How to increase Kva

[mithra]

Hi all, We got an industrial kitchen with Induction Hobs which consume loads of electricity and the Main only supply 69Kva as we have a O4 meter. Any ideas how to increase Kva? Can we use Buck Booster Transformers? Thanks Mithra

 

[Marvo]

A buck boost transformer isn't going to help whatsoever. The only way to increase your supply is to contact the supply authority or DNO for a larger supply to be installed

 

[mithra]

A buck boost transformer isn't going to help whatsoever. The only way to increase your supply is to contact the supply authority or DNO for a larger supply to be installed

The issue is Supplier can not change the meter to increase the capacity without DNO approval. DNO can not with out putting a sub station. Any ideas?

 

[Octopus]

The issue is Supplier can not change the meter to increase the capacity without DNO approval. DNO can not with out putting a sub station. Any ideas?

Change the hob(s)?

 

[mithra]

MMm have cost far too much to refit the kitchen with gas. we use a generator and it cost us 80-90K a year. Refit with gas may the next option but wondering any other work arounds

 

[Octopus]

Who said anything about gas?

Can't you locate a more efficient, less power hungry hob?

What do you cook?

 

[mithra]

Who said anything about gas?

Can't you locate a more efficient, less power hungry hob?

What do you cook?

Looking for an alternative supply without changing the current appliances..

 

[Octopus]

Looking for an alternative supply without changing the current appliances..

The only people that can advise on that are the DNO

 

[Marvo]

If the DNO can't upgrade your supply without upgrading their substation/network first then is kinda game set and match I'm afraid. There's no device you can buy that will give you the extra power you're looking for other than a generator. There's several workarounds you can implement such as load-shedding certain items during high load periods like hot water cylinders and any electric heating you may have. You may also be able to free up some power by installing LED lighting but depending on how big the shortfall is for your industrial hobs these measures might be tantamount to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. I guess the final option would be to convert some of your heavy consumption equipment to LPG or town gas or whatever it is you have in the UK.

 

[mache]

Who said anything about gas?

Can't you locate a more efficient, less power hungry hob?

What do you cook?

Yeah I'm wondering what is being cooked up in Cheltenham these days???.

Who specified and supplied the hobs in the first place and did they check the available supply to feed them as part of the contract ??

Also if your running costs are 80-90K per year on generator then get back to DNO and talk about an investment plan. Think about long term investment? Other alternative is a third party supplied substation, but have no idea of the costs involved. e.g ABB, Seimens etc. Would still require to be hooked up to DNO supply but service and maintainance would be your responsibility not DNO's.