Induction motors are the workhorses of commercial enterprises and are used in virtually every manufacturing plant and office building. The largest energy savings in induction motor systems often lies not in the motor but in the controls governing the motor’s operation. Adjustable-speed drives (ASDs), also known as variable-speed drives (VSDs), variable-frequency drives (VFDs), or variable-frequency inverters (VFIs), are used to modify or control motor operation, which improves drive system performance and efficiency. For example, adjustable-speed drives can match the speed of an AC motor to the requirements of a fluctuating load, such as a pump that moves changing fluid volumes during production. When this happens, the control valves, dampers, or other throttling mechanisms can be removed (or locked in full open positions), dramatically improving energy efficiency and reducing energy expenses by more than 50 percent.
Adjustable-speed drive rebates
Drive Power
Adjustable-speed drives ■ Rebate
of $60 per horsepower for process and other nonseasonal centrifugal applications.
■ Rebate
of $40 per horsepower for seasonal and HVAC centrifugal applications.
Guidelines ■ Rebates
cover ASD installation on motors from 1 to 500 horsepower operating under centrifugal loads.
■ Rebates
will not exceed 75 percent of installed ASD cost.
■ Rebates
will not exceed 75 percent of your annual electric bill.
■ System
designer or installing contractor must ensure the entire facility complies with the IEEE Standard 519 after completion of the ASD installation or retrofit. Failure to comply with this rule in ASD installations may result in disqualification of any rebate request.
CIP rebates will not exceed 75 percent of installed costs or 75 percent of customer’s annual electric bill. Funding limits and other program guidelines and limitations apply.
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