Research Shows Copper Rotor Efficiencies for Motors

Motors using new die-cast copper rotors can reduce energy loss by 15 to 23 percent, compared with the current industry-standard motors using aluminum rotors, according to the Copper Development Association (CDA), New York.

“Adoption of this process by motor manufacturers for integral horsepower motors can mean an extraordinary reduction in electrical energy generating requirements worldwide, significant savings on electrical energy costs and an increased lifespan for electric motors,” explained CDA’s Dr. John Cowie.

This information, gleaned from a three-year CDA research effort, that was funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technical Institute and the International Copper Association, found that the use of copper rotors reduced motor operating temperatures by 5 to 32 degrees C.

According to Cowie, every 10-degree increase in a motor’s operating temperature cuts the insulation life of the motor in half.

“Therefore, these data indicate the life of motors using copper rotors may be extended 50 percent or more, with maintenance,” Cowie said.

For more information, see www.copper.org .

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