New eco-design requirements for single-phase electric motors

From 1st July 2023, EU Regulation 2019/1781, as amended by EU Regulation 2021/341, will come into force at European level, establishing new eco-design requirements for the placing on the market or putting into service of single-phase electric motors. This is in accordance with Directive 2009/125/EC. The aim is to raise the performance requirements, thereby decreasing the environmental impact and consumption of resources.

Previously, electric motors were regulated through multiple energy efficiency standards, but these have been repealed and replaced with new regulations. This bold move comes as part of the European Commission's effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and control the environmental impact of single-phase electric motors.

What Does the Regulation Apply to?

This Regulation applies to the following products:

Induction electric motors without brushes, commutators, slip rings or electrical connections to the rotor, rated for operation on a 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz sinusoidal voltage, that:

  • Have two, four, six or eight poles
  • Have a rated voltage U N above 50 V and up to and including 1 000 V
  • Have a rated power output P N from 0,12 kW up to and including 1 000 kW
  • Are rated on the basis of continuous duty operation
  • Are rated for direct on-line operation

Variable speed drives with 3 phases input that:

  • Are rated for operating with one motor referred to in point (a), within the 0,12 kW-1 000 kW motor rated output range
  • Have a rated voltage above 100 V and up to and including 1 000 V AC
  • Have only one AC voltage output

The requirements in the previous section shall not apply to the following motors:

a) Motors completely integrated into a product whose energy performance cannot be tested independently from the product.

b) Motors with an integrated variable speed drive (compact drives) whose energy performance cannot be tested independently from the variable speed drive.

c) Motors with an integrated brake which forms an integral part of the inner motor construction and can neither be removed nor powered by a separate power source during the testing of the motor efficiency.

d) Motors specifically designed and specified to operate exclusively:

  • At altitudes exceeding 4 000 metres above sea-level
  • Where ambient air temperatures exceed 60 °C
  • In maximum operating temperature above 400 °C
  • Where ambient air temperatures are less than – 30 °C
  • Where the water coolant temperature at the inlet to a product is below 0 °C or above 32 °C

e) Motors specifically designed and specified to operate wholly immersed in a liquid.

f) Motors specifically qualified for the safety of nuclear installations.

g) Explosion-protected motors specifically designed and certified for mining.

h) Motors in cordless or battery-operated equipment.

i) Motors in hand-held equipment whose weight is supported by hand during operation.

j) Motors in hand-guided mobile equipment moved while in operation.

k) Motors with mechanical commutators.

l) Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV) motors.

m) Motors placed on the market before 1 July 2029 as substitutes for identical motors integrated in products placed on the market before 1 July 2023.

n) Multi-speed motors, i.e. motors with multiple windings or with a switchable winding, providing a different number of poles and speeds.

o) Motors designed specifically for the traction of electric vehicles.

A Look at Previous Regulations and Reasons for Change

The former regulation implemented on 1st July 2021 was fragmented and didn't adequately address the environmental concerns arising from the growing electric motor industry. The updated rules aim to streamline the requirements and expand their scope, considering a broader range of electric motors and variable speed drives. By incorporating these new changes, the EU strives to reduce the environmental impact of electric motors and encourage more efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices in the industry.

Comprehensive Changes Impacting Motor Manufacturing

The primary changes that have come into effect include specific exemptions for certain motors, such as those with mechanical commutators, totally enclosed non-ventilated motors, multi-speed motors, and motors designed exclusively for specific conditions. Other key changes include:

  1. Software updates modifying any product's performance are no longer permitted.
  2. Verification procedures have been established for market surveillance purposes by Member States.
  3. From July 1st 2023 onwards, all surface pumps with air-cooled single-phase motors rated between 120 W and 1000 kW must be equipped with an IE2-efficiency motor.
  4. All pumps already present before 1st July 2023 can be sold normally, as according to the regulations, they are considered already on the market.

As per the regulation, these requirements apply to induction electric motors, variable speed drives, and under certain conditions, glandless standalone circulators and glandless circulators integrated into products.

Acknowledging the Environmental Benefits and Alignment with Current Goals

Environmentalists appreciate the new Ecodesign Regulation as a positive move towards a greener future for the electric motor industry. By setting more stringent energy efficiency standards, the overall carbon footprint can be reduced while still meeting growing energy demands.

This action by the EU aligns with their ambitious environmental goals set forth in various programs, such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, aimed at achieving a climate-neutral and zero-pollution continent by 2050.

Practical Advice for Manufacturers and Consumers

For manufacturers, it is crucial to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements and ensure their products comply with the new standards. This includes updating product designs and certification processes, as well as working closely with suppliers and distributors to maintain a transparent supply chain.

Consumers, on the other hand, might initially face slight increases in the cost of electric motor-powered products.

All pumps Anchor Pumps sell have been working on the required specifications for some time and will be ready for the regulation to enter into force on schedule from all points of view: technological, developmental and productive.