Program helps industries select, operate efficient motors

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, industry buys 20 percent of all U.S. electricity to operate motor-driven systems. The potential savings in system improvement opportunities are very large—more than 100 billion kWh per year and $3 billion in annual energy cost savings with existing and new technology by 2010.

To help industrial users capture those savings, the DOE Office of Industrial Technologies developed the Motor Challenge program. The industry/government initiative uses market forces to promote increased energy efficiency of motor systems while responding to industry needs. In addition to improving industrial energy efficiency, the program's objectives include enhancing manufacturing productivity and reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Motor Challenge evolved from a series of events that allowed industrial end-users and the companies that serve them to share in and help shape the program. As a result of that input, OIT created a set of resources that include an information clearinghouse, design decision tools, showcase demonstrations and workshops, conferences and training sessions.

The design decision tools, MotorMaster and MotorMaster+ software, catalog more than 12,000 three-phase electric-induction motors available in the US. Motor users and utililities can use that database to select the most suitable motor for their purposes. It also allows businesses or service providers to keep an inventory of all motors in use or in storage in any manufacturing plant, and to track maintenance, operation and replacement details.