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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Development of a method for estimating motor efficiency and analyzing motor condition

Conference ·
OSTI ID:672144

There is a need for an efficiency estimating tool that can be used easily and with a reasonable level of confidence so that motors can be evaluated for replacement with energy efficient motors in a simple, cost-benefit analysis. In addition, it would be desirable to assess the condition of the motor at the same time the efficiency is being measured. This report provides an overview of various methods for estimating the operating efficiency of a motor without actually removing it from service and testing it on a dynamometer; the report also provides a concept for including a motor condition diagnostic into the same tool. The efficiency estimation and motor diagnostic tool needed for the cost-benefit analysis must be easy to use, without disrupting the operating process and must provide a reasonable accuracy. The study reports on several efficiency estimation methods and compares them with actual dynamometer measurements of efficiency. It is found that reasonable estimates can be made without a high level of cost and disruption of the process.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); USDOE Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
OSTI ID:
672144
Report Number(s):
ORNL/CP--97271; CONF-980649--; ON: DE98004894
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English