EASI"s EasiLiner Reduce Waste Loads and Electrical Consumption in Motors
Are you seeking to reduce energy in your company without replacing equipment? According to Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (EASI), simply installing their EasiLiner or other power quality performance technology products to your motors can save a company 10-25% in annual energy costs.
The EasiLiner is used with medium size load motors. However, the Company can treate different size motors such as single horse power to large load motors such as variable frequency drive motors. [Source: World Business Report Video.] Typically, EASI’s products are installed on air conditioning and heating systems and refrigeration motors, and/or lighting systems. The Company offers 15 types of technology to increase power quality to facilities .
EASI is not a new green kid on the block. CEO Joseph Merlo, started the company thirty years ago. He states in his interview on World Business Review that a third to one half of a company’s electrical costs are due to waste in loads and inefficiencies in the way companies use their electricity.
EASI’s customers includes General Electric, British Petroleum, ConAgra, Apollo Group, SABIC and Tyson Foods.
What Are the Issues with Power Quality?
Poor power quality has become a concern for facility managers since it causes damages to motors. Replacing motors decreases productivity, increases costs and downtime. In turn, unreliability results in losing sales.
Jack Klein indicates in his article, “The Costs of Power Quality,”
“Lighting systems consume 50% of the energy consumed in commercial and industrial buildings. Newer solid-state electronic ballasts that have largely replaced magnetic products incorporate an active switching device that introduces harmonic distortion to the line.
The harmonics manifest themselves by distorting the nice, smooth sine wave, which causes all kinds of problems in the grid. The harmonics cause stress in transformers in neutrals which normally see no current. Harmonic distortion on the line causes current on the neutral and creates stress on the system that causes transformers to overheat.
Variable-speed drives, which are becoming very common on industrial equipment, also include an active component. These devices reduce overall energy consumption, but they add distortion on the line.
Even ubiquitous personal computers add to the harmonic distortion problem, since they have switching power supplies. These are active components that can reflect back on the line.”
For a more technical overview of the effects of harmonic disruption see here.
The Proof is in the Demonstration
Is this technology too good to be true? I thought so until I saw the EasiLiner in action with my own eyes. Yoav Efron, founder of Toeprint Energy Group, an EASI affiliate, demonstrated how much less energy a motor uses when attached to an EasiLiner box Efron services the Northeast area of the US. (Note, the Company has hundreds of representatives all over the world.)
I urge you watch the below video interview or podcast as Efron explains how the EasiLiner works. At the end video, Efron demonstrates how an EasiLiner will save a company money. He showed me his amp meter readings before and after he attached the EasiLiner to a motor. Just a side note, Efron showed me this demonstration in person as well as on the video.
[podcast]http://www.green-talk.com/podcasts/EASIenergydevices.mp3[/podcast]
How Does the EasiLiner work?
According to the EASI,
“Motorized pieces of equipment are historically inefficient users of electricity. Unnecessarily high electrical bills and maintenance costs result from the conversion of the reactive current. The EasiLiner provides the benefits of reactive power correction while virtually eliminating the risks associated with traditional correction methods. Increased motor functionality means lower energy costs from reduced current draw.”
The Company further states that waste can comprise of 5% to 30% of total electricity demand. As noted above, typically, the add on box is used with lighting, air conditioning and heating equipment and refrigeration. However, one client of EASI, The Sports Barn, used the technology to improve efficiencies in its Jacuzzis, pool filters, and heating and air conditioning systems. A 30 month return on investment was anticipated.
For further information on how other clients’ testimonials or cost savings, see here.
According to the Company, generally return on investment can be 30 to 50% with a payback of two to three years.
How Do You Begin?
EASI has a ten step procedure. In a nutshell, an EASI affiliate like Efron, does an initial consultation of your facility and creates an initial plan using your electrical data. If you wish to proceed, a more definitive plan is prepared in which a nominal fee is incurred and a guarantee of savings is stated. The guarantee is backed by a policy underwritten by a “A” rated carrier. After installation, the Company monitors your system for one year. All products carry a limited three year warranty.
As a disclaimer, I have not installed one of these units in any of my clients but am very intrigued by the product. One of my clients is a hotel who has multiple refrigeration and HVAC systems. The promise of less wear and tear on the motors and better efficiency is quite appealing considering the cost of replacing motor can be expensive and labor intensive. In addition, in this economy with thin margins, energy reduction measures which do not require a huge outlay of capital are equally appealing.
Join the Conversation:
- Would you consider this technology to increase efficiency at your company?
- Have you employed any strategy similar to EASI’s in your facility?
- Does your company have several motors so that it could benefit by this technology?
- Would your state provide rebates for this type of technology?
Affordable Lighting says
September 20, 2011 at 12:48 pmLED and low energy lights should be made compulsory. l own a large lighting shop and all my light fittings and bulbs are energy saving. The feed back has been great, yes the bulbs are a bit dimer and not as bright as your standard bulb, but they save money and look cool.