I got a call today asking me if I would like to bid on a project. I dont know a lot right now, but I believe I have the jist of the scenario. A company is installing a new fertilizer blending system that has a total 480V motor load of about 225A. The facility currently has an 800A 208V system. The electrical project manager for this job ( I will be bidding labor only, as materials will be provided) told me a little about the scope of work over the phone. His idea is to install a dry type XFMR ( not sure what size) and step up 208V 3ph to 480V 3Ph to supply this blending system. I know for sure the heart of this system is a 60Hp 480V motor, with multiple 30hp's, 20hp's, and so on. I dont know all motor loads as of this point
I'm just curious what everyones opinion is on this. I feel they should just install new 480V 3ph service from POCO. I'm not sure what will happen on the 208V service if all these motors are running, or when they start up, etc. If its true that all 480V motor load is 225A(running), then that equates to around 500+ amps on the 208V side? Not to mention current 208V load (which I dont know yet). If they start this new blending system at any given point in time, does anybody know what the startup current will do on the 208V side? In my head, this just seems like a disaster. I may be very wrong, but it seems this might look good on paper, but cause problems in the field. Looking for any and all feedback!
GK
I'm just curious what everyones opinion is on this. I feel they should just install new 480V 3ph service from POCO. I'm not sure what will happen on the 208V service if all these motors are running, or when they start up, etc. If its true that all 480V motor load is 225A(running), then that equates to around 500+ amps on the 208V side? Not to mention current 208V load (which I dont know yet). If they start this new blending system at any given point in time, does anybody know what the startup current will do on the 208V side? In my head, this just seems like a disaster. I may be very wrong, but it seems this might look good on paper, but cause problems in the field. Looking for any and all feedback!
GK