Irrigation: 100HP Single-Phase BELLE™ Motor Replaces a 454 Chevy Natural Gas Engine
Project: 100HP Irrigation Well for Alfalfa Hay Farm
Location: Clayton, New Mexico
Background: David Sowers battled with many inefficient and costly propane and natural gas engines since drilling his irrigation well in 1964. As gas prices continued to increase, Sowers began looking for an electric alternative for his irrigation well. In 2006, Sowers purchased a 100HP BELLE™ single phase motor and Southwestern Electric Cooperative delivered the installation on the existing single-phase line at the Sowers Ranch. The cost and energy savings numbers Sowers and his electricity provider supplied to us are astounding.
Results: Sowers was spending $19.13 an hour in fuel and pressure factor charges with his 454 Chevy Engine and this resulted in a monthly gas bill of $13,773.60. On top of that, he had to perform routine oil changes every seven days and replace spark plugs and wires monthly. This was resulting in an extra $107. 96 per month. After the 100HP BELLE™ motor was installed, Sowers received his first monthly electricity bill. Sowers’ bill was $3,600. That is a monthly savings of $10,173.60. The BELLE™ motor practically paid for itself within the first two months of activity. Southwestern Electric Cooperative granted him a $20.00 per HP rebate for installing an energy efficient motor. This sent another $2,000 ($20 x 100HP) back into Sowers’ pocket. Single-Phase Power Solutions’ motors are USDA REAP Grant eligible. The New Mexico farmer was also very pleased to inform us that there was no loss in water pressure and he was pumping 650 gallons per minute.
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
NEMA Frame Size 449T
Weight (lbs) 2700
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