Project: 100 HP Irrigation of Orange Groves
Location: Zephyrhills, FL
Background: In 2008 in the small rural town of Zephyrhills, Florida George Neukom installed a 100 HP BELLE Motor to provide irrigation to his orange grove. The installation replaced two diesel engines that had been powering his pumps. The locations of his well sites were nearly 2 miles from the main line feeder provided by Progress Energy Systems. The 1/0 aluminum line serves approximately 90 customers.
Mr. Neukom selected the BELLE motor because they are available in large horsepower (up to 100 hp) and are designed to operate on existing single-phase power lines with low starting current (LRA starting factor of less than 2), high torque-to-amp ratio, unity power factor and very high efficiency (95.5% for 100 hp).
Results: After approving the motor, Progress Energy extended the single-phase line to feed the motor. The customer found considerable savings compared to the operation of his diesel engines. In 2008, the rate of $2.95 per gallon of diesel fuel at 5.3 gallons per hour totals $17.13 per hour with an average monthly cost of $2,141 and a yearly cost of $25,689 per unit for a total cost of $51,378 a year. The cost to operate the BELLE™ single-phase motor has averaged $4.77 per hour, with a monthly cost of $597 and a yearly cost of $7,162 delivering a cost savings of $44,216 each year. With a 72% savings each year Mr. Nuekom was able to recoup his investment in about six months.
The installation of the motors also allowed for the removal of two 500-gallon diesel storage tanks creating significant positive environmental impact to the area.
Gallons of H20 pumped: 48,475,000 (8 month period)
GPM: 1350
100 HP BELLE™ Specifications
Fully Enclosed, Fan Cooled
Rating (HP) 100
Speed (RPM) 1800
Voltage 480v, 60Hz, Single-Phase
Full-load amps 163A
Locked rotor amps 285A
Power factor 0.95 – Near Unity
Full Load Torque (lb. ft.) 291
Starting Torque 582
NEMA Frame Size 449T
Weight (lbs) 2700
You must be logged in to post a comment.