{"id":3356,"date":"2020-11-27T08:00:51","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T08:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ojelectronics.com\/drives\/?p=3356"},"modified":"2026-08-10T13:56:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T12:56:01","slug":"what-does-ec-mean-to-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ojelectronics.com\/drives\/news-ventilation\/what-does-ec-mean-to-you\/","title":{"rendered":"What does \u2018EC\u2019 mean to you?"},"content":{"rendered":"For many, the term \u2018EC\u2019 has become synonymous with compact, integrated units that combine a motor, fan and drive. However, the \u2018EC\u2019 part specifically concerns the motor \u2013 and creating your own combinations of EC motors, fans and drives can yield greater efficiency.

When we say \u2018EC\u2019, what springs to mind?<\/h2>\n

When talking about \u2018EC solutions\u2019, many in the HVAC world think not only of a specific type of motor, but also of a specific type of device: a compact construction associated with high efficiency. While this is a very commonplace belief, it is not strictly speaking true. In fact, the \u2018EC\u2019 stands for \u2018electronic commutation\u2019 \u2013 a term used about brushless permanent magnet motors. Electronically commutated motors do not suffer from brush wear or arcing for the very simple reason that they do not use the carbon brush commutation generally found in DC motors.<\/p>\n

EC motors \u2013 the best of two worlds<\/h2>\n

With this design, electronically commutated (EC) motor can be said to combine the best of two worlds \u2013 AC and DC motors \u2013 in a more efficient package. They run on alternating current (AC) power, but at the same time they are essentially permanent-magnet brushless DC motors. It is these electronics that make EC motors particularly efficient \u2013 they monitor motor functions all the time and adjust the control input to maintain high efficiency at all times. This makes EC motors a very energy-efficient choice for controlling fans. And their speed can be adapted to match demand, creating even greater potential for energy savings. OJ Electronics uses field oriented sensorless control: the permanent magnet motor gives out a signal that allows us to determine the need for torque.<\/p>\n

EC does not mean \u2018integrated\u2019<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s no wonder that EC solutions are very popular for driving fans. They are quite rightly associated with great efficiency. And they are indeed widely used in integrated units where the motor and fan are part of the same compact construction. But this does not mean that \u2018EC\u2019 equals \u2018compact\u2019 or \u2018integrated\u2019. It is perfectly possible to enjoy the benefits of the highly efficient EC motors while combining the other elements \u2013 fan, drive, etc. \u2013 separately. And in many cases, it is better to mix and match.<\/p>\n

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Let us consider a practical example.<\/p>\n

In an integrated construction based on an EC motor (what many think of as an EC solution), you will find that in order to make the construction as compact as possible, the motor actually reaches into the impeller\u2019s intake area.<\/p>\n

That makes the fan less efficient. And if fan efficiency drops from, say, 65% to 63%, the entire system becomes less efficient. You don\u2019t get the full benefit of the EC motor\u2019s efficiency.<\/p>\n

By combining the parts yourself, you take the motor out of the impeller\u2019s intake area. The fan is allowed to perform with greater efficiency, making the entire system more efficient. This approach lets you optimise each part, making the most of the EC motor\u2019s inherent efficiency.<\/p>\n

The takeaway<\/h2>\n