n NEWS July/August 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com 8 The US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (Nema) has announced enhanced efficiency specifications for its Nema Premium class of electric motors. Nema calculates that its Premium motors will save 5,800GW of electricity capacity over the next 10 years – equivalent to preventing almost 80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. The new specification will help purchasers to identify higher efficiency motors that could save them save money and improve their system reliability. It covers three-phase motors from 1-500hp (0.75-1,850kW), operating at up to 600V. “We’re excited Nema’s programme recognises recent innovations in motor technology,” says Ben Hinds, executive vice-president of climate and commercial solutions at ABB. “The updates to Nema’s programme will help drive adoption of advanced motors that reduce losses by up to 20%. These updates couldn’t come at a better time as cities and utilities struggle to keep up with increased power demand from AI and data centre installations.” “The Nema Premium program was originally developed before DoE efficiency regulations to provide confidence to buyers that they would get the savings they paid for,” adds Dale Basso, product manager for low-voltage motors at WEG Electric Corp. “The programme has now been enhanced to provide that same level of confidence, as motor efficiencies once again run ahead of the DoE regulations. The Nema Premium programme ensures all certified manufacturers are tested and verified to the same standard.” Electric motors consume more than half of all of the electricity used in the US. Enhanced Nema Premium efficiency motors could save 5,800GW in 10 years RITTAL HAS FORMED A technology partnership with Lenze aimed at shaping the future of power distribution and intelligent drive technologies. They will work together on joint developments based on a combination of Rittal’s RiLineX clickable busbar system, launched last year, and Lenze’s compact inverter technologies. “With the RiLineX system platform, Rittal is defining new standards for power distribution in the enclosure,” says Lenze SE CEO, Dr Marc Wucherer. “Through the incorporation of Lenze inverters, we can now extend the benefits to drive technologies and create more compact solutions for our customers.” For example, Lenze’s i550 cabinet frequency inverter – which, the company claims, is the smallest in its class – and its fuses, can be mounted onto a RiLineX board via a single adapter using a “clickand-work” principle. This will guarantee the highest possible packing density, say Lenze and Rittal. The slim inverters allow inline mounting on the boards, which themselves allow unrestricted top mounting. The risk of cabling mistakes is eliminated and users will be able to cut engineering times by up to 30% and assembly times by up to 75%, compared to traditional busbar systems, according to Rittal and Lenze. A Wi-Fi data connection to the inverter also helps to accelerate commissioning. Rittal launched the RiLineX enclosurebased power distribution system at last year’s SPS show in Germany. It consists of boards and components that click together, simplifying the previously laborious process of assembling such systems. It uses copper bars integrated directly into the board, allowing components to be mounted anywhere. This eliminates the convoluted process of arranging supports on a project-by-project basis. Rittal and Lenze have a similar approach to high-quality data which, they say, is “a prerequisite for efficient planning and designing and configuration”. For example, Rittal’s RiPower system integrates closely with software from its sister company, Eplan. Lenze is an Eplan technology partner and also uses its data. “Lenze sets the pace in the field of automation,” says Rittal’s chief business units officer, Ulrich Engenhardt. “By integrating electromechanical, electronic and software expertise they demonstrate an understanding of the customer’s processes far beyond the functions of individual components. That aligns perfectly with Rittal’s approach and makes the company an excellent technology partner within the RiLineX ecosystem.” Lenze and Rittal team up on power distribution and drives Rittal’s chief business units officer, Ulrich Engenhardt (left), with Lenze SE CEO, Dr Marc Wucherer
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