Post by thumper on Jan 1, 2021 2:07:08 GMT
I have a hammer mill that I use to turn wood chips and bamboo chips into saw dust. It currently has a 10 HP 220V single phase motor on it. The hammer mill is rated for a 20 HP motor, but we had it spect with a 10 HP when we got it.
My bearings are going bad in the motor again and I have been told it's due to it being under sized for the application. They also told me they would not replace the bearings in this motor again due to it's condition and I need to get a new one next time. The motor shop and a mechanic says I'll be fine with 15 HP due to the way it's used.
The motor shop says I should go with a 20 hp rotary converter as I will be able to use it with other stuff or if I ever need to upgrade. My electrician says I'm better off going with a VFD as it will be cheaper to buy and install, use less power, and will give some rpm adjustment if ever needed.
My incoming power is a split lug 400/380 amp single phase with a single 200 amp panel. I can add a second panel at any time, but have not needed it as of yet. We only use off peak power at night. 27.5 KW of water heating, pumped storage of water, charger for the skid steer, and charger for the tractor (there both battery powered).
With the VFD I would not need a second panel, but it might be needed if I went with a rotary drive.
Has anyone been down this path before?
Anyone ever use one or both of them?
Anyone have any thoughts?