Category: energy saving

IE3 Motors –– Best Ways to Save Energy and Reduce Cost

by vemcoblogs -
IE3 Motors

One of the most commonly used equipment especially in the construction and manufacturing sector is the IE3 electric motor. IE stands for “International Efficiency” and 1,2,3 are the classes of this global energy efficiency standard. But improper usage and poor maintenance can make even these premium quality motors a burden. In this blog, we take you through some of the best ways to save energy and reduce costs with your IE3 motors. 

What is an Electric Motor?

An electric motor simply is a device that converts electric energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy can then be used to power a wide range of tasks such as drilling or pumping.

Tips to Save Money and Cost With an Electric Motor

Now let’s quickly go through some effective tips to improve the energy efficiency of your electric motor and save some precious units and money.

1. Regular inspection

An electric motor mostly falls prey to low resistance due to the deterioration of the winding insulation as a result of corrosion, overheating, or physical damage. Subsequently, leaks and short circuits can lead to frequent breakdowns. Regularly inspecting the insulation is therefore of utmost importance.

2. Selection of the Motor

Induction motors are best suited for a variety of applications that require continuous duty like centrifugal pumps, blowers, lifts, compressors, and textile mills. Likewise a wide variety of motors, that is, reversible, torque or synchronous are best suited for a unique set of tasks given their design characteristics. Select the right motor after thorough research for the highest efficiency.

3. Application of Motor

Whether your applications are fixed speed or variable speed will also make a difference to your energy efficiency plan. Wherever possible, use adjustable speed drives (ASDs) or two-speed motors. These can reduce consumption when the task doesn’t require uniform levels of energy.

4. Sizing of the Motor

A motor is at its highest efficiency when it operates at near full load conditions. As soon as the load drops, even the efficiency of the newest high-efficient motor set will go down. Normally, a slightly oversized motor is recommended for a particular application.

5. Invest in IE3 Energy Efficient Motors

As already explained, IE3 motors are the premium standard motors in terms of energy efficiency globally.  These energy-saving motors are a result of improved design, better materials, and higher tolerance.

6. Understand the Energy Use

An electric motor converts electrical energy into heat and rotational energy. But understand the difference between motor load (torque) and motor speed. Slow motors that have to carry heavy loads consume much more energy as compared to fast motors with fewer or no loads.

7. Reduce Wear and Tear

Downtime caused due to wear and tear can be quite expensive. Strong early currents can cause a lot of wear because of the stress created on the system. It is best to use soft starters to reduce wear and tear and increase the lifespan of the motor.
For more details on energy savings on your electric motor, or about our range of products like Crompton motors, Bharat Bijlee motors, and Kirloskar motors, speak to our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is one of the leading motor dealers in Mumbai with a  special prowess in industrial motors and energy-saving motors.

What is Net Energy Metering & how it helps to Save Energy?

by vemcoblogs -
Net Energy Metering to Save Energy

Businesses and homeowners generating their own electricity using solar may have some surplus energy that they can sell by feeding it into the grid. With net metering, this amount is offset against their current bill from their electricity provider. As solar power becomes increasingly popular, more and more customers are likely to benefit from the concept of net metering which is great for households and businesses, as well as the environment at large. Net metering is such an attractive concept, solar EPC companies in Mumbai and beyond are receiving endless queries about it. So in this blog, let’s simply explain what it is all about, and how it can benefit you.

What is net metering?

Net metering is a billing system wherein users of solar energy are credited for the electricity that they add to the grid. A user may not use the entire amount of electricity generated by the solar power system, especially during the day. If the house is net-metered, the solar net meter will run backward to provide credit for the electricity used at night or other peak usage periods. Customers are charged only for the “net” usage, and the exported electricity is used to serve nearby customers.

How net metering works

The solar power system of a customer is connected to the electricity grid through the main service panel and the power meter. When the solar system generates surplus electricity, it is transferred to the main grid through a bi-directional solar net meter. Sending out electricity reverses the meter from its normal direction. 

The simple billing mechanism of net metering is that customer only pays the bill for the “net” electricity consumed, that is, the difference between the power purchased from the electricity provider and the power returned to the grid. 

How it helps monetarily

Net metering is a great way to put a financial value on the surplus electricity generated by your solar power system. 

  • It brings down consumers’ cost of energy because the value of the surplus power exported is offset against that consumed. This can slash consumers’ electricity bills significantly.
  • No investment is required in an expensive battery bank. This is because net metering allows consumers to use the grid itself as a huge power bank that stores surplus power. A small backup should be enough for power outages.
  • The main components of a net metering system are solar modules and an inverter. Both components are highly easy and inexpensive to maintain, as there are no moving parts and hence little wear and tear. Modules in fact have a pretty long warranty period and are manufactured from semiconductor material. These are mostly protected by tempered glass.
  • With net metering, you can capture vital information like the consumption and export of electricity. This can help you understand your usage patterns and select just the right plans from your electricity provider. This can make your consumption more streamlined, efficient and cost-effective. 

For further information on net metering or any solar project, get in touch with VEMC at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are one of the top solar installation company in Mumbai. You can also get in touch with us for solar power installation in Mumbai and beyond, and benefit from our excellent service.

A Pump Energy Audit By VEMC Lead To Substantial Savings For Its Customer

by vemcoblogs -
Pump Energy Audit for savings

An energy audit can be a great way to rein in the energy costs of your pump. This is not just important for businesses but also for the global society at large. Greater energy costs can severely hamper our efforts to create a more pollution-free and sustainable world. As per audit statistics, up to 60% energy that pumps consume can be saved. Replacing old pumps or spares after the energy audit can therefore save an incredible amount of energy. VEMC has unparalleled experience and expertise in energy audits and helps its clients remain efficient, cost-effective, and highly competitive in the market.

The procedure of the energy audit:

They say, “what cannot be measured, cannot be managed”. When going for client audits, VEMC measures three parameters: flow, differential head, and electricity consumed.

  • The flow is measured using a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter.
  • Two pressure gauges installed at suction and discharge help measure the differential head.
  • A simple power meter can help measure the amount of electricity used by the pump.

VEMC provides measurement accuracy of up to +/-3%.

Assessment plan:

  • On-site inspection of pumping systems with relevant equipment
  • Collecting and punching data for parameters like flow, differential head, and energy consumed.
  • Generating reports that highlight current and potential areas of energy saving
  • Presentation of observation and implementation of the energy optimization regime

Performance assessment of pumps:

On one energy audit, VEMC found that the efficiency of the condenser pumps of a client was on the lower side. We recommended the following to the client:

  • Replace the rotating assembly for energy savings
  • Replace the 250 kW motor with an IE4 motor of the same capacity. These are more efficient, would reduce energy consumption, and boost output.
  • Since the pumps were operating 24/7, Corrocoat was the impeller for energy optimization.
  • Change the discharge line valves to control the discharge pressure of the pump as per the requirement

Carrying out these recommendations would cost the client a maximum of Rs. 29 lakhs (cost of rotating assembly = Rs. 12 lakhs, and IE4 motor up to Rs. 17 lakhs.)

Carrying out these recommendations had a significant impact on energy saving as well as cost-cutting.

  • The estimated savings in terms of flow at 32 m head of the same pump was 1820 cum/hr.
  • Likewise, the power consumed was reduced from 196 to 194.34 kW, which is an 8% energy saving.
  • The total energy saving of the condenser pump was 119084 per annum, which given the costs per unit (Rs. 10) translated into monetary savings of Rs. 1190840.
  • Given the savings, the Rs. 29 lakh investment on the pump was estimated to get paid back within a period of just 21.2 months or 1.8 years.

It is very clear that a VEMC energy audit shows remarkable energy-saving and cost-optimization results. To get your first pump energy audit conducted, get in touch with us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in