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Efficiency describes the ratio of the converted, usable energy or power to the energy or power used. Energy efficiency is therefore a quantification of energy efficiency.
Efficiency is generally indicated by the Greek letter η (eta) and is usually specified as a decimal value or in percent. Since the converted energy is always lower than the supplied energy due to the resulting power losses, efficiency is always less than 1 or 100%.
Example: An electric motor that generates a mechanical power of 0.95 kW from a supplied electrical power of 1 kW has an efficiency of 0.95 or 95%. Consequently, 95% of the supplied electrical power is converted into mechanical power (torque). The remaining 5% represents the power loss caused by heat, for example.
Efficiency levels can also be determined for complex systems consisting of several different components. Looking at all components as a whole, we refer to system efficiency.
Maximum efficiency from ZIEHL-ABEGG: EC motors for fans and elevator drives from ZIEHL-ABEGG impress with particularly high efficiency!
Efficiency levels are calculated using a formula, the numerator of which describes the energy emitted or used (Ex ) while the denominator reflects the energy supplied (Ey ). The efficiency can also be calculated using the power emitted or used (Px ) in relation to the power supplied (Py ).
Energy converters, such as electric motors, convert supplied electrical energy into mechanical kinetic energy. Due to ever-occurring power losses, e.g. caused by friction or electrical resistors, the efficiency can never be 1 or 100% or even higher according to the energy retention set.
If, for example, several conversions take place in succession in complex systems, the product of the efficiency of the individual components forms the system efficiency (η sys ):
ηsys = η1 x η2 x η3 ...
Particularly in complex technical machines and systems where several conversions take place in succession, the system efficiency is considered to be a decisive parameter for assessing energy efficiency. Each individual component of the system in which an energy conversion takes place has its own degree of efficiency based on the power losses that occur. For the entire plant to operate as energy-efficiently as possible, the system efficiency should therefore be as high as possible. To evaluate a system in terms of its energy efficiency, the efficiency should be considered in relation to the specific application and installation situation.
ZIEHL-ABEGG is happy to help you create the ideal design for your system. Please get in touch!
In addition to the component properties, the operating mode can also affect the efficiency of a machine. For example, an electric motor can achieve different degrees of efficiency in full-load or partial-load operation. Consequently, both the full and partial load ranges should be considered for consistently energy-efficient operation of a machine. For example, if a ventilation system is operated with an EC motor, the speed can be precisely adjusted to the desired requirements, meaning that energy consumption can be significantly reduced.
Top efficiency from ZIEHL-ABEGG: ECblue motors achieve the highest efficiencies in the full and partial load ranges!
In principle, there is a lot of energy saving potential in electrical drive systems. Energy savings can have a significant impact on the operator, especially in applications where production machines, ventilation systems or other technical systems that run in continuous service. A globally uniform energy efficiency standard has been defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the standard IEC 60034-30. This differentiates between electrical drives according to their efficiency class IE1 to IE5:
| IE1 | Standard efficiency | No longer allowed in Europe |
| IE2 | High efficiency | IE2 only allowed in Europe with frequency inverter |
| IE3 | Premium Efficiency | Electric motors with standard efficiency |
| IE4 | Super premium efficiency | Electric motors with particularly high efficiency |
| IE5 | Ultra premium efficiency | e.g. synchronous reluctance motors |
ECblue from ZIEHL-ABEGG meets efficiency class IE5 – perfect for brand new ventilation systems or retrofitted upgrades!
The possibilities of increasing the efficiency of energy converters are fundamentally dependent on various factors. Using the example of the electric motor, efficiency is sometimes influenced by the following aspects:
ZIEHL-ABEGG can help you create the ideal design for your system. Please get in touch!
