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Electric Motor Efficiency, Loss Segregation & Energy Waste Calculator

Calculate electric motor losses (copper, iron core, friction), IEC efficiency classes (IE1–IE5), and wasted power costs.

Last reviewed by the myCalculator Editorial Team

Input Parameters

kW

e.g. 22 kW (30 HP) motor

kW
hrs/yr

4,000 hrs/yr is typical 2-shift commercial operation; 8,000 hrs is continuous 24/7

¢/kWh

Calculation Results

Motor Operating Efficiency (η)
90.91% (IE2 High Efficiency)
Total Power Dissipated as Heat
2.2 kW (2.95 HP loss)
Annual Cost of Thermal Losses
$2,464 / year (8,800 kWh wasted)
Total Annual Electricity Bill
$27,104 / year (@ 4,000 hrs/yr)
Copper I²R Thermal Losses (58%)
1.28 kW ($1429/yr)
Core Magnetic & Mechanical Losses
Iron Core: 0.48 kW | Friction/Windage: 0.31 kW
Summary: At 22 kW output and 24.2 kW input, the motor operates at 90.91% efficiency (IE2 High Efficiency). It dissipates 2.2 kW of heat energy, costing $2,464 annually in wasted power over 4,000 operational hours.

Visual Growth Breakdown

Step-by-Step Calculation Solution
1.Efficiency η = (P_mech ÷ P_elec) × 100 = (22 kW ÷ 24.2 kW) × 100 = 90.91%
2.Total Heat Loss = P_elec - P_mech = 24.2 kW - 22 kW = 2.2 kW
3.Annual Wasted Energy = 2.2 kW × 4000 hrs = 8800 kWh
4.Annual Cost of Losses = 8800 kWh × $0.28/kWh = $2464/year

Formula & How Electric Motor Efficiency, Loss Segregation & Energy Waste Calculator Works

Mathematical Formula
Efficiency η = (P_mech ÷ P_elec) × 100 | Losses = P_elec - P_mech | Cost = Wasted kWh × ($/kWh)

Motor efficiency is the mechanical output divided by the electrical input. A motor delivering 22 kW at the shaft while drawing 24.2 kW is 22 ÷ 24.2 = 90.9% efficient, so 2.2 kW is lost as heat. Over 4,000 operating hours that is 8,800 kWh, which at 28 cents per kWh costs $2,464 a year. Losses are split between copper losses in the windings, iron losses in the core, friction and windage, and stray losses, as set out in IEC 60034-2-1. Higher efficiency classes (IE3, IE4) cost more but often repay the difference in a few years at high running hours. Match the motor size to the load, because lightly loaded motors run less efficiently.

How to Calculate Electric Motor Efficiency, Loss Segregation & Energy Waste Calculator (Step-by-Step)
  1. Enter Shaft Mechanical Output Power (kW) (kW): Input your target parameter value.
  2. Enter Electrical Input Power Drawn (kW) (kW): Input your target parameter value.
  3. Enter Annual Operating Hours (hrs/yr): Input your target parameter value.
  4. Enter Electricity Tariff (¢/kWh) (¢/kWh): Input your target parameter value.
  5. Apply Formula: Calculate using Efficiency η = (P_mech ÷ P_elec) × 100 | Losses = P_elec - P_mech | Cost = Wasted kWh × ($/kWh).
  6. Review Results: View exact computed answers, metrics, and worked mathematical proofs.
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APA 7th Edition

MyCalculator.com.au. (2026). Electric Motor Efficiency, Loss Segregation & Energy Waste Calculator. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.mycalculator.com.au/calculators/engineering/motor-efficiency-losses

Harvard (Standard)

MyCalculator.com.au. (2026) 'Electric Motor Efficiency, Loss Segregation & Energy Waste Calculator'. Available at: https://www.mycalculator.com.au/calculators/engineering/motor-efficiency-losses (Accessed: 24 October 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between IE3 and IE4 electric motors?

IE3 (Premium Efficiency) motors achieve ~92.5–94% efficiency for typical industrial sizes, while IE4 (Super-Premium) and IE5 (Ultra-Premium SynRM) reduce electrical losses by a further 15–20%, saving thousands of dollars in lifetime power bills.

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