Ecodesign Directive just around the corner!

When the Ecodesign Directive – also known as the ErP Directive – comes into effect on 1 July this year, it will impose new minimum efficiency levels for electric motors and reduce previous exceptions. All of which will have serious implications for machine builders.

With its strategic foundation, mechatronics and expertise in the area of digitalisation, The Lenze Group is playing an increasingly important role as a system partner for machine automation.

We asked the company a series of questions to identify exactly what the industry needs to be aware of in seeking to conform to the new regulations. 

MachineBuilding.net: Which electric motors are specifically affected by the new directive?

Lenze: Induction motors without carbon brushes, commutators, slip rings or electric rotor connections designed for operation at a sinusoidal voltage that also have two, four, six, or eight poles; have a rated frequency of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz; have a rated voltage of more than 50 V and up to 1,000 V; have a nominal output power ranging from 0.12 kW, up to and including 1,000 kW; are designed for continuous operation; and are intended for operation on the public power grid.

MB: What exceptions does the Ecodesign allow?

Lenze: Electric motors not in continuous operation are excluded from the directive. This applies to the operating modes S3 and S6 with less than 80% operating time. Further exceptions are also defined:

• Electric motors fully integrated into a product – for example, a pump or a fan. The electric motor must share common components with the powered device and must not be operational if they are separated
• Electric motors with integrated speed control – known as compact drives – whose energy efficiency cannot be tested independently of speed control
• Further specific exceptions that apply regardless of manufacturer, such as operation under certain ambient conditions above 60 °C, can be found here These have been described and published in conjunction with the German electrical and electronics manufacturers association.

MB: How are spare parts affected by the Ecodesign Directive?

Lenze: Until July 1, 2029, non-compliant electric motors may be used as a replacement for motors that were integrated into a machine and placed on the market by July 1, 2022. The intended purpose must be clearly identified.

MB: What does the Ecodesign Directive mean for servomotors?

Lenze: Servomotors are not affected by the Ecodesign Directive. They are usually designed in such a way that they can only be operated on an inverter and not on the power grid.

MB: How do affected motors need to be labelled?

Lenze: The CE declaration and CE logo confirm compliance with standards and laws in force in the EU, including compliance with the Ecodesign Directive. Furthermore, the directive requires that, among other things, the following information must be included on the electric motor:

• Efficiency at full load
• Efficiency class
• Production year.

MB: What is the main change, compared to the previous scope of the Ecodesign Directive?

Lenze: Although the new Ecodesign Directive excludes spare parts for the time being, the following main exceptions will cease to apply when it comes into force on 1 July 2021:

• Electric motors with brakes will be included in the scope in the future
• Electric motors that are operated on an inverter will also be affected by the Ecodesign Directive in the future. This does not apply, if the electric motor can only be operated on an inverter or if it does not run in continuous operation
• In the future, electric motors that do not run in continuous operation will only be exempt, if they are designed for the operating modes S3 or S6 with less than 80% operating time.

Furthermore, for the first time, electric motors with a rated power below 0.75 kW are also affected by the Ecodesign Directive and must meet minimum efficiency levels according to IE2.

To find out how Lenze can work with your organisation to ensure you are all set to meet the new minimum efficiency levels for electric motors, click here.