Discuss Single Phase 230V supply and 3ph Compressor install. in the Commercial Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

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I would also not use a cheap rotary converter, as these supply three lines at 0/90/180 not 0/120/240 phase angle so you still need to de-rate your motor
Wouldn't 0/90/180 be harder to make than (at least an approximation of) 0/120/240 ? Reason I say that is that for a rotary machine, regular 3 phase stuff if common and cheap, to get 0/90/180 would need a custom wound machine. A static converter (i.e. a box with a few caps in it) will give you a 90° third phase - but only under no load - I have a Transwave example of that in the garage, and under load you can get quite a reasonable balance acroos the lines.
As I mentioned, a whike ago I was experimenting because we wanted a 3P supply for my mates home garage, partly to drive the 4 post lift we'd got hold of. Dad just happened to have a 5hp motor lying around which was going to be the basis of it - plus a few caps and an old rescued manual star-delta starter - the biggest probkem we had was getting it going ! I never finished it because my mate got divorced and the house got sold - so we no longer had a need for the 3P.
Sadly, that motor and the step up transformer were among the 400kg of motors I had to weigh in when dad died. If I'd had the room I'd have kept a lot of them.
 
Wouldn't 0/90/180 be harder to make than (at least an approximation of) 0/120/240 ? Reason I say that is that for a rotary machine, regular 3 phase stuff if common and cheap, to get 0/90/180 would need a custom wound machine. A static converter (i.e. a box with a few caps in it) will give you a 90° third phase - but only under no load - I have a Transwave example of that in the garage, and under load you can get quite a reasonable balance acroos the lines.
As I mentioned, a whike ago I was experimenting because we wanted a 3P supply for my mates home garage, partly to drive the 4 post lift we'd got hold of. Dad just happened to have a 5hp motor lying around which was going to be the basis of it - plus a few caps and an old rescued manual star-delta starter - the biggest probkem we had was getting it going ! I never finished it because my mate got divorced and the house got sold - so we no longer had a need for the 3P.
Sadly, that motor and the step up transformer were among the 400kg of motors I had to weigh in when dad died. If I'd had the room I'd have kept a lot of them.
Yes and no. A full rotary converter that uses a single phase motor to drive a three phase generator will produce all the right angles and voltages. The cheap rotary converters use single phase with a cap to spin up a three phase motor, then tap the unused terminal for the third line. From my understanding, the magnetic interactions inside the motor produce a voltage at this terminal that is midway between the other two, which from a single phase source will give 0/90/180. The third line also has no guts and will sag under load, meaning this style of rotary converter can't drive heavy loads.
 
The cheap rotary converters use single phase with a cap to spin up a three phase motor, then tap the unused terminal for the third line. From my understanding, the magnetic interactions inside the motor produce a voltage at this terminal that is midway between the other two, which from a single phase source will give 0/90/180. The third line also has no guts and will sag under load, meaning this style of rotary converter can't drive heavy loads.
No, I think you are misinformed there.
If you connect 1P across 2 phases of a 3P motor, give it a spin, and then apply power, you will get something resembling 3P out of the 3 terminals. It may not be too well balanced, but it will be something resembling 3P. It will do this without any caps, but adding caps will a) add a rotating element so you can actually start the converter, and b) assist in balancing the phases. As you say, without the caps, you have problems starting large loads, but once running these loads will add their own conversion.

One of the tales my late father used to tell was of a callout to a joiner's workshop - this was maaaaany years ago when he was an on the tools electrician. They had a problem with one machine - but only one machine. All the small machines were working fine, just this one big one wouldn't start. Turned out they'd lost a phase at the incoming mains, the machines running created enough of the missing phase for the smaller machines to start, but not enough to start the biggest machine. I guess they must have had something already running when the phase was lost, and that was able to start other machines.
 
I'll freely admit that you all have more experience with rotary converters than myself, which would be none. One of the benefits of living in Australia is a very unified electrical system, and the regulatory backing to tell customers that no, we can't always 'just make it work'.
That said, I'd want to see a scope trace of a single phase driven rotary converter giving anything resembling a balanced phase angle output. When you're starting with two lines that are by definition opposite/180 apart, there's only so much you can do.
 
I'll freely admit that you all have more experience with rotary converters than myself, which would be none. One of the benefits of living in Australia is a very unified electrical system, and the regulatory backing to tell customers that no, we can't always 'just make it work'.
That said, I'd want to see a scope trace of a single phase driven rotary converter giving anything resembling a balanced phase angle output. When you're starting with two lines that are by definition opposite/180 apart, there's only so much you can do.
Well, I do feel a little better this was not something easy or common.
But then not received anything broadly recommended.
I will speak to Invertek tech guy and request what view he has on this situation a little more clearer if it's the only alternative.
Speed control is not a requirement.
However load might be an issue with a compressor when pressure drops and resumes under load.
 
That said, I'd want to see a scope trace of a single phase driven rotary converter giving anything resembling a balanced phase angle output. When you're starting with two lines that are by definition opposite/180 apart, there's only so much you can do.
That's mostly the point of using a rotating machine as part of the converter - you have something capable of generating out of phase components relative to the input. I'm sure my late father could have explained it clearly - he used to design motors etc. for Brush back in the 60s - but my machines theory is rather scant.
I would imagine that if you take a standard 3P squirrel cage induction motor and apply 1P across two connections (with some current limiting !), then as you infer, without the rotor spinning then you'd simply get some variation on a single phase transformer. But once you spin up the rotor, with only one field present, the rotor is going to be going in and out of that field - rather than moving between fields as the fields rotate. That's going to create currents in the rotor cage, and the resulting field is bound to have some effect back into the field windings. As I say, my machine theory was never strong, and it's a lot of years since we did it at uni, but going on the principle of the current in coils trying to counteract change, I'd expect the currents in the rotor cage to act so as to try and reduce the variation in magnetic field as the rotor rotates. That's then going to induce currents in the stator windings with a similar relationship (magnitude and phase angle) to those you'd find if it was fed with "real" 3 phase.
So some of the 1 phase input current goes into creating rotor currents, and those rotor currents go into making 3 phase stators currents. Just how strong this is I don't know !
However load might be an issue with a compressor when pressure drops and resumes under load.
Compressors don't normally start under load. Small ones typically incorporate an unloading valve in the pressure switch that controls the motor - when the switch clicks over, as well as opening the electrical contacts, it opens a dump valve that unloads the pressure in the delivery pipe between compressor and reciever (there's a non-return valve that keeps the air in the receiver). Beyond that, there are various schemes for allowing the compressor to run up before getting onto full load - soft-start valves vent the air from the delivery pipe until it reaches a certain pressure, a dump valve may just allow the air out until some condition (may be just a simple timer) is hit, and there's probably other schemes I've never come across.
 
Appreciate all replies and contributions to an interesting topic. For me anyway. Contacted Invertek Tech man who was very patient and helpful. It does appear the VFD would be the best option for 230~1 to 230~3 and have a stable control. IP20 unit will be +/-£ 220 Which is a costly option. My moto is “Never buy Cheap, only good Value”. If anyone does know of a trusted lower cost option VFD that would run this compressor only on infrequent times on short time, please let me know. Thanks :)
 
I doubt you can do it properly for any less than that price.
 
Not specifically useful to the OP but just to clarify...

A motor generator is exactly what the name says: A motor driving a generator.

(+) Any input to any output, DC-DC, DC-AC both ways, AC-AC of different freq or phases
(+) Many control options including full variable voltage control
(+) Can often be assembled from standard machines
(-) Large, inefficient; all power has to be converted to mechanical and back to electrical.
* Popular 1900- 1980 for DC machine drives e.g. Ward Leonard, gearless express lifts.

There are two kinds of rotary converter.
A 'proper' rotary converter is a single machine that has a wound armature rotating in a field system. The armature can be wound for multiple voltages and have both commutator(s) and sliprings.
(+) Smaller, more efficient than corresponding motor generator because some power flows straight through. The remainder is converted to mechanical in part of the winding and back to electrical in another part.
(-) Limited permutations of input and output; DC-DC, DC-AC, not usually AC-AC.
(-) Limited freedom to control output, input and output voltage, frequency and pf are interdependent.
(-) Usually needs to be purpose-designed, AC machines often need specialised transformers.
* Popular 1890 - 1960 for very large constant voltage traction supplies e.g. NYC subway, and small DC-DC units for radio HT.

Then there is the rotary phase converter which is what we are talking about here. The popular units are basically induction motors rated to regenerate the missing phase. Simon47 generally nails the whole story above.
(+) Compact, low-cost way to make polyphase AC from single.
(-) Symmetry and load regulation poor especially with difficult loads
(-) Basically a whole bunch of compromises that sits in the corner making a whirring noise, but gets the job done.
* The only kind that is still in widespread use
 
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Thanks for that, you bring back memories (not all good :eek:) of trying to get my head around some of the theory when I was at uni (back in the early 80s when this sort of stuff was becoming obsolete for new designs). Not a lot of it stuck, other than the principle of the Ward Leonard system. I could just about get my head around the Amplidyne , but the Metadyne was another thing altogether - dad once tried to explain it to me, but it was just too much and nothing sunk in. IIRC teaching on the theory of these machines went barely any further than "they exist but they're just about obsolete now".
I do recall that if sat in the library at the top of the engineering labs, you could hear the MG set spin up when someone called for the lift - and it would spin down again after a few minutes of inactivity. The lift could go unused for significant periods because we had that great invention - the Paternoster.

BTW - why do you say the wound rotor rotary converter is not usually be AC-AC ? I'd have thought that they'd be ideal for the application under discussion - with a controlled rotor field giving a much better synthesis of the third phase. I'd perhaps have considered playing with one, but it's not the sort of machine you tend to see lying around in scrapyards - and I don't have the time to go wandering around them like my dad did (on first name terms with the owners :rolleyes:, there's a reason mum named the house "Magpies Nest").
 
I'm not familiar with the synchronous rotary being used for phase conversion although presumably they were at times. I should find out why, but top of head I dont think they offer enough advantage to offset their extra cost and complexity. The armature winding would be under-utilised, the unconverted power advantage is lost, it still can't entirely fix the symmetry as an M-G set does. My impression is that if perfect output is needed one must use an M-G, otherwise one might as well use an induction machine. The efficiency of a synchronous type really comes into its own with 6-phase on the AC side as the fraction of power that needs conversion is further reduced, the remainder flowing straight through as in a synchronous commutating rectifier.

FWIW we still have one machine in daily use with a Ward-Leonard drive, incorporating a Rosenberg / Metadyne type servo-amplifier in the control circuit. See:
1950's DC spindle drive still hard at work in 2020
 
I'm not familiar with the synchronous rotary being used for phase conversion although presumably they were at times. I should find out why, but top of head I dont think they offer enough advantage to offset their extra cost and complexity. The armature winding would be under-utilised, the unconverted power advantage is lost, it still can't entirely fix the symmetry as an M-G set does. My impression is that if perfect output is needed one must use an M-G, otherwise one might as well use an induction machine. The efficiency of a synchronous type really comes into its own with 6-phase on the AC side as the fraction of power that needs conversion is further reduced, the remainder flowing straight through as in a synchronous commutating rectifier.

FWIW we still have one machine in daily use with a Ward-Leonard drive, incorporating a Rosenberg / Metadyne type servo-amplifier in the control circuit. See:
1950's DC spindle drive still hard at work in 2020
Thanks for the last couple of additions, that was quite interesting. I am sure others viewing will have too. To rare forum thread goes that extra bit extra on a topic.

I hoped for a couple of recommendations an a good value VFD control, but that is always dependent on that person deciding to check the forum. I will buy a good value, will not buy based on cheap. Apologies if I already wrote that. Never buy cheap, only good value.
Looking like the Invertek is in pole position. They are good gear, just the cost I must decide on.
Thanks to all on all the input ?
 
If you look back, that's something I mentioned a few posts ago. But it's not as simple as just connecting two terminals to the supply - all that would do is make the motor hum for a few seconds until the supply fuse/breaker trips. For the motor to start, it needs a rotating magnetic field, which is normally provided (for a 3 phase system) by the three phases being offset by 120˚from each other.
For a single phase motor (excluding small ones like series wound and shaded pole), it will have a second winding fed via a capacitor - the capacitor providing a phase shift so that the two windings (the main one being connected directly to the supply) have magnetic fields that are out of phase. The starting winding can either be permanently connected, or just used for starting (via a centrifugal switch), or sometimes a combination with a smaller cap for running and a larger one switched in for starting.
What you can do, subject to some limitations, is use a 3P motor wired delta, and connect a capacitor between one of the supply lines and the third terminal. This will provide a phase shift and allow the motor to start. Once running, the capacitor helps to balance the phases. More capacitance is likely to be needed for starting - and the Transwave converter I have in the garage has a voltage sensitive relay to switch extra caps in when it detects the effects of starting a motor on it.
In practice, the starting characteristics are not likely to be suitable for a compressor - it just won't have the torque unless you can completely unload it until it's up to speed.
And I suspect you need to derate the motor (i.e. fit a bigger one than the load would normally need) because you are loading one winding considerably more than the others, and I suspect there will be higher currents in the squirrel cage (and hence more rotor heating) as a result of the imbalanced winding currents.
 
If you look back, that's something I mentioned a few posts ago. But it's not as simple as just connecting two terminals to the supply - all that would do is make the motor hum for a few seconds until the supply fuse/breaker trips. For the motor to start, it needs a rotating magnetic field, which is normally provided (for a 3 phase system) by the three phases being offset by 120˚from each other.
For a single phase motor (excluding small ones like series wound and shaded pole), it will have a second winding fed via a capacitor - the capacitor providing a phase shift so that the two windings (the main one being connected directly to the supply) have magnetic fields that are out of phase. The starting winding can either be permanently connected, or just used for starting (via a centrifugal switch), or sometimes a combination with a smaller cap for running and a larger one switched in for starting.
What you can do, subject to some limitations, is use a 3P motor wired delta, and connect a capacitor between one of the supply lines and the third terminal. This will provide a phase shift and allow the motor to start. Once running, the capacitor helps to balance the phases. More capacitance is likely to be needed for starting - and the Transwave converter I have in the garage has a voltage sensitive relay to switch extra caps in when it detects the effects of starting a motor on it.
In practice, the starting characteristics are not likely to be suitable for a compressor - it just won't have the torque unless you can completely unload it until it's up to speed.
And I suspect you need to derate the motor (i.e. fit a bigger one than the load would normally need) because you are loading one winding considerably more than the others, and I suspect there will be higher currents in the squirrel cage (and hence more rotor heating) as a result of the imbalanced winding currents.
I have ventured down that road too of capcitors and for the reasons made above is why it was deemed a no go. If it was that easy, sure it would have become a common knowledged theory years ago.
The VFD route was chosen and the call made to discuss more on the selection I had a different Tech lad this time and a.very different view.
His line was he hears this question all the time and does not suggest a VFD and why. That it may provide the mans to work, but other factors such as Other controls etc it may have may be 380v rated and will be seeing 230v and not compatible with the reduced 230volts, so look deeper on this area.
The suggestion was the Rotary converter as that would be the Recommended way forward.
Be great if there were other 3P items to run, there isn’t, so £900+/- is not going to fly.
Be nice to locate a second hand one, but not seen any even though I bet there are many On walls unused.
Thanks for all the replies and learned a lot more than I knew.
 
I have ventured down that road too of capcitors and for the reasons made above is why it was deemed a no go. If it was that easy, sure it would have become a common knowledged theory years ago.
It's a well known technique. But as you've found, it's non trivial and you need a box of caps so you try different values till you get the best running for you're specific needs.
The commercial unit I have has a 6 way switch for different cap values.
 
It's a well known technique. But as you've found, it's non trivial and you need a box of caps so you try different values till you get the best running for you're specific needs.
The commercial unit I have has a 6 way switch for different cap values.
Did you build it?
The rotary converter ticks all boxes with 3p out, just the unjustifiable for my stuation.
 
The commercial unit is one that was being scrapped from work and the maintenance manager scrapped it my way :smile: Dad had it set up in the garage to run his shaper - the lathes he ran from a VSD, and everything else was single phase. TBH I have no idea how it would fare starting a high-inertia load like a compressor - on the shaping machine it would only be starting the (fairly small) motor with the clutch disengaged. At the moment it's in storage like a lot of other stuff waiting till I can get my own garage built.
I had been experimenting with building a roatary convertor to get 3P in my mates garage - primarily to run the lift. I got as far as having a lash-up with something like a 5hp motor, a large step up transformer, and old fashioned manual star-delta starter, and some caps. But them my mate got divorced, the house was sold, and I never got any further. The plan there was to use the large motor as an induction generator to balance the phases so as not to be so reliant on the caps. To a large extent I was following guidance from dad - he knew "quite a lot" about electrical machines, having designed them for Brush many years ago.
 

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