Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, powering mixers for food processing and chemical manufacturing, cranes for construction and transportation, machine tools such as lathes and mills, generators, and more. They’re also really durable and versatile. In industrial applications, the extra cost for energy-efficient motors can be repaid very quickly in energy savings. For example, using a simple payback criterion based on typical motor efficiencies and energy prices, each point of efficiency improvement yields over $600 in energy savings.
In some instances, purchasing a surplus motor may be the most economical solution. Energy savings alone may more than offset the price premium of purchasing a new motor. A simple calculation of the dollar savings and simple payback period due to selecting a higher efficiency model based on the motor size, price, efficiency rating, annual hours of use, load factor, electricity costs, and utility rebate values can be made using Microsoft’s free Windows-based program. By using a variable speed drive (VFD), the energy savings are even greater. VFDs allow you to adjust the motor speed to match the work load of a motor, cutting energy usage up to 55%. This can be especially beneficial for applications with oversized motors, which are inefficient below 50% of full load.
Often, the best option for a business may not be to buy a new motor. Sometimes a used one can be the best choice, especially if it is only needed for a short term solution. With a used motor, it is possible to have it quickly available and there will be less depreciation involved in the purchase than with a new one. For example, surplus Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile motors have potential value for commercial launches, but their sale is prohibited under law because of estimated storage and disposal costs and concerns about pricing impacts on the domestic launch industry. Click here or visit our official store for the latest information on surplus motors prices and promotions.
The recycling potential of surplus motors packs a significant economic punch. First, it creates jobs for people to collect, sort, and process the motors for reuse. Second, industries that rely on the metals in industrial electric motors, like steel and copper, can save money using recycled materials instead of purchasing new ones. These savings can travel down to consumers in the form of lower prices. In addition, reusing electrical motors conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gases produced by manufacturing new materials. This is important as electricity is a large source of energy consumption. Metals in electric motors, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, can be recycled endlessly without losing quality or requiring additional raw materials. The recycled metals are then sold to manufacturers who use them to create new products, closing the cycle of recycling. In terms of energy consumption, surplus motors are typically a more sustainable choice than new ones. This is because the bulk of the environmental impact from electric motors comes from the use stage and the end-of-life disposal/recycling stages. The best carbon-free electric motor system will be one that minimizes electricity demand in the use stage and has the lowest carbon emissions from manufacturing and end-of-life.