Electronic Commutative Motors (ECMs)
Electronic commutative motors (ECMS) offer variable speeds and enhanced torque at start up for HVAC systems and other applications. Simply put, a motor running at full speed uses nearly eight times the energy of one running at half speed, so the ability to easily vary motor speeds offers significant savings in energy costs. Typical motors rely on three-phase alternating current power or single-phase electro-mechanical commuted power, both of which have weak starting torque and limit the ability to control speed. ECMs rely on semi-conductor switches to automatically adjust power as needed and supply the correct amount of torque upon startup.