Benefits of using EC Motors in Commercial HVAC Systems

When choosing a replacement motor for a commercial HVAC system, what are the top deciding factors? Often, service technicians look for system improvements when doing repairs. This means searching for a more reliable, more efficient replacement motor.

Many commercial HVAC professionals are turning to electronically commutated motors (ECMs). ECM motors are the most efficient fractional horsepower motors on the market. They provide many advantages over traditional induction motors. Let’s take a look at those advantages and how ECM motors can make a commercial HVAC system more efficient and reliable.

ECM Motors Use Fewer Kilowatts Than Standard Induction Motors

Instead of running at a fixed speed (and at full capacity) like a standard induction motor, ECM motors run at variable speeds. This enables them to match the motor speed and torque to system requirements. By adjusting operating speed, ECM motors can operate at optimal efficiency, resulting in substantial energy savings.

What does that mean for commercial HVAC systems?

Consider how a commercial HVAC system operates during a warm summer day. During the early morning hours, the weather is cooler and so the demand on the system is low. Building control systems operate with induction motors, however they can only turn motor on at full speed or off. ECM motors can be turned to full speed within different speed levels, depending on the needed airflow.

ECMs are energy efficient and capable of reducing the speed of a commercial HVAC system when less output power is required from the motor. This reduces the overall kilowatt hours used by the system. This energy efficiency doesn’t only benefit businesses financially, but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable environment.

Onboard Electronic Controls Make ECM Motors More Responsive

ECM motors are capable of communicating with building control systems. These systems make decisions about which locations need cooling, communicating to the motor to set an appropriate level of airflow. Parameters like motor speed, torque, and airflow can all be changed automatically.

The system makes decisions based on locations that need cooling, and the ECM motor responds with the appropriate level of motion to drive the airflow. Its ability to communicate with different systems makes it flexible and more useful for different applications. The ECM motor can respond to changing environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.

Building Control System Integration Means a More Efficient HVAC System

The motor can also integrate seamlessly with building control systems or maintenance prediction programs for a variety of smart features. Facility managers gain centralized control and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Here are some of the ways these features can enhance the motors’ overall ability:

• Motors communicating with building control systems share diagnostic information running the motor, including the watts being consumed.
• Building control systems can communicate with the motor to control the motor speed, in moments of lower cooling demands.
• Motors communicate parameters that can indicate preventative maintenance, is needed.
• Other systems can communicate with the motor for increased usefulness.

Enhanced system integration allows for synchronized operation with other HVAC components, including fans, dampers and pumps. This overall coordination optimizes system efficiency, reduces energy waste and maximizes comfort levels. Plus, there’s the peace of mind for facility managers gained through enhanced data collection and analysis.

ECM motors drive benefits through a combination of efficiency and variable speed control at their max power, helping to match the demand output required. Want to bring more efficiency to your system through using an ECM motor? Contact our motor experts today.