460ThreePhase
New User
- Location
- Texas
- Occupation
- Beginner Electrical Engineering Tech
Greetings,
I was wondering about when the cost would be worth it to use a soft starter for 460V three phase motors when the energy plan does not charge for momentary spikes (charges for a 15 min sustained period instead)? I've read a number of articles that have spoken of the benefits of using one--which were: energy savings and lower maintenance costs (belts, motor less chance of being destroyed).
I have read a plethora of different responses as to when it is beneficial to use one. Some people saying you should use one all the way down to a 5hp motor !?!
Others have said only after 100hp. This degree of discrepancy in judgment is alarming.
Personally, I'm wondering if it's even worth it with the 100hp motors if they haven't been damaged over the years without one. I'm also wondering why they cost so much if they don't easily pay for themselves in energy costs and they are not necessary.
The energy plan that my company is on does not charge for momentary peaks but rather for an average 15 minute peak. I do see the benefit if your energy plan does charge for the momentary peaks though!
Thank you for suffering my question.
I was wondering about when the cost would be worth it to use a soft starter for 460V three phase motors when the energy plan does not charge for momentary spikes (charges for a 15 min sustained period instead)? I've read a number of articles that have spoken of the benefits of using one--which were: energy savings and lower maintenance costs (belts, motor less chance of being destroyed).
I have read a plethora of different responses as to when it is beneficial to use one. Some people saying you should use one all the way down to a 5hp motor !?!
Others have said only after 100hp. This degree of discrepancy in judgment is alarming.
Personally, I'm wondering if it's even worth it with the 100hp motors if they haven't been damaged over the years without one. I'm also wondering why they cost so much if they don't easily pay for themselves in energy costs and they are not necessary.
The energy plan that my company is on does not charge for momentary peaks but rather for an average 15 minute peak. I do see the benefit if your energy plan does charge for the momentary peaks though!
Thank you for suffering my question.
