Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dale Friesen, P.Eng.
General Manager
Meridium Power Inc.
P.O. Box 815, 820 Taylor Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2P4
Tel: 204-474-4928 (888-518-6581 Canada only)
Fax: 204-452-3976
Email: drfriesen@meridiumpower.ca
Successful Testing of World’s First 100 Hp Single-Phase Electric Motor
Winnipeg, Manitoba – November 08, 2004 - Meridium Power Inc, a subsidiary of Manitoba
Hydro, is pleased to announce the successful testing of the world’s first commercially available
100 horsepower single-phase electric motor. Designed for operation on single-phase utility
distribution systems, this new single-phase motor expands the company’s line of large
horsepower single-phase motors, previously available in sizes ranging from 15 to 75 hp.
These large horsepower single-phase motors benefit from several important enhancements made
possible through the application of Written-Pole® Technology, a proprietary motor and generator
technology developed by Precise Power Corporation of Palmetto, Florida. The low starting
current requirements and high operating efficiency made possible by this technology have
enabled designers to dramatically increase the available horsepower that single-phase motors can
produce while operating on standard single-phase utility distribution systems.
The starting demand of a Written-Pole® single-phase motor is generally about 25 to 30 percent of
the starting demand of an equivalent single or three-phase induction motor, dramatically
reducing electrical demand and annoying voltage flicker on utility distributions systems. The
recently announced 100 hp single-phase motor sets new standards in starting performance with a
locked-rotor current of 1.3 times the motor’s full-load current while still producing 65 percent of
the motor’s rated full-load torque. The peak starting current of 1.50 times the rated full-load
current generates 125 percent of the motor’s rated full-load torque providing sufficient torque to
start most loads. Applications requiring additional torque will be accommodated in future
models with higher starting torque capabilities.
Written-Pole® single-phase electric motors are the most energy efficient single-phase motors
available in the market, with operating efficiencies comparable to those of energy-efficient threephase induction motors mandated under Canadian and American energy-efficiency regulations.
While energy efficiency regulations for large horsepower single-phase motors do not presently
exist in either Canada or the United States, Written-Pole® single-phase motors clearly
demonstrate the potential for future energy savings.
Recent tests performed at a Hydro Quebec laboratory in Shawinigan, Quebec verified the
exceptional performance of this new 100 hp single-phase motor. Testing performed at the
independent laboratory, considered to be one of the most advanced motor test laboratories in
North America, confirmed the full-load operating efficiency of the 100 hp single-phase motor to
be greater than 95.0 percent, comparable to high efficiency three-phase induction motors offered
by other manufacturers. This impressive achievement provides for substantial operating savings
over comparable diesel or electric options that can dramatically improve the cost-effectiveness of
many agricultural and municipal applications.
Experience gained from installations across Canada, totaling more than 3,000 horsepower, has
provided Meridium Power with a strong understanding in the use and application of WrittenPole® single-phase motors. Applications ranging from single motor installations of 15
horsepower to multiple motor installations totaling 250 horsepower have clearly demonstrated
the benefits available from the use of Written-Pole® single-phase motors.
End-users seeking to expand or modernize applications with larger horsepower requirements
such as irrigation pumping systems, grain drying facilities and gas compression equipment now
have an electric option that will enable them to benefit from the low energy costs, reduced labor
requirements and convenience of electric power. The replacement of diesel engines in many
larger horsepower applications will substantially reduce operating costs as diesel fuel costs
continue to rise, while protecting the environment through reductions in the production of
greenhouse gases and soil/water contamination from fuel spills.
Meridium Power is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro, the fourth largest electric and
gas utility in Canada. The company operates under an exclusive distribution agreement with
Precise Power Corporation granting it distribution rights for Written-Pole® products in Canada.
Additional information on Written-Pole® large horsepower single-phase motors can be obtained
by contacting Meridium Power at 204-474-4928 (888-518-6581 in Canada) or visiting our web
site at www.meridiumpower.ca.