By Christo Kotze, product application leader, TeSys, Power Products Division at Schneider Electric.
Motor management plays an all-important role controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.
The above also makes a compelling case for organisations to use motor management to control motor energy costs, while maintaining operational resilience. From plant stoppages, damage to equipment, and risk to people or even the environment, motor failure can be quite expensive.
Implementing a holistic motor management strategy requires careful planning and the right combination of technologies. In the past, companies have been reluctant to implement a complete motor management due to the perceived technical complexities.
Fortunately, with the advent of IIoT, digitisation and advanced connectivity, a motor management strategy is far more attainable. Here are some important steps:
Implement application-oriented tools: For machine builders who source many of the motorised solutions, efficiencies increase when core machine components are easy to select, install, wire, commission, and can be remotely maintained.
Taking this one step further, automated configuration tools now allow OEMs, panel builders and even end users to generate quick and comprehensive solutions. These tools have been proved to reduce design and selection time by up to 40%.
Optimise energy performance: Connected service-orientated devices have the intelligence to operate motors at the optimum efficiency points, which in turn reduces electrical consumption by at least 30%.
Furthermore, intelligent motor starters such as Tesys Island and digital load management solutions make it much easier to optimise machine performance.
Each load feeder can provide asset data to optimise the machine and the process, and to provide actual line current data. These devices offer machine builders the option to monitor installed devices remotely, to provide their clients with a cloud-based predictive maintenance service, and ultimately monetise the newly accessible load asset data.
Improve software analytics: With intelligent motor management solutions in place, maintenance personnel can troubleshoot equipment remotely. Abnormal occurrence can be addressed before it becomes critical and results in production interruption. This intelligent pre-alarming is based on pre-set behavioural parameters.
The data gathered is combined and analysed with dedicated software solutions such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Asset Advisor, which allows for the future asset performance prediction.
By implementing a sound motor management strategy, organisations can accurately estimate how long a motor has been in use, when maintenance is needed, and how efficiently it is being utilised.
Ultimately, there are motor management solutions that are tailored to specific segments and which prioritise uptime, safety and efficiency. At Schneider Electric we provide the tools and data needed to make informed decisions about motor management and energy consumption across various industries
ndustry expertise drives SEW-EURODRIVE’s Electra Mining Africa presence
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase industry-specific drive technology, modernisation services and expanded aftermarket support at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with a focus on lifecycle support and operational optimisation.
Read more...Next-generation motor management solution Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...Virtualising the control room to reshape building management systems Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric explains how virtualising building management systems frees facilities teams from ageing hardware, delivers stronger cybersecurity and enables portfolio-wide control from a single interface.
Read more...How DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric argues that virtualising DCS environments breaks the cycle of hardware obsolescence, giving plant operators a smarter path to lifecycle modernisation without production disruption.
Read more...New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s SI Energise 2.0 programme offers system integrators a competency-based framework to develop deeper expertise in EcoStruxure and AVEVA software, enabling them to deliver full-lifecycle industrial automation solutions.
Read more...AI infrastructure solutions for data campus Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric and Motivair deliver more than $290 million in power and cooling infrastructure for TeraWulf’s AI-ready Lake Mariner data campus.
Read more...Schneider Electric launches circuit breaker for cost-effective LV protection Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EasyPact CVS C4 moulded case circuit breaker in South Africa, extending the Easy series to 1 600 A and giving consultants, contractors, and end users a cost-effective solution for non-critical low-voltage applications.
Read more...Schneider Electric launches cost-effective, high-performance LV protection Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EasyPact NW air circuit breaker in South Africa, extending its Easy series portfolio with a cost-effective solution for non-critical low-voltage applications in commercial, industrial and residential projects.
Read more...SF6-free switchgear brings digital intelligence to mining Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Combining pure-air switchgear with embedded digital intelligence helps mines cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and meet sustainability targets while enabling real-time visibility into critical electrical assets.
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