Taking responsibility for reducing carbon emissions
In 2017 Great Britain achieved its first ever working day without using power created from coal since the industrial revolution and for the first time, wind, nuclear and solar sources produced more than coal and gas. The rapid introduction of low carbon energy sources is a major step forward, but more can be done by reducing the actual demand for electricity.
Industrial applications of electric motors account for roughly 50% of all electrical demand, making them an excellent place to start reducing energy demands. This has two advantages for the end user, it reduces operational costs as well as contributing to the carbon reduction initiative.
Electric motor manufacturers and repairers have an opportunity to make improvements for end users by explaining the savings that can be achieved by implementing more efficient technology. Older motors will often benefit from the addition of a variable speed drive, while upgrading to higher efficiency motors will reduce running costs and extend service life.
Further reductions in energy usage can be achieved through energy audits, which highlight areas for improvement. Many industrial motors can be oversized for their application or poorly matched to the equipment they are powering. In some cases, motors can be reassigned to a new task and without proper assessment, this can lead to energy wastage.
With average lifetimes around 20 years, electric motors represent a considerable investment on the part of the end user. Furthermore, the fact that almost all of the total costs associated with each motor are determined by energy usage, means that selecting the most efficient product for the application will pay dividends for years to come.
However, it is important to understand that the electric motor is only half of the solution. Although it is responsible for converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, the efficiency of the pump, fan, gearbox or other equipment is equally important. Pumps offer a unique challenge and their design and suitability for an application have a considerable influence on their efficiency.
Similarly, gearbox designs have advanced considerably and with a similar service life to the motors, legacy assets can be improved when the time comes for repair or renewal. Improved machining accuracy, gear designs and bearing durability can all contribute to more efficient components, which in turn, help to reduce energy consumption.
By offering end users the option to adopt more advanced solutions and implement modern technology, AEMT Service Centres can help in reducing carbon emissions as well as cutting operating costs for their customers.
Image 1: AEMT Service Centres can help in reducing carbon emissions as well as cutting operating costs for their customers.
The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) was founded in 1945. It is an International Association representing leading companies in the electrical and mechanical service and repair industry. Members manufacture, distribute, install, service, maintain, and repair, electric motors, drives, pumps, fans, gearboxes, generators, transformers, switchgear, and ancillary equipment. In addition to motor and pump service facilities, most members operate mechanical engineering workshops for metal fabrication and the repair and refurbishment of worn components. Others include panel building facilities and some carry out repairs to industrial electronic equipment. Associate Members are companies that supply products and services to Members.
Proceeding the publication of AEMT’s and BEAMA’s jointly produced first code of practice for The Repair and Overhaul of Electrical Equipment for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres, which was adopted as the initial IEC 60079-19 international standard. The association has put together a selection of Training modules covering the Theory and Practical nature to ATEX and IECEx equipment repair. The modules are delivered as accredited training courses by expert teams across the globe.
Tel: +44 (0)1905 917477
Web: www.dmaeuropa.com
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Address: Progress House, Midland Road, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1AQ, United Kingdom