The energy performance of an alternative current (AC) electric motor system is influenced by a number of factors. These typically include the motor efficiency at full load, which depends on the type of motor (i.e. standard efficiency, energy efficient or premium efficiency), the motor capacity, the load factor (i.e. the ratio of the average load during operating hours over the full load capacity), the motor speed, the load type (i.e. standard or centrifugal), the number of hours that the motor is operating and the electricity load of the motor. Refer to the Motor Schematic for more information.

Software & Data
The RETScreen Software Motor Model can be used worldwide to evaluate the energy use and savings, costs, emission reductions, financial viability and risk for motor energy efficiency measures. The software can model a wide variety of projects ranging from installation of multi-speed motors or variable speed drives (VSD) on motors for fans in commercial and institutional buildings, to replacement of standard efficiency motors for energy-efficient or premium efficiency motors in commercial and institutional buildings and industrial facilities, to under-loading reduction (and avoiding over-sized motors) and run-time reduction on three-phase induction motors for pumps, compressors, conveyor belts, grinders and heavy-duty electrical networks in industrial facilities. The model also calculates the cross-effects of other energy efficiency measures employed in the facility (e.g. heating and cooling impact of installing premium efficiency motors). The software (available in multiple languages) also includes product, project and climate databases, and a detailed user manual.

Click here to download RETScreen 4 (36 MB).

Training material
Electric Motors - UNEP - Presentation slides (2.10 MB)
Electric Motors - UNEP - Speaker's notes (33 KB)
Electric Motors - UNEP - Workshop exercise (9 KB)
Electric Motors - UNEP - Quiz (20 KB)

e-Textbook / Guides
Electric Motors - UNEP - Guide (1.22 MB)
Electric Motors - UNEP - Option checklist (31 KB)
Energy-Efficient Motor Systems Assessment Guide (4.77 MB)
Premium-Efficiency Motors - Technical fact sheet (195 KB)

Case studies / Templates
Energy efficiency measures - Industrial - Manufacturing - Plastic
Energy efficiency measures - Industrial - Motors