Prime Movers

Alternative title: Comparing Motors and Engines as Prime Movers

This course is designed for industrial, commercial, agricultural decision makers who are faced with many options about prime mover technologies-the electric motors or internal combustion engines that perform work by driving pumps or compressors.

This course presents many of the factors to consider for owning and operating prime movers used in water pumping, compressed air, and refrigeration applications with an emphasis on energy efficiency and rate structures. Course participants receive Excel program software and a user's guide that are used to present water pumping calculation examples.

Alternative approach: Electric Motors and Engines for Water Pumping

Today's agri-business decision makers are faced with many options about prime mover technologies-the electric motors or internal combustion engines-that might be considered for water pumping applications. This revised and improved seminar emphasizes the selection, use, and economics of both electric motors and gas-powered engines in water pumping applications. In addition to the seminar workbook, participants receive a spreadsheet program on diskette that they can use to make "what-if" economic comparisons.

The topics for this full-day session include:

• Fundamental terms and concepts regarding prime movers

• Features of electric motors and reciprocating engines and how they work

• A discussion of adjustable speed drives and power quality

• Emissions considerations, emission reduction technologies, and regulations for natural-gas-powered engines

• Economic analysis of using electric motors and reciprocating engines

• Water pumping basics

• Several water pumping case studies