User: Coloaggies, Location: Northern Colorado
Asked on: Monday, April 18, 2011 at 12:41 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:19 am EDT
Question: Now that our mechanical guroos are specifying ECM (electronically commutated motors) when will we get the new tables? These new motors are now achieving SEER ratings of 12 and higher and allows us electrical folks to circuit multiple VAV boxes on 1 circuit. This will save our electricians time and our clients money.Anyone know of a new table or calculation that can be used in this situation?
Availability of ECM-Specific Tables
As of now, there are no official tables specifically designed for estimating the electrical load of VAV boxes using ECM motors.
Calculation Considerations
However, you can estimate the electrical load using the following considerations: Power Factor
ECM motors have a high power factor (typically 0.95 or higher), which means they draw less current for the same amount of power compared to conventional motors.
Speed Control
ECM motors can operate at variable speeds, so the actual power consumption will depend on the fan speed.
Estimation Method
To estimate the electrical load of VAV boxes using ECM motors:1. Determine the maximum power consumption of the ECM motor at full speed. This information can be obtained from the motor manufacturer.2. Multiply the maximum power consumption by 0.75 to 0.85 to account for the high power factor and the fact that the motors typically operate at lower speeds.3. If multiple VAV boxes are being connected on one circuit, calculate the total maximum power consumption by multiplying the result from step 2 by the number of boxes.4. Add a safety factor of 10% to 15% to account for variations and future additions.
Example
ECM motor maximum power consumption: 200 watts Power factor: 0.95 Number of VAV boxes: 3 Safety factor: 10%Estimated electrical load:200 watts x 0.80 (power factor) x 3 (boxes) + 10% = 600 VA
Note: This is just an estimation and the actual electrical load may vary depending on the specific conditions and motor characteristics. It is recommended to consult with an electrician for accurate calculations and specifications. Flag for review