On my last post,i discussed about why we need to determine motor loads and efficiency.So for this post i want to share how to get the motor load value using simple calculation electrical formula.

Before we go further,i want to explain about Power.What is meaning of Power?Of course this term is significant with our discussion topic.Power is rated of energy in electrical circuit.

It is combination from Amperage and Voltage value.Basic formula for Power is P (watt) =I(ampere)  x V (volt).Power also measured in Horsepower (hp) unit.For common conversion from electrical Horsepower to Watt is 1hp = 746 watt.

 

How to calculate Motor Loads

Electrical motor loads are calculated from power in kW and full rated load in kW.Following is the formula how to calculate Motor loads.

Example :

We have 1 unit Induction Motor with 30 horsepower (hp),running with 34.9 amps for amperage load and 460 volts 3 phase  and power factor value is 0.75 and motor efficiency is 85%

STEP 1

We determine value of power in kW (Pi) using this formula.

STEP 2

We need to determine the full rated load in kW

STEP 3

We can quantify the motor’s part-load by comparing the measured input power under load to the power required when the motor operates at rated capacity using this formula.

Calculation :-

First step for actual value of voltage and ampere,i suggest to collected measurement data from motor using the Voltmeter and Clamp on meter.Example as following :-

a) VOLTAGE

V red = 462 volt    V blue = 461 volt    V yellow = 460 volt

V total = (462 + 461 + 460) / 3 = 461 volt

b) AMPERE

A red = 34.5 amp   A blue = 33.8 amp   A yellow = 34.2 amp

A total = (34.5+33.8+34.2) / 3 = 34.1 amp

c) Power Factor : 0.75

d) Motor efficiency : 85%

 

Formula 1 :

Pi = (V xI x PF x 1.732) / 1000

Pi =  (461 x 34.1 x 0.75 x 1.732) / 1000

Pi = 20.4 kW

 

Formula 2

Pir = (HP x 0.7457)/Efficiency

Pir = ( 30 x 0.7457) / 0.85

Pir = 19 kW

 

Formula 3

LOAD = (Pi / Pir) x 100%

LOAD = (20.4/19) x 100%

Output power as a % of rated power = 107.4%

* From this example value,we can determine our electric motor load in good condition.It is 100% with output power to drive the equipment.It efficiency and not to run with overload.