100 HP BELLE™ Single-Phase Motor Provides Power to Orange Groves in Florida

by Ben Morris / Wednesday, 27 June 2018 / Published in Case Studies

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™ Single-Phase 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