A Review of the Methods for Improving the Efficiency of Drive Motors to Meet IE4 Efficiency Standards

High efficiency standards are slowly being introduced with IE3 efficiency levels shortly becoming compulsory in many countries; IE4 efficiency levels being developed for future implementation. In this paper a review is carried out of the IE 60034-30 standard which covers standard line-start induction motors. Some design techniques that can be used to increase efficiency in order to meet the IE4 standards are discussed. This standard is now being replaced by the IE60034-30-1 standard which extends to other line start motors and also IE 60034-30-2 is being introduced to cover variable speed drives in order to address developing technology. The conclusion is that IE4 standards are obtainable but careful design is needed to reach this. Examples from the literature are given.