ENERGY CONSERVATION IN AC MOTOR DRIVEN SYSTEMS USING SOLID STATE DEVICES.

This paper discusses techniques for energy conservation by reducing losses in ac motor driven systems, proposed by the technical community in response to surging cost of energy. An important aspect considered is the impact on electric utility systems in terms of harmonics and power factor of operation. The techniques evaluated include: NASA Power Factor Controller, a simple device for reducing power losses in lightly loaded ac motors; and conventional variable frequency solid-state inverters which can control the speed of ac motors by producing adjustable frequency ac voltage, with an enormous potential for energy conservation in pumps and air handling systems.