Solving the LV vs MV dilemma in motor management for mining
(This blog is part of our series on motor management which covers various aspects of motor integration in an electrical network and the industrial process. See end of blog for other topics) I am often asked whether LV or MV is a better solution for connecting motors. As it turns out, answering this question is not just a comparison of direct costs related to equipment investment. It also concerns indirect costs such as for personnel training, habits of using LV or MV for a certain range of motor power, availability of suitable voltage levels, as well as the impact on parallel loads and overall electrical system. In the 100-800 kW range both LV and MV connection levels are feasible, and this is a range where established practices are just as important as some of the technical and economic arguments. A few comparisons Below are the results of several recent analyses I made comparing LV and MV equivalents for motors in the 100-800 kW range. More detailed inform...