February 09, 2004
Energy and Reliability Analysis Using Motor Diagnostic Technologies
Electric motor energy retrofits offer facilities both energy and reliability opportunities. Unfortunately, in many cases, most companies will not consider the opportunities unless a two-year simple payback is identified.
The costs which are considered, that make the decisions challenging, include the full cost of the replacement motor, the labor involved in removing and re-installing and other associated costs. When reviewing the cost benefits of a few percent efficiency, the load and the actual annual operating hours, the payback may show as a great many years.
Instead, when considering a repair versus replace decision, the costs involved are only the difference between the replacement cost of the new motor and the repair costs of the old motor. In this case, the increase in efficiency will normally provide a generous return on investment. However, if left until it is time to make the repair versus replace decision, getting equipment up and running takes precedence over energy improvements.
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