D.4.

7 Motors and Drives

Motors form a large portion of building energy load and are usually
part of the mechanical systems of the building. High-efficiency
motors generally have a payback of 2 years or less. Variable-speed
drives usually have similar results depending on the variability of
the driven load and therefore shall be considered for application in
buildings. Power factor correction capacitors shall be employed
on applicable motors to satisfy code requirements.

Two-speed motors shall be used where a fan or pump has two levels
of operation, such as occupied/unoccupied. Two-speed motors
come in two varieties: single winding and two winding. For most
pump and fan applications, a variable torque, one-half speed motor
is used.

Several types of variable-speed drives are available: mechanical,

fluid, and variable frequency/voltage units. The variable
frequency/voltage drives vary the output for a standard alternating
current (AC) motor by varying the input frequency and/or voltage
to the motor. Where required, special filtering should be included.
These types of drives provide the highest energy savings and shall
be used for fans or pumps with throttling devices that vary output
according to needs.

D.4.8 Gravity Flow Systems

Gravity flow open-water systems shall be considered to reduce the

run time of system pumps. These systems have a limited application
and may apply to plumbing systems only.

7/28/00
Mechanical D-10