CIET's Ask Us Anything series is a free monthly Q&A session with industry experts.

Our Ask Us Anything About Energy Efficiency in the Industrial Sector session was a unique opportunity for participants to ask our subject-matter expert questions about optimizing industrial equipment for better performance and sustainability. 

Jeffrey Underhill, Technical Energy Advisor at NB Power, answered questions about improving efficiency, upgrading equipment and overcoming challenges in the energy optimization process. 

If you weren't able to attend this session, here is a Q&A highlight.

Watch the video or read the transcript below.

Question: Do you see the introduction of permanent magnet motor systems to reduce energy power consumption?

Answer:

This is something we cover in some of the certification courses, or we at least mention it. We just don't see a lot of motor upgrades. Part of it goes back to a lot of companies will just rewind and rewind motors, not really thinking about that. When I worked in the industry, I didn't think about that either.

The odd time that a customer comes forward with motors, we do try to direct them to well what would be the most efficient for your application? And that may be something they have to go back to their supplier with and say "Will this style of motor or this model of motor work here? It is 2% more efficient but is it going to be appropriate? Can it handle the temperature?"

I don't find that we're paying enough attention to motors. Maybe it's something I should be pushing on our customers more. There are definitely more modern-style models of motors where it makes more and more sense to get people to make those changes and upgrades.

Explore learning opportunities in the Industrial Sector

CIET’s comprehensive training courses are designed for Energy Efficiency in Industrial Facilities for a broad set of professionals. Use our learning path to identify the right courses and the best training sequence to achieve your career goals.

The industrial sector plays a key role in Canada’s energy transition, and skilled professionals are needed now more than ever. To support this shift, CIET is offering an exclusive 50% discount on a selection of training courses designed to help industrial professionals reduce energy consumption, lower GHG emissions, and improve efficiency. Learn more about this offer.