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Motors, motors everywhere
Every moment of every day we are surrounded by motors. Motors turn the fans
and pumps for the equipment that keeps our homes and buildings comfortable. Large motors power industry for the manufacture of many products. Medium and small motors are essential components of refrigerators, computers, pool pumps
and many other appliances and devices that we frequently use. It is not surprising, therefore, that 51 percent of all electricity generated is converted to mechanical work by motors.
Motor manufacturers and distributors, which sell motors, as well as original equipment manufacturers [OEMs], which buy motors to put into their products,
call on Advanced Energy for its expertise in motor reliability and efficiency to improve products and profits.
Manufacturers
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act [EPAct] was signed into law in 1992, requiring all motor manufacturers to have a U.S. Department of Energy [DOE] issued EPAct compliance certification before they can import and sell motors in the United States. This process often takes several months to a year, depending on variables; therefore, having a guide during the process can prove invaluable.
Advanced Energy serves manufacturers with expertise on the compliance certification process and its NVLAP-accredited motor test lab.
Distributors
Similar to an original equipment manufacturer, a distributor needs
a way to evaluate motor quality
and performance before comitting
to a manufacturer's contract. This is critical, as distributors are a conduit
for thousands and millions of motors, and their reputation is based on the quality and reliability they provide
at a reasonable cost.
Original equipment manufacturers
Original equipment manufacturers often purchase motors by the thousands or even millions. Since these motors go into products branded with the OEM’s name, the motor’s quality and reliability become synonymous with the OEM, regardless of the motor manufacturer. OEMs are continually challenged to take cost out of their product, and the motor is often one of the most expensive components in the system. With rising iron, steel and copper prices, it is becoming more
and more challenging to find low-cost, high-quality motors.
Industrial facilities
A typical industrial facility has hundreds or even thousands of
motors in use. These motors often
only receive attention when they
fail. Due to rising energy costs, it
is imperative for companies to
closely manage their energy
expenses to stay competitive.
Since motors are responsible for
such a large percentage of energy used by facilities, improvements in motor efficiency and reliability have significant impacts on operating costs.
Advanced Energy
Many companies in the electric motor industry rely on Advanced Energy for an accurate and unbiased evaluation
of motors, whether it is endurance
runs to test reliability, or tear-down analysis to assess the quality of
design and construction, or efficiency testing to comply with government standards. Advanced Energy is the only independent lab in the country certified to do motor efficiency testing, and the Advanced Energy motors staff is well versed in all aspects of motor management, use and evaluation.
Every participant in the motor supply chain seeks Advanced Energy for its knowledge and ability to demonstrate motor performance.
WorldWide Electric Corp. [Pittsford, N.Y.] imports and distributes electric motors, selling them to thousands
of customers nationwide. In the past eight years, the company grew from five employees and $6 million in sales to 30 employees and $45 million
in sales. They are the largest independent importer of electric motors in the United States.
During their growth, WorldWide
relied on Advanced Energy to
qualify the manufacturers from
which it gets motors and to validate the performance of those motors
for its customers.
“Advanced Energy provides WorldWide immediate credibility in reference to both importing / exporting electric motors,” said WorldWide President Rick Simmonds. “[They are] the leading independent, non-biased testing laboratory.”
Distributors such as WorldWide
are finding that customers are
asking more questions about certifications and accreditations
on the imported motors they are purchasing. Advanced Energy provides the credibility and
assurance they need.
