EMSA Standards & Testing
The focus of EMSA Standards & Testing is on evaluating the impact of silicon carbide inverters on industrial motors in collaboration with leading SiC and GaN semiconductor manufacturers and research institutes.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Institute(s) Institute for Energy and Mobility Research IEM
- Funding organisation Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (Bundesverwaltung)
- Duration (planned) 01.03.2025 - 28.02.2029
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Andrea Vezzini
- Partner Bundesamt für Energie BFE
Situation
The aim of the IEA 4E Electric Motor Systems Platform (EMSA) is to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide by promoting highly efficient electric motor systems in member countries, industrialized nations, emerging economies and developing countries. Switzer-land manages two central tasks: “International Standards” and “Testing”. The International Standards task remains crucial in helping to shape future energy efficiency stand-ards for electric motor drive systems. Switzerland will continue to play an active role in the relevant IEC working groups. In the “Testing” task, Switzerland retains its leading role in the field of wide bandgap (WBG) indus-trial variable speed drive systems. The focus is on evaluating the impact of silicon carbide inverters on industrial motors in collaboration with leading SiC semiconductor manufacturers and research institutes. The results will be incorporated into the “White Book on WBG Semiconductor-Based Industrial Variable Speed Drives,” which is being produced in collaboration with the IEA 4E Power Electronic Conversion Technology Platform (PECTA).
Course of action
The IEA 4E Electric Motor Systems Platform (EMSA) focuses on harmonizing testing methods, developing comparable efficiency metrics, and supporting the adoption of advanced technologies such as variable speed drives (VSDs) and wide bandgap semi-conductors. Switzerland contributes to EMSA by leading two major tasks: 1. International Standards (IS): influencing global IEC and ISO standards for motors, convert-ers, and drive systems. As the IEC continues to revise key standards (e.g., IEC 60034-x series, IEC 61800-9-x series), Switzerland ensures alignment between national activities, EMSA priorities, and emerging requirements for future MEPS (Minimum Energy Perfor-mance Standards). 2. Testing: Switzerland plays a pioneering role in evaluating the impact of Wide Bandgap (WBG) inverter technology (SiC, GaN) on industrial motors. Rapid switching, high dv/dt, and increased common-mode voltages create new challenges for insulation systems and motor bearings. These effects must be quantified to ensure safe industrial adoption and to inform future standards and product guidelines. With rapid global growth in the use of SiC-based power electronics, understanding both benefits and risks is essential. With rapid global growth in the use of SiC-based power electronics, understanding both benefits and risks is essential. The upcoming White Book on WBG Industrial Drives, pre-pared jointly with PECTA, will address this need by providing a comprehensive technology reference.
