Kyle_in_Tex
Super Star Member
I hope to get some people here who know about electricity and can give me some good answers.
First to preface, everyone is spending countless bucks improving solar power, wind power, wave power you name it power.
From my pea sized knowledge of electicity, I know that 3 phase motors are somewhat more efficient. My buddy was telling me about delta Y type wiring methods and that with 3 phase a motor can use as little as 1/3 the amps. He also says the same can be said for electric water heating and home heating. All this can be done with 1 more leg ran to the home plus a different type of transformer? What gives, no rocket science needed, just not yet common easy to make 3 phase equipment.
He also said that the city of Austin had a round table discussion (between the power company and some electricians) back in the 70's about ways to save energy. He said this idea was presented and many electricians agreed but the idea was shelved he guessed by the power company "because they want to sell electricity". I said what about all the rebates and incentives they offer to reduce consumption? He says they do that to keep the greenies off their backs...
He said the whole house could be converted but the confusion of types of bulbs etc would be a hassle. I asked "Why don't they make it where hard wired stuff is 3 phase?" He said it can be done with money. AC, hot water, heating, dishwasher and oven is where he'd start. He says Europe is somewhat like this.
Is he right about most of this stuff? I know in the south, our cooling bills are really high and if a 3 phase AC unit could run on 33% of the electricity, I know I'd save about $70 a month on just AC.
First to preface, everyone is spending countless bucks improving solar power, wind power, wave power you name it power.
From my pea sized knowledge of electicity, I know that 3 phase motors are somewhat more efficient. My buddy was telling me about delta Y type wiring methods and that with 3 phase a motor can use as little as 1/3 the amps. He also says the same can be said for electric water heating and home heating. All this can be done with 1 more leg ran to the home plus a different type of transformer? What gives, no rocket science needed, just not yet common easy to make 3 phase equipment.
He also said that the city of Austin had a round table discussion (between the power company and some electricians) back in the 70's about ways to save energy. He said this idea was presented and many electricians agreed but the idea was shelved he guessed by the power company "because they want to sell electricity". I said what about all the rebates and incentives they offer to reduce consumption? He says they do that to keep the greenies off their backs...
He said the whole house could be converted but the confusion of types of bulbs etc would be a hassle. I asked "Why don't they make it where hard wired stuff is 3 phase?" He said it can be done with money. AC, hot water, heating, dishwasher and oven is where he'd start. He says Europe is somewhat like this.
Is he right about most of this stuff? I know in the south, our cooling bills are really high and if a 3 phase AC unit could run on 33% of the electricity, I know I'd save about $70 a month on just AC.
when I give them prices for 220 hvac motors, compressors. I can't think of what I would hear if I priced 3 phase stuff (equip/parts) for the home owner.
