

The NEA in Singapore is responsible for implementing MEPS and there are a few regulations they have put in place for manufacturers.

MEPS for Electric Motors

As per reports submitted by the government, electric motors accounted for 80% of the energy consumption in 2015. This is natural because motors are present in almost every industrial application.

Stipulations from the NEA

From the 1st of October, 2018 every motor sold in Singapore is expected to be registered with the NEA and have to meet the minimum energy efficiency of IE3, which we will talk about further below.

According to the NEA, every supplier is required to display the following information on the nameplate of their motors.

1. The year of manufacture ;

2. IE Efficiency Class; (Which is a minimum of IE3 from 2018)

3. Nominal efficiency at 100%, 75% and 50% rated load

The type of motors that fall under the purview of MEPS is :

All single speed, 3-phase 50 Hz or 50/60 Hz induction motors that are rated on the basis of continuous duty operation, and with

1) 2, 4 or 6-poles;

2) Rated power between 0.75 kW and 375 kW; and

3) Rated voltage of up to 1,000V.

Companies under the purview of the NEA Singapore

Businesses that supply, manufacture, import and distribute 3-phase induction motors or equipment/system with a 3-phase induction motor such as pumps, fans and AHU’s come under the purview of the MEPS regulations according to the NEA.

What is IE3 Efficiency?

The International Electrotechnical Commission is the body the regulates and classifies motors of different types. Similar to energy rating stars in refrigerators, motors are also classified on their energy efficiency.

According to them, there are four energy efficiency classes that are listed as follows

IE1 - Standard

IE2 - High

IE3 - Premium

IE4 - Super Premium

According to the MEPS stipulations set by the NEA, every motor in Singapore is expected to be of the IE3 class that is the premium class in efficiency.

Benefits of IE3 Efficiency

- IE3 Motors have lower operating temperatures. This results in lesser thermal stress on the motor that keeps the bearings and terminals working for longer.

- They are more efficient than their predecessors because the air delivery is improved, which means there is lesser power consumed for the same end result.

- The materials and design of IE3 motors play a role in improved efficiency.

- Reduced stator copper losses as they have more active material

- Reduced iron losses by using high-grade silicon steel

- Reduced friction and windage losses by using better fan design

We are makers of IE3 Motors in Singapore

At SEW-Eurodrive, we believe in creating more advanced and energy efficient motors that comply with the law. Most companies might be under the impression that transitioning from IE1 to IE3 motors will be a difficult undertaking. We are here to solve the problem.

Our expertise and team of researchers have come up with IE3 motors that enable you to make a smooth transition. Some of the salient points of our IE3 Motors are as below.

• Our IE3 motors are generally of similar size and weight as existing IE1 motors.

• Our IE3 motors are compatible with our existing gear units.

• The reduced starting current ratio reduces the load on the protection devices in your system.

• The selection of options and accessories remain the same as per our existing designs.

• IE3 Premium Efficiency Motors can be up to 8% more efficient than IE1 motors.

Changing the landscape of the industry and the world.

SEW Eurodrive believes in creating sustainable products for a sustainable world. Our IE3 Motors improve the efficiency of the machine, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint. We believe in a smooth transition for all our partners and hence make subtle changes to our designs, so you don’t have to change everything about your machinery.

Reducing carbon emissions is paramount and the stakes are quite high. If we don’t reduce the carbon emissions considerably in the short-term future we face health consequences that are unprecedented. If we completely fail to reduce these emissions, it's highly likely that earth will run out of breathable air. If left unchecked, scientists estimate humanity will cease to exist by the year 2100.

Having said that, this is an avoidable circumstance. Taking small steps such as moving from IE2 to IE3 motors lead to drastic improvements in making our air and atmosphere better which paves the way to a greener and healthier life for future generations.

• Find out more about IE3 AC motors of the DRN.. series