Brazil has started an energy transition process through more efficient electric motors. The new legislation determining the IE3 Class as the minimum efficiency level in commercial electric motors became valid in August 2019. Currently, four induction motor classes are defined by the IEC 60034-30-1, with the IE4 class being the most efficient, and in the same way, proposals to achieve IE5 efficiency class are available in the market. Considering the upcoming new technologies, it is necessary to know the impact of power systems disturbances in IM's in view of future substitutions. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the impact of different percentages of under and over voltage unbalances on the temperature and performance of electric motors classes IE2, IE3 and IE4. Results show that the IE4 hybrid motor presents non-linear characteristics, being observed this motor shows less dependence on voltage variation, mainly undervoltage unbalance. An analysis of how this phenomenon impacts on the current harmonic distortions in the induction motors operation is also developed through Spearman's correlation matrices. Finally, models that represent the temperature increase of each motor with different voltage unbalance conditions are presented.

The search for more competitive equipment in the global market has led to the implementation of new materials and technologies in the search for greater energy efficiency. This is certainly a guideline followed by the electric motor industry that has introduced new technologies in rotating machines, such as the permanent magnet motor, evolving into increasingly efficient motor classes. However, subjecting these efficient motors under nonideal electric grid power conditions, such as voltage unbalance, can cause these efficient machines to generate additional distortions in the voltage and current waveforms, which in turn not only affect the performance of electric motors themselves but also that of the electrical system in general. This work presents a comparison between energy efficiency gain and the corresponding power quality degradation through a detailed harmonic analysis of the effects of voltage harmonics and voltage unbalance in three 0.75-kW electric motors classes: IE2, IE3, and IE4, The results show that for increasing percentages of a specific harmonic distortion, other harmonics are also increased in the higher efficiency electric motors sample analyzed, and similar responses were also observed for large percentages of voltage unbalance, mainly in the line-start permanent magnet motor class IE4. The results achieved are interesting but rigorously reflect only the tested motor sample and cannot be generalized to all motors, in other power ranges, of the respective motor classes tested. For generalization, exhaustive tests must be accomplished to formulate general conclusions according to the electric motors' classes commercially available.

Photovoltaic systems can strengthen the energy matrix aiming at energy sustainability, however, their intermittence, the availability time frame and seasonality effects are complicating aspects for the operation of these systems. To mitigate such problems, a possible measure is the operation of hybrid systems (HS) associated with storage systems to meet the energy demand. This study presents real operational scenarios for the management of a hybrid mini-grid installed in the Amazon region in Brazil, capable of managing energy supply and demand, changing the generation curve, reducing fossil fuel consumption and energy costs, in addition to providing flexibility and operational safety to the electrical operating under on-grid or off-grid conditions. Through technical and economic analyses, the objective of this study is to show that hybrid systems can be implemented in small and medium consumers, in addition to generating a new market option for utilities. This research evaluates the operation of HS concurrently with the electrical grid and the results show that the system meets the technical requirements, in addition to bringing financial and ecological benefits. This information can support the decisions of consumers, utilities and energy operators for the development of the national market for on-grid and off-grid HS.

Global energy systems are undergoing a transition process towards renewable energy and energy efficiency practices. Induction motors play an important role in this energy transformation process since they are widely used as industrial loads, representing more than 53% of global energy consumption. With more countries adopting minimum energy performance standards through more efficient induction motors, comparisons between these new technologies in the presence of electrical disturbances must be systematically evaluated before adopting a substitution policy in the industry. To this end, this work presents a comparative analysis of the impact of harmonic voltages on the performance and temperature rise of electric motors classes IE2, IE3 and IE4 in the same operational conditions in view of future substitutions. The results show that under ideal operating conditions the IE4 class permanent magnet motor has better performance in terms of consumption and temperature, however presenting non-linear characteristics. In the presence of voltage harmonics, this scenario changes completely according to the harmonic content. Finally, aiming to analyze the harmonics influence in the motor temperature rise a statistical analysis by means of Spearman correlation matrices is presented.

Estimating utility demand remains a significant challenge worldwide, being accuracy often compromised by numerous variables involved and limited relevant data available; this compromises models and impacts resource planning, infrastructure, and energy purchases. Energy systems must prioritize efficient resource utilization to address these challenges in the context of technological advances, economic changes, and environmental concerns. This paper conducts a bibliometric and systematic review of energy forecasting methods; the literature review covers the main studies conducted, including the most commonly used variables in forecasting studies, the techniques used, and the forecasting time horizon. As a result, the review presented here will facilitate the selection of the best models, variables, and time horizons for different forecasting applications.

This paper addresses the optimization of contracted electricity demand (CD) for commercial and industrial entities, focusing on cost reduction within the Brazilian time-of-use electricity tariff scheme. Leveraging genetic algorithms (GAs), this study proposes a practical approach to determining the optimal CD profile, considering the complex dynamics of energy demand on a city-like load. The methodology is applied to a case study at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, where energy efficiency and demand response initiatives as well as renewable energy projects are underway. The findings highlight the significance of tailored demand management strategies in achieving energy-related cost reduction for large-scale consumers, with implications for economic efficiency in energy consumption.