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Posted By: Rob operating cost? - 02/02/07 03:34 PM
How do you determine operating cost of a 3 phase motor. 460 volt 15 amp.
My utility rate is .08 cents per kwh.
Is there a common formula?
Posted By: renosteinke Re: operating cost? - 02/02/07 03:58 PM
Measure the actual amps drawn on each leg. Average. Multiply by 1.73. That's your amp load.

From there, it's the usual amps x volts x time x rate = electrical cost.

This will give you figures good enough to work with. Actual results will vary a bit, due to changes in load, power factor, harmonics, etc ... but the number you get will be close enough for budgeting.
Posted By: JBD Re: operating cost? - 02/02/07 10:20 PM
One quick and dirty method is to estimate 1KVA of input power for each HP of output.

For a fully loaded motor you can use 1KW per HP. For lightly loaded motors use 1.1KW per HP instead.
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