electricity usage

[sapman]

I can do the math and try to estimate what different hp pumps will cost, but I'm wondering if any of you can comment on how much it cost a season to run your vacuum pumps, especially a 3hp and 5hp. I know what my 3 hp cost with vfd last year, and feel like I can't go back to single phase with how low my bill was.

Thanks

[lpakiz]

Tim,
Did you have true three phase, or did the VFD include a phase converter?

[sapman]

Phase converter

[unc23win]

I used this http://www.rapidtables.com/convert/electric/Amp_to_kW.htm to estimate my usage for kilowatts and then this one http://www.rapidtables.com/convert/electric/kW_to_kWh.htm to figure out kilowatts per hour and then you just have to know how many $ your electric is per kilowatt hour and how many hours a day you plan on running.

[maple flats]

Whatever the cost, it will be far less than the value of the syrup that will be gained.