5 HP SUBMERSIBLE PUMP

hHUEY
hHUEY Registered Users Posts: 2
I am wanting to run a 5 hp 3 ph. 460 volt submersible motor with a VFD and Solar array. My question is, For this, I would just use 20, 250 watt, 30 v panels wired in a serious?  Max Load Amps is approx. 9, full load is 8.  Also, would my vfd need to just be 460 single input, and 460 3 phase out?  Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    Need alot more info. Like on or off grid? If you are solar powered, do you need to back this up with a 3 phase generator?  Do you have a model pump in mind. The more info, the better  the answer. Are you in N America.  Welcome to this forum hHuey! 
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    It has been a few years since anyone has asked about a solar powered 3 phase pump... I don't have any known good examples of solar to 3 phase AC inverters--But here is one I have found that will run a 4 kWatt/5 HP 3 phase pump...

    https://www.inverter.com/4kw-three-phase-solar-pump-inverter

    Note that this company recommends a 1.5 x 4 kWatt solar array (derating of solar panels and controller) for full pump power at mid day (my guess).

    I would contact the inverter company and see what they offer.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    Hi Bill,  Hope you are doing well!  Could you please ID a location of the OP ?  Tell you later. --Dave
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    Hi Dave,

    The OP's IP Address is around the Dallas Tx area...

    Take care,
    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
     Thanks Bill,  I had a similar client that I worked up a cluster of XW's to power farm water pumping. 
    There were 5 wells and pumping was to be one at a time. Near the end he changed his mind and wanted them all to run at once and have a walk-in freezer... Definitely for the Utility. He was in Cali. Nice guy but in the utility realm and far from offgrid costwise.  Almost happy hour! What can I get you? Cheers!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

  • hHUEY
    hHUEY Registered Users Posts: 2
    the pump is for a livestock well.  it takes a 5 hp pump to delivery the water from a 1,000 ft. water level.  my calculations were 30 300w panels/ 30 v.  hooked in series of 3 strings parallel.  Into 230v in  460 Volt out 5 hp VFD.  It then would be backed up by a 230v generator.  I would like to go 460 volt on the pump motor to reduce the wire size in half.  Does this design work.   The well is in Southern New Mexico 
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 26 #8
    How are you converting the solar? Anything can be made to work if money is not an object?  What is the rough cost to bring in Utility? Have you asked a local pump guy on deep wells? Also going to higher voltage to save wire size may not be worth the complexity down the road when the pump/VFD fails.

    There are at least a 1000 high voltage VFD's on Amazon alone. Is there a solution in the store here?  I doubt it! 

    One way is a 240 to 480 Step-up Transformer

    To get from 240-volt 1-phase power to 480-volt 3-phase power, you need a step-up transformer that is manufactured to the proper specifications to handle this task. These are available online or at electrical supply stores.

    Grundfos Grundfos 96405811     

    https://www.mrosupply.com/electric-motors/5027058_96405811_grundfos/
    Grundfos Submersible Motor, 3-Wire, 5 hp, 460 VAC, 8.65 A, 60 Hz, 3 ph, 3460 to 3470 rpm, Service Factor: 1.15, Thrust Bearing, Insulation Class: Class F, 304 Stainless Steel, 4 in Dia

    Good luck !

    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net