Efficient Electric Motors Performance Under Voltage Variation Conditions

Abstract

Electric motors can be found in almost every country in the world, which places them subject to operation according to the country/region’s nominal voltages. Since not all countries are motor manufacturers, a large number of motors can operate at non-rated voltages without this representing a poor quality of electrical service in the country. Considering that under new regulations adopted by many countries such as the Minimum Energy Performance Standards, efficient motors will become mandatory in developing countries, therefore, the impact of voltage variation on these machines becomes important in order to evaluate their tolerance to this disturbance. This paper presents an evaluation of the impact of voltage variation on two 0.75 kW class IE2 and IE3 squirrel cage induction motors. The results show that the operation with undervoltage can represent lower currents and higher power factor, contrary to the overvoltage normally used in some countries industries.