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Big Single-Phase Motors Solve Power Supply Problems
“We are the only company in the world that makes large horsepower, single-phase motors,” says Ben Morris, Single Phase Power Solutions (SPPS) in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Our 15 to 100 hp. motors are ideal for farmers and ranchers without access to 3-phase power. They are a more economical alternative to large, stationary, di
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Big Single-Phase Motors Solve Power Supply Problems ENERGY Alternative Fuels “We are the only company in the world that makes large horsepower single-phase motors ” says Ben Morris Single Phase Power Solutions SPPS in Cincinnati Ohio “Our 15 to 100 hp motors are ideal for farmers and ranchers without access to 3-phase power They are a more economical alternative to large stationary diesel propane or natural gas-powered motors ” Ronnie Barber co-inventor of the company’s “Written-Pole” technology describes it as adding a layer of permanent magnets around the rotor surface They are magnetized as the motor comes up to speed Once it reaches full speed the motor runs as a permanent magnet motor This reduces energy loss in the motor to zero making it more efficient than a 3-phase motor even if 3-phase power is available Morris points out that when 3-phase power is not available bringing it in can typically cost $30 000 or more per mile In addition a 3-phase motor has its own costs Barber explains that induction motors single or 3-phase can require from 6 to 8 times the running current at start-up That can create a voltage sag or flicker in the neighborhood and result in extra demand fees from the utility “Our Written-Pole motors require a starting current that is less than 2 times running current ” says Barber “That allows us to put larger horsepower motors on line than you could with any induction motor design ” High horsepower 3-phase motors can run on single-phase lines with a Variable Frequency Drive VFD or with phase converters that imitate 3-phase power Both create harmonic distortion on the utility line which can destroy electronic equipment on the line “Increasingly utility companies are requiring a harmonic filter be used with a VFD or phase converter ” says Morris “That can add $10 000 to the cost of a $3 000 phase converter Some co-op utilities won’t even allow them to be installed due to the harmonic distortion “Our motors with their synchronous mode of operation actually absorb harmonics off the line ” he adds Diesel-powered generators can cost $12 an hour to run without counting maintenance time and cost “Our motors can save up to 70 percent what a diesel will cost ” says Morris “They are also more dependable ” He cites a Texas customer’s 40-hp motor that was under 10 ft of floodwater for 7 days when the Red River flooded in 2015 “When it dried out we sent him a new control card for the panel and he turned it on ” says Morris “It ran and has been going strong ever since ” In addition to dependability Morris notes that Belle motors have instant restarts after a momentary power interruption They are capable of sustained starting conditions for greater duration than conventional motors without overheating SPPS sells its motor with a proprietary control panel as a system Morris says the motors in their cast iron frame are designed to take a beating “Our motor is one your son will still be running years from now ” he says “Motor and control panels are designed for outdoor use as well as indoor ” SPPS Belle motor systems are priced from $11 000 for a 30 hp motor to $26 000 for a 100 hp motor Maintenance consists of twice a year greasing of bearings Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Single Phase Power Solutions 5460 Muddy Creek Rd Cincinnati Ohio 45238 ph 513 399-6263; toll free 877 430-5634; sales@sppowersolutions com; www sppowersolutions com
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