In future, electric motors worldwide are estimated to consume up to 40 percent of global electricity supply. With increasingly stringent environmental legislation and unreliable energy supply, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established regulations set out in its IEC 60034-30:2008 standard.
The IEC standard focuses on single speed, three-phase 50 Hz and 60 Hz AC cage induction motors in the 0,75 kW to 375 kW power range – the most widely used range of motors. According to this standard, motors are produced and categorised as IE1: ‘Standard Efficiency’, IE2: ‘High Efficiency’ and IE3: ‘Premium Efficiency’.
As of 1 January, the European Economic Area officially prescribed that all asynchronous AC motors with squirrel-cage rotors be classed as IE3. SEW-Eurodrive has proactively expanded its comprehensive portfolio of AC motors by adding new IE3-accredited units, says the company’s general manager for engineering, Conrad Pilger.
“Although the SEW-Eurodrive DR modular motor system has been available since 2008, it became IE3-compliant in 2014, after being optimised in dimensions, weight and performance. The systems can be integrated easily into existing machines and systems to enable greater energy-efficiency.”
The DR series is now the only system of its kind worldwide that satisfies the requirements of all efficiency classes, from IE1 to IE3, in a single product range. Despite the recent optimisation, the IE3 motors are compatible with the same components, which simplifies the stocking of spare and wear parts.
“This represents a significant cost benefit for suppliers and end customers. The new DR motors are as compact as an IE2 class motor of the same power rating. The motors are available in the power range between 0,75 kW and 200 kW, and can be combined with SEW-Eurodrive gear units using direct mounting, or as stand-alone motors,” continues Pilger.
While IE1 and IE2 motors are still commonplace in South Africa, Pilger indicates that rising electricity costs and continued load-shedding are factors prompting local industries to invest more money upfront in energy-efficient motors, in order to ensure long-term savings.
“The new motors from SEW-Eurodrive set standards in terms of global innovation and sustainability. Given that efficiency regulations are expected to get stricter worldwide, these new solutions will be recognised as the ‘motors of the future’ for the next 10 to 15 years,” he concludes.
SEW-EURODRIVE brings intelligent energy optimisation to Electra Mining SEW-EURODRIVE
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its DriveRadar IoT platform for predictive maintenance and real-time energy optimisation, alongside plant energy surveys and an 1850 kW medium voltage motor display.
Read more...Premium slewing rings from SKF SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.
Read more...World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.
Read more...Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE and SASTA celebrate milestone anniversaries SEW-EURODRIVE
News
[Sponsored] As the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association marks its centenary in 2026, SEW-EURODRIVE is celebrating 40 years of supporting South African industry with drive technology, engineering expertise and lifecycle support.
Read more...Automation without the mega factory Yaskawa Southern Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.
Read more...Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version