With the seemingly constant rise of energy costs, federal regulations are beginning to demand the use of EC motors to offset this energy crisis. Electronic Commutation motors (ECM) are brushless motors that rely on the interaction of magnetic fields to generate motion. Borrowed from the terminology used for the mechanism in DC motor (direct current motor) commutators, which are used in dc motors, electronic commutation switches current from winding to winding, causing the rotator to turn. Electronic commutation is the process during which brushless motors rely on semiconductors switches to turn stator windings on and off at the appropriate time.

An ECM is similar to an inside out dc motor having a permanent-magnet rotor and a startor consisting of several windings. During the past decade EC motors have been used increasingly for HVAC and refrigeration equipment due to the higher efficiency compared to traditional ac motors. While fractional HP AC motors are around 45% efficient, EC motors should be anywhere from 65% to 80% efficient. Obviously, the difference in energy efficiency between the two motors is significant to say the least. The replacement alone of an older induction motor with a new ECM motor can yield  savings of around 20%. There are few if any drawbacks with EC motors and the savings will add up in a commercial business such as a restaurant. Here are some additional reasons to use EC motors in commercial refrigeration applications and the benefits associated with them.

1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY: EC motors are more efficient than other motor offerings. They also run cooler than a PSC, permanent split capacity, or shaded pole motor, reducing the heat given off by the motor that will invade a refrigerator.
2. ELIMINATE MOISTURE ISSUES: Some EC motors feature a fully enclosed electronic control board to take care of moisture, even in low temperatures.
3. SHORT ROI TIMES: When measured against the initial purchase cost, energy savings gained by these motors means short payback times since the cost is not prohibitive at all. Per refrigerator fan, compared to a shaded pole motor, an ECM will use a third of the energy and produce an annual savings exceeding $100 in most cases.
4. EASY FOR REPLACEMENT: EC motors generally have a standard size, mounting and accessories for easy drop-in replacement of shaded pole motors.
5. LONGER LIFE AND LOWER MAINTENANCE: With exceptionally high service lives along with maintenance-free quality, EC motors can result in additional savings.
6. NO WASTED ENERGY: One great advantage of EC motors is that you can program them to run when and how much you feel necessary. Needless to say, a well programmed motor can save upwards of 85% on energy costs which is enormous savings for a restaurant owner.