More than 64 percent of all power consumed in the United States is used by electric motors. However, electric costs can be lowered by improving efficiency and by using the right-sized motor. Ula says these savings could influence a decision on whether to shut down or keep in production an economically marginal oil well. We can identify the problem and make recommendations for corrective action. An oil field is just one application.
Efficiency is important to anyone who is using electric motors.
Electric motors are used in most manufacturing and mining industries and account for a large portion of their utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates 65 percent of energy consumed by industry is used to power electric motors and 30 percent of that energy is wasted. This results in lower company profits and higher prices to customers. Our testing often indicates that a smaller motor can be used to do the required job. And, each allows the expertise and facilities currently available to be maximally leveraged during the EPSCoR funding period so we can produce highly competitive and self-sustaining research programs.