ASHRAE to drop power factor standard

Journal Article · Mon Feb 11 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:5491069

Murnane, T

Most electric motor manufacturers approve the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) decision to drop an 85 or above power factor standard for electric motors because they feel that motor efficiency will improve in response to demand. Noting that the sale of energy-efficient electric motors increased by 441% from 1977 to 1979, they feel the standard is not justified. Some utilities penalize users with low power factors, although efficiency rather than power factor will have more effect on the users' electric bills. Motor manufacturers will continue to list power factor as a part of their sales data in spite of ASHRAE'S decision. The National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) agrees with manufacturers that, while users want efficiency information and ratings, government-imposed standards are not needed. Users have improved power factor with controllers and other devices, but conversion to energy-efficient motors is considered to be more cost-effective. Major suppliers of integral electric motors and manufacturers of new motors are listed.

• OSTI ID: 5491069
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 5:6; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320300* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes
DIRECTORIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
MANUFACTURERS
MOTORS
POWER FACTOR
REGULATIONS
STANDARDS