Single phase to three phase inverters

[Sinetronix]

Hi there.

I have been looking at one or two inverters.

Does anyone know if the Invertek Optidrive range is a good one to go for? It does seem a little cheapish for a 3hp drive.

I know this isn't the best way around it, but for people who don't have a three phase supply and just want to run one or two things, then needs must. I did fit one some time ago for a lathe, but I didn't supply the drive, so can't remember which one it was.

Thanks.

 

[Darkwood]

The invertek optidrive is for motors .. I have a feeling these are not the droids you are looking for

 

[Sinetronix]

Hi, yes it's to drive the motor. The motor will run at constant speed, so the inverter can come up at 50hz right away.

 

[LeeH]

You probably need a static converter not a VSD.

We need to know what the 'things' are.

 

[Darkwood]

Hi, yes it's to drive the motor. The motor will run at constant speed, so the inverter can come up at 50hz right away.

I use Invertek myself, the E2's are not output protected but are cheap the more expensive range is output protected and worth the extra cash - If you are not familiar with VSD's then they are a good basic starter with a quick set-up and play option but you need to understand the motors needs and requirements + the EU directives on Electro-Magnetic Interference before you start.
Do you have any experience in this field ?

 

[Sinetronix]

You probably need a static converter not a VSD.

We need to know what the 'things' are.

Hi. Things like compressor motors and pillar drills.

 

[stitch]

I tend to stick with Invertek, as Darkwood has said they are quick to set-up.

 

[Sinetronix]

I use Invertek myself, the E2's are not output protected but are cheap the more expensive range is output protected and worth the extra cash - If you are not familiar with VSD's then they are a good basic starter with a quick set-up and play option but you need to understand the motors needs and requirements + the EU directives on Electro-Magnetic Interference before you start.
Do you have any experience in this field ?

I may not describe myself as an expert in this field, but I have set up drives in the past. I don't need anything flash or fancy, so a good basic one like this should do.

As a bit of background, just so that you know I'm not a complete numpty, I used to set up Varcon drives, we were running anything from 50kw to 150kw. These were big water cooled units. The parameters were prescribed by the motor designers, but of course had to be right for what we were doing. But I'd never say I'm an expert, there's always something new I can learn.

 

[Darkwood]

If you have experience then no worries .. just avoid the E2 budget range unless you situe is unlikely to see a short circuit fault on the output due to flexing cables or adverse conditions... like I said if you don't require an advanced control and monitoring set up then go for it... just remembr to follow the installation guide regarding screening of motor cables, out of interests what is the motor doing.

 

[Sinetronix]

One of the motors in mind is a motor for a compressor. It's to run at full speed, though a soft start from a drive would be a distinct advantage.

Thanks for the information so far. It'll be worth me looking into output protection.

 

[LeeH]

Won't it be cheaper just to change the motor?

 

[LeeH]

....cheaper still convert it to 1PH

 

[LeeH]

And another thing, make sure you change the windings as you will have 230VAC 3PH

 

[Sinetronix]

....cheaper still convert it to 1PH

Some of these single phase motors are expensive for a reliable one this size. When the capacitors start to go, the windings of the motor start to deteriorate, that's before the caps have finally gone.

 

[Sinetronix]

And another thing, make sure you change the windings as you will have 230VAC 3PH

Yes that's right. One of the first things I always do.

 

[LeeH]

It's one of the first things I forget.

It's a lot more fun the other way around though...I've seen it done by a temp we had, the motor was hotter then the sun with the resin pouring out of it.

 

[Darkwood]

Yes that's right. One of the first things I always do.

I assume you have clarified the motor isn't a star/delta start motor where the windings will be 415/690 so not suitable for your standard 1-3 ph VSD, a lot of compressors are star/delta start.

 

[Sinetronix]

I assume you have clarified the motor isn't a star/delta start motor where the windings will be 415/690 so not suitable for your standard 1-3 ph VSD, a lot of compressors are star/delta start.

I'll check, but can't say I've seen any which aren't 230/400 (unless it's a huge industrial motor for large machines). A lot of these are DOL. But worth noting, thanks.

 

[Sinetronix]

It's one of the first things I forget.

It's a lot more fun the other way around though...I've seen it done by a temp we had, the motor was hotter then the sun with the resin pouring out of it.

I bet that smelt bad with all that melting resin :laugh3: