Voltage Doubling is a patented variable frequency drive (VFD) and Phase Conversion technology engineered by Phase Technologies to help with the typical high cost of deep well and long lead applications by doubling the supply voltage. For example, if you have 230/240 volt A/C power available, these VFD's and digital phase converters step up the input and produce 460/480 volt A/C output without requiring an additional transformer.
For an AC motor of a given horsepower, increasing the operating voltage of the motor results in a decrease in the full load amperage. Lower amperage requirements allow a reduction in the size of the motor cable, significantly reducing the cost. The cost reduction from using a smaller cable can be dramatic in submersible pump applications where long motor leads are common.
Motor Horsepower | Well Depth | 230V 3-Phase | 460V 3-Phase | Typical Savings |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 HP |
500 ft. | 8 AWG | 14 AWG | 60%+ |
1000 ft. | 4 AWG | 10 AWG | 65%+% | |
1500 ft. | 2 AWG | 8 AWG | 68%+ | |
7.5 HP |
500 ft. | 6 AWG | 12 AWG | 65%+ |
1000 ft. | 4 AWG | 10 AWG | 65%+ | |
1500 ft. | 2 AWG | 8 AWG | 68%+ | |
10 HP |
500 ft. | 6 AWG | 12 AWG | 65%+ |
1000 ft. | 2 AWG | 8 AWG | 68%+ | |
1500 ft. | 0 AWG | 6 AWG | 72%+ | |
15 HP |
500 ft. | 4 AWG | 10 AWG | 65%+ |
1000 ft. | 0 AWG | 6 AWG | 72%+ | |
1500 ft. | 000 AWG | 4 AWG | 80%+ |
As of November 2021, $8.75/ft and $2.50/ft represented an average retail price of 4AWG and 10AWG cable, respectively, often used in submersible pump applications. Cable pricing fluctuates, check with your local supplier and use this calculator to determine your actual savings!
A variable frequency drive (VFD) is commonly used as a phase converter in pumping applications. VFD's are becoming the standard because they allow you to take advantage of variable speed, soft starting and stopping, constant pressure water systems, and advanced pump and well protection features. However, if only 230V single-phase is available, a VFD makes it difficult to boost the voltage from 230V to 460V.
Most VFD's induce significant harmonic distortion on the input side, and generate pulse-width-modulated (PWM) voltage on the output side. This makes using a transformer to increase the voltage impractical as the transformer may be damaged.
Phase Technologies has developed several unique lines of voltage doubling phase-converting VFD's and three phase VFD's. These variable frequency drives are capable of converting 208 V/230 V/240 V single-phase or three-phase to 460 V three-phase. Specifically designed for pumping applications, these VFD's have all the desirable features for pumping applications with an easy to use interface, and can save significant installation costs.