Motor Runtime Scheduling Cost Comparator — Find the Cheaper Operating Schedule
Compare two ways of scheduling the same motor. Change operating hours and days while keeping the motor's electrical load constant to see how runtime decisions affect annual energy and cost.
Motor operating assumptions
Schedule A
Schedule B
Why changing runtime can change cost without changing the motor
Operating cost is directly linked to how long a motor consumes electrical power. A schedule with fewer total hours can reduce energy cost, even when the motor itself is unchanged.
Annual hours are the key comparison
Daily runtime and annual operating days combine into total annual hours. This is the value that drives the simplest energy comparison.
Equal hours can still be operationally different
Two schedules can produce similar annual energy but have different starts, stops and production consequences. Those factors are outside this calculator.
Worked example
Schedule A at 8 hours/day for 300 days gives 2,400 hours/year. Schedule B at 6 hours/day for 350 days gives 2,100 hours/year. At 18 kW, the difference is 5,400 kWh/year.
Limitations
The model does not use time-of-use tariffs, demand charges, standby consumption or process-output constraints.
Frequently asked questions
Can one schedule operate fewer days but longer hours?
Yes. The calculator compares the resulting annual hours.
Does this include startup energy?
No. It focuses on steady operating energy.
Can I compare schedules with zero runtime?
Yes. That produces zero modeled running energy.