Programme for In-Depth Analyses of Electric Motor Systems in Industry (ProAnalySys)

All Swiss companies are classified into four main categories based on their energy consumption: small, medium, large and very large companies. The first two categories represent less than 3% of the total number of companies, but account for almost two-thirds of Switzerland’s total electricity consumption. For this reason, both the federal government and the cantons stipulated that these companies must reduce their energy consumption. Consequently, they are required to perform an energy audit in order to evaluate their energy-saving potential and thus define a set of efficiency measures that they undertake to implement over a 3-year or up to a 10-year period. However, these audits are quite superficial and do not indicate whether the output of the operated motor systems corresponds to the effective needs. Replacing an existing motor with a premium or even a super-premium model is a simple measure, but it does not give rise to significant electricity savings. Such mandatory energy audits are not sufficient: what is needed is an in-depth analysis during which certain measurements may also be necessary. These in-depth analyses are expensive and time-consuming and call for special expertise as well as appropriate equipment and software. In view of this, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) decided to launch a subsidised programme aimed at promoting in-depth analyses among energy-intensive companies and large-scale consumers, as well as supporting them with the implementation of their resulting voluntary efficiency measures. This paper presents the framework conditions and objectives of the programme (called ProAnalySys), plus some examples of in-depth analyses performed on swimming pools, cable railways and refrigeration installations.