PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON INTRODUCING MINIMUM ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (MEPS) FOR MOTORS

Introduction

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is seeking feedback on a proposal to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for motors from 1 October 2018.  The consultation exercise will start on 19 June 2017 and end on 7 July 2017.


Background

2 Singapore ratified the Paris Agreement and formalised our pledge to reduce our emissions intensity  by 36% from 2005 levels by 2030, and stabilise our greenhouse gas emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030.  Improving energy efficiency across all sectors is our key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

3 The International Energy Agency estimates that electric motors account for 67%  of global electricity consumption in the industrial sector.  In Singapore, electric motors accounted for about 80%  of the 2015 electricity consumed by companies regulated under the Energy Conservation Act (ECA). Electric motors can be found in almost every industrial application, such as crushing, grinding, mixing, pumping, conveying, compression, cooling and refrigeration. 

4 The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) categorises motors into four energy efficiency classes , namely Standard (IE1), High (IE2), Premium (IE3) and Super Premium (IE4).

5 Electricity cost typically accounts for over 95% of a motor’s life-cycle cost. While the upfront costs of the more efficient motors are higher, life-cycle costs, i.e. upfront costs and energy costs over the 15-year lifespan of motors, are significantly lower (refer to Annex 1 for illustrations).

6 While it makes good economic sense to use more efficient motors, investments to switch to such motors are often delayed or rejected for various reasons, such as:

a) lack of awareness among end-users of the potential energy and cost savings of more efficient motors; and
b) purchasing decisions typically being made on the basis of lowest upfront cost rather than life-cycle cost.

7 To overcome these barriers to adoption of more efficient motors, many countries such as those in the European Union (EU), USA, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Korea had introduced MEPS for motors.  As a result, the average energy efficiency of motors used in these countries is higher than in countries without such requirements. 


Rationale for MEPS for Motors

8 The reasons for mandating MEPS for motors in Singapore are to:

a) phase out the most inefficient motors from the market and catalyse market transformation towards more efficient motors;

b) reduce life-cycle cost to end-users of motors; and

c) reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The intent is similar to the MEPS that has been implemented for household appliances such as refrigerator and air-conditioners since 2011.


Scope of MEPS for Motors

9 The most common type of electric motor in use today by the industrial and building sectors is the three-phase induction motor, which accounts for over 80% of motors sold worldwide .  These motors are either sold to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrated into pre-packaged products such as compressors, or sold as stand-alone motors for new installations and the replacement market, and are usually in the 0.75 to 375 kW range.

10 The MEPS to be introduced in Singapore will cover single speed, three-phase 50 Hz induction motors that have:

a) 2, 4 and 6 poles;

b) rated output power from 0.75 kW to 375 kW;

c) rated voltage up to 1,000V; and

d) rated on the basis of continuous duty operation

11 Motors that are intended for special purposes or are uncommon will not be covered under MEPS (refer to Annex 2 for motors that will not be covered) as:

a) higher efficiency substitutes for these motors are not yet available; and

b) the administrative burden on manufacturers would be excessive for motors that are of low sales volume.

MEPS Level

12 MEPS in countries such as those in the EU , USA and South Korea are already pegged at IE3 level. To align with international standards, the MEPS for motors in Singapore will be set at IE3 level.


Registration and Testing 
13 Suppliers of motors and motor-driven equipment/systems must register themselves and their motor models with NEA. During the registration, suppliers must produce test reports to demonstrate compliance with the requirements specified under MEPS.  Test reports from any of the following testing laboratories will be accepted:

a) Manufacturers’ in-house testing laboratories;

b) Testing laboratories that are accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) to carry out the test in accordance with the applicable test standards; or

c) Testing laboratories in other countries that are accredited by their local accreditation bodies that have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement with SAC to carry out the test in accordance with the applicable test standards.

14 The test standards - IEC 60034-2-1:2014 (method 2-1-1B) or IEEE  112:2004 (method B) will be adopted as they are internationally recognised and adopted by countries like USA, those in the EU, China and South Korea.

15 A registered supplier will be required to display on the motor nameplate the year of manufacture, IE efficiency class and nominal efficiency at 100%, 75% and 50% rated load  before the motor can be sold.  Such information will allow the end-user of a motor to ascertain whether the motor is MEPS-compliant.


Verification Testing

16 NEA will from time to time carry out verification testing on registered motor models to ensure compliance with the MEPS requirements. All verification testing will be carried out in accordance with the applicable test standards.


Moving Forward

17 Moving forward, NEA will study the feasibility of extending MEPS to other industrial equipment and systems, and regularly review the efficiency standards of motors to keep pace with technological improvements and to encourage suppliers to bring in more energy efficient models.


Public Consultation

18 This proposal is released for the purpose of consultation.  All comments received during the consultation exercise will be reviewed thoroughly and may be incorporated into the final measure.  Interested parties can submit their feedback to NEA_EEPC@nea.gov.sg.  The consultation exercise will end on 7 July 2017.

19 To ensure that the consultation is productive and focused, respondents are requested to observe these guidelines when providing their feedback:

a) Identify yourself as well as the organisation you represent (if any) so that we may follow up with you to clarify any issues, if necessary

b) Be clear and concise in your comments

c) Focus your comments on the proposal to introduce MEPS for motors and how it can be improved

d) As far as possible, substantiate your points with illustrations, examples, data or alternative suggestions

Life-cycle Cost of Motors*

*Source: EuP Lot 11, 2008

Annex 2

Classes of Motors Not Covered Under MEPS

(a) Motors specifically designed to operate:

i. where ambient air temperatures exceed 60°C;

ii. in maximum operating temperature above 400°C;

iii. where ambient air temperatures are less than -30°C for any motor or less than 0°C for a motor with water cooling;

iv. where the water coolant temperature at the inlet to a product is less than 0°C or exceeding 32°C; or 

v. in potentially explosive atmospheres;

(b) Motors specified to operate wholly immersed in a liquid;

(c) Multi-speed motors;

(d) Brake motors;

(e) Torque motors;

(f) Motors that are completely integrated into a product where the motors’ energy performance cannot be tested independently from the product (e.g. chiller compressor);

(g) Motors that are supplied exclusively to third parties who will incorporate the motors into equipment that will be exported to another country; and

(h) Motors exempted by the Director-General of Environmental Protection of the National Environment Agency.