Frequently Asked Questions about Motorboss

I. FAQ - Advanced Motor Power Systems

1. Do you have a local representative in my area?

GreenTech Energy Services is an authorized provider of Motorboss technologies within the United States. To contact a local representative in your area please call us at 800-690-0420.

2. How does Green Tech Energy provide a custom quote?

GreenTech's professional represtatives will consult with you directly to obtain specific data that will help in choosing the correct type of motorboss product for your application. Once all the unique data is obtained a personalized quote for your needs will be provided.
To obtain a custom quote today call us at: 800-690-0420

3. How do I choose the right Motorboss Controller?

The best way to find the correct Motorboss Controller for your application is to speak with one of our qualified representatives. They will be able to help you analyze your specific needs, and account for all details in your application. They can then further match your usage with the correct controller to maximize savings.

II. FAQ - Three Phase Motors

1. How does a Three Phase Motorboss work?

In simple terms Motorboss works by matching motor torque to load torque by sensing the motor's load and reducing the motor's terminal voltage to a level where the motor produces the correct torque requirement for the driven load.  This has the effect of reducing the motor's iron (magnetizing) losses (Kvar) and saving energy.

The soft start feature works by gradually increasing the terminal voltage to the motor until the motor provides enough torque to accelerate the load to full speed. This has the effect of drastically reducing the motors starting current, usually by 50%.

2. Can Motorboss be fitted on more than one motor at a time?

In most cases No. However, if the motors are of the same specification, type, and share a common load Motorboss can be fitted to multi motor applications. Motorboss must be sized using the total kW rating of all the motors added together.

3. Which types of motor can benefit from Motorboss?

Any AC Induction Motor from 3⁄4 HP to 1100 HP. See our online store for details.

4. What are the requirements for energy savings?

Applications should be constant speed and variable load and run for at least 8 Hrs per day. Although not necessary, a system that has a load and unload state can typically see better results than a constant loaded system.  However, a powerful feature of Motorboss is the ability to implement a 'voltage capping' feature.  When this mode is engaged, the motor voltage is optimized by dialing down the necessary voltage to the minimum amount required to perform the proper work.  Voltage savings can be from 5%-40% depending on the motor.  Other strong candidates are applications where the motor is oversized for the work being performed.

5. Can Motorboss be fitted to a slip-ring motor?

Yes, the slip-ring motor is part of the AC Induction motor family. In most cases the existing method of starting must be retained.

6. Which types of motors cannot benefit from Motorboss?

• Any DC Motor
• Universal Motors, that is motors fitted with a commutator and brushes
• Stepper Motors
• Switch Reluctance Motors
• Variable Voltage MotorsSynchronous Motors

7. Will Motorboss meet the CE directives?

Yes, Motorboss meets both the EMC and Low Voltage directives.

8. Can Motorboss be fitted to high efficiency motors?

Motorboss can be fitted to high efficiency motors however, the level of savings will be less than a standard cage motor due to the motors inherent higher efficiency. The impact of the motors iron losses will always be less on a high efficiency motor, however Motorboss will accept the fixed savings and reduce the iron loss even further as the load decreases.

9. What happens if a Motorboss fails?

In the rare circumstances of unit failure Motorboss can be configured to run in the ‘Emergency Run’ mode. All soft start features will be bypassed and the unit will run at full voltage. This feature will only work if the PCB is undamaged.

10. Will Motorboss work on poor power supplies?

We presently have Motorboss units performing arduous tasks in many African countries as well as India and Pakistan without undue problems.

11. What is the present range of Motorboss three phase units?

The 3 Phase Motorboss is available in 22 models ranging between 1.5HP to 1100HP. The single phase Motorboss is available in 4 models ranging between 3/4HP - 4HP.

12. How is a Motorboss sized?

• Motor kW rating
• Supply Voltage and frequency
• Motor Current in amps
• Ambient Temperature

III. FAQ - Single Phase Motors

1. Which types of motors can benefit from Motorboss?

• Single phase shaded pole motors
• Split phase motors
• Split phase capacitor start motors

2. What are the requirements for energy savings?

As with three phase motors the motor should run for around 8 hours per day. On most single phase motors the on load and off load currents can be nearly identical due to the motors inefficiency. Therefor it can be difficult to assess the amount of energy that can be saved on a particular application. Other than monitoring the load cycle on the application savings can only be established by monitoring actual motor power factor or by trial and error.

3. What is the present range of Motorboss single phase units?

The Motorboss MB is available in four models ranging 6 to 20 amps @ 110 to 220 Volts. Frequency and voltage must be specified at the time of order.

4. How is Motorboss MB sized?

Due to the many types of single phase motor available and their very varied specifications single-phase units are sized using the motors full load amps.