Is a 3 phase power converter worth it to get

fbm211

I have been doing some reserch on this and am wondering if it would be worth it to have it if I get the contract to the comercial space Im considering renting.I would use it to power coolers,freezors,and lighting.Im not sure if this kind of equipment is common or availabe since I suppose one would have to get equipment made to run on it but Ive been told it offers considerable power savings. Anyone know about this type of electric power.?
I imagine it would be quite expensive to have a contractor install something like this.But then again electric is becoming expensive.

Erik Tracy

fbm211 wrote: »

I have been doing some reserch on this and am wondering if it would be worth it to have it if I get the contract to the comercial space Im considering renting.I would use it to power coolers,freezors,and lighting.Im not sure if this kind of equipment is common or availabe since I suppose one would have to get equipment made to run on it but Ive been told it offers considerable power savings. Anyone know about this type of electric power.?
I imagine it would be quite expensive to have a contractor install something like this.But then again electric is becoming expensive.

The equipment itself would not run on 3-phase power. In our companies computer labs we do have some 3-phase applications. From the power panels, the 3phase runs to PDUs (power distribution units, aka 'power strips') which then provide more 'normal' single phase power to connected equipment. The trick is to balance what power is connected to the PDUs to ensure the power draw across each phase is 'even' and that you aren't over drawing current on one phase vs the other two.

If I were you, I'd get a bid or two and then crunch some numbers to see if you would save any money. It could be years before you break even and begin to gain anything - which would mean committing yourself to stay where you are for potentially a long time.

CoolJazz

A rotory phase converter is what is used to convert from single phase to three phase. Basically, you're using a big motor to do it. Very noisy and hot! The single phase power is used to run the motor (generator) and then it creates the 3 phases. A failure or required service on the unit leaves you without the 3 phase. You basically only do this if you have device that absolutely requires 3 phase and you can't get the power company to install it.

That's the place to start, with the power company supplying the building and see about the cost to install if it's not there already. Yes..the cost savings of 3 phase can matter and perhaps pay out the installation of it. It's one of the major reasons almost all industrial buildings have 3 phase going to them.

CJ

4406bbl

When I changed from 2phase to 3phase my bill dropped in half, I am running 15ton of ac, 2ton freezer, 3/4 ton cooler rand a 5 horse compressor. My cost was $600 to run the extra wire,I did the panels myself and the 3phase was on the pole already. The only negative is here I get a demand revenue charge based on my use in the summer vs winter but the electric rate is cheaper so if you use a lot it works out, right now if i switched back the power company claims I would save $100 a year because of the demand revenue, I am not falling for that. The other great thing is no starting circuit in the motors and I have never had a motor failure in the 20 years since I changed over. The 3phase ac was $100 per unit more but all the other equipment is cheaper as most people can't use 3-phase welders or compressors, 3-phase welders seem to run smoother to me.

fbm211

Thank you for the info guys.