Electric Motors For Centrifugal Compressor Drives

Abstract

In the past, the decision to use electric motors for centrifugal compressor drives has been made only after all other possibilities to use either a steam or gas turbine have been exhausted—or so it has seemed to motor suppliers. This picture may however be changing as a result of the increase in fuel costs, particularly petroleum. In addition to the considerations of heat balance and investment cost, a third factor—the availability of feed stock—must be considered. Why burn a part of the needed hydrocarbons when electric power generated from coal, hydro, or nuclear energy can be purchased with a resultant saving of feed stock to make more product? Obviously, with these alternatives this should not occur—particularly when electric motors of high efficiency and reliability are compressor. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the important elements of selecting a motor for centrifugal compressor drives.