AC induction motor sales falling, as of pursuit of energy efficiency speeds up: IMS Research

AN IMS Research report is forecasting the global sales of AC induction motors will shrink by seven per cent over 2009, while sales of premium-efficiency machines will have tripled by 2011.

IMS Research says this shift is a result of the introduction of mandatory minimum energy efficiency levels, particularly in the US. Europe is well on the way to following suite.

The US Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will require general purpose motors between 0.75 and 150kW to meet or exceed the NEMA Premium motor efficiency levels onwards from 19 December 2010.

Australia already has the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in place, while China and Korea also have or are planning similar legislation.

According to IMS Research, around 75% of industrial AC induction motors currently in use around the world do not meet the minimum efficiency levels required by these agreements.

IMS Research also says the slowing global motor sales, especially in Europe and the US, will be offset in part by positive, albeit slow, growth in China.