Life cycle analysis of electrical motor-drive system based on electrical machine type

Nowadays a lot of attention is paid on the issues of global warming and climate change. Human impact on the environment is noticeable from the aspect of resource life cycles. Energy efficiency requirements have led to the research and development of alternative technologies for the rotating electrical machines. The life cycle assessment brings out important procedures which can help to reduce machines' impact on the environment, being therefore an instrument for the assessment of the influence of particular products on the environment from cradle to grave--beginning with working out the materials, followed by manufacturing, transporting, marketing, use, and recycling. Three types of electrical machines have been chosen for comparison: synchronous reluctance motor, permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor and induction motor. The article presents a life cycle assessment case study based on experimental results of motors designed by the research group. Key words: life cycle assessment, induction motor, synchronous reluctance motor, permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor, variable speed drives, optimization, efficiency.