Energy-saving bearings for high-efficiency motors

Reducing CO2 emissions and saving energy have become increasingly important in recent years. Motors account for 75 per cent of industrial power consumption, so efficiency regulations for motors are in place around the world. In 2008, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created global standards for motor efficiency. Nearly 90 per cent of motor efficiency issues are caused by iron loss, copper loss, circuit loss, and windage loss, whereas mechanical loss related to bearing friction accounts for only about 10 per cent. In the coming years, as the efficiency level for motors progresses to IE3* and IE4*, the demand for bearings with lower friction loss will increase. NSK says that optimising the bearing design has made it possible to reduce friction loss by half.

Product benefits

• Contributes to increased efficiency and better energy savings for motors. Conforms not only to JIS motor efficiency standards but also to the demanding IE3 and IE4 efficiency standards of the IEC. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of bearings in industrial motors
• Increased reliability. Reduced bearing friction loss means bearings operate at lower temperatures, which increases the reliability of motors and other devices.

For more information about NSK's energy-saving bearings, go to www.nskeurope.com.