Electric motors are the primary consumers of electrical energy in the industry. To reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact, the European Union sets mandatory ecological requirements. A new regulation, with a broader scope, comes into force in 2021.
Professionals in the bakery, pastry, food, healthcare, and fine chemicals industries, these changes might impact your mixing equipment.
European regulations on eco-design
Since the early 2000s, the European Union tries to integrate environmental issues into its scope to move towards more environmentally friendly products. The framework established by the Eco-design directive sets requirements that cover energy-related products, such as electric motors.
Therefore, all manufacturers and suppliers of electric motors wishing to sell their products on the European market must comply with eco-design rules
DID YOU KNOW: About 8 billion electric motors are in use in the EU, consuming nearly 50% of the electricity produced by the EU.
https://ec.europa.eu/
What are the new eco-design requirements for electric motors?
On 1st July 2021, the IE3 (International Energy Efficiency Class 3) will become compulsory for part of the new electric motors introduced into the European market. This premium efficiency class limits energy losses and is, therefore, more energy-efficient.
To learn more about the regulation and its scope, you can check out the complete list of motors covered by the standard here. It will help you identify the motors of your mixing, blending or, kneading equipment that may be affected by this change.
Significant energy savings
According to the latest published estimates, the new requirements for electric motors are expected to save 5.5 billion kWh of electricity per year, with a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 3.4 tons.
By 2030, the European Commission estimates that 110 TWh could be saved by revising this regulation, drastically lowering the annual energy bill of households and industry in the EU
Manufacturers of the food and health industries, what impacts to expect?
Since all products equipped with a motor covered by the eco-design standard must comply with IE3, many sectors of activity will be affected by this change of legislation.
The chemical and food industries account for a large part of energy use in Europe and are considered to be energy-intensive.
While IE3 motors may have higher purchase prices, they have reduced operating costs due to lower electricity consumption. For a motor that operates intensively throughout the year, this opens up the prospect of a quick return on investment. Installing a more efficient motor can be a sustainable investment for continuously running equipment with high maintenance costs since it can increase reliability and equipment life.
What about already installed equipment?
IE3 is not mandatory for electric motors already placed on the market. Original motors can be repaired or supplied as a replacement part during after-sales operations until 30th June 2029. Original motors are subject to availability from suppliers.
If you are already thinking of replacing your motors to meet the regulation, you can contact our customer service for more information on your specific situation. They will be able to provide information on the availability of your original motor or advise you to upgrade your installation.
VMI’s support
VMI mixing equipment such as our industrial mixers or kneaders are equipped with electric motors. Therefore, the regulation may cover some of our mixing equipment depending on the activity, type of equipment, and operating cycle. This includes our automated mixing systems, continuous mixers, or production platforms.
VMI has set up an appropriate supply and subcontracting process to ensure the continuity of your production and support you through these changes. Our experts assess the level of adaptation required, particularly in terms of equipment design. They also plan the appropriate adjustments to allow the implementation of IE3 motors on your existing equipment.
In short
The changes in the eco-design requirements extend the directive’s scope to improve the regulation of energy emissions. As a designer and manufacturer of mixing equipment with electric motors, VMI is involved in these evolutions. As each link in the chain is impacted, we have initiated the transition process several years ago to help you integrate these new environmental requirements.