Motor Phase Converter | Marshall Wolf Automation

Do I need a VFD?

Thursday, February 14, 2013
by Chris Kinsfather

When should you use a drive and when do you not want to use a drive? It is a question that gets asked all the time. How does one know when to use a AC VFD versus when to use a device like a rotary phase converter. It comes down to the type of application. We usually like to qualify by asking the following question; What is it that you are trying to control? Are you trying to control a motor? Or are you trying to provide a general power to be able to use for just about anything 230V/3PH/60HZ?

If you are actually trying to directly control the speed of a 3 phase inverter duty motor and intend to directly connect to that motor then this the type of device for you. If you are just trying to convert from a single phase scenario to 3 phase to be able to run

general equipment, then a rotary phase converter is the better tool for the job as a variable frequency drive is not a good selection as it requires a dedicated motor.

Next step, how do I pick the right drive. Without getting into to many details. Lets define the application, your horsepower of you motor, your voltage that is available from your panel board, you voltage for the current of future motor. Once that selection is made, then lets discuss the actual application. What is the motor controlling; A fan, a pump motor, a belt conveyor, a vertical milling machine, a lathe, blowers, vacuum systems, etc. This will direct to the basic type of AC VFD to be used; either a Volts/Hertz drive (Constant torque) or Sensor/Sensorless Vector drive type (Variable Torque). Some drives are specific (older generation type drives) and more modern drives can accommodate all modes into a single drive.

Using our web configurator, you can shop by Brand, Type of Drive/Application Topics, Input Voltage, Price Range, Housing Type, Horsepower, Available Options. You can keep narrowing your search down until a few. Once you pick a brand and family or series of drive, you can get to the landing page. After reading through the page, you can also find a copy of the manufacturers catalog or specification sheet and even the operating manual at times. To configure a part number to obtain a price, click the orange button in the upper right hand corner of the page. This will take you to a series of drop down menus. Typically it will ask you to select voltage and or phase if choices are provided, then you would select your horsepower. The system will then generate a part number and a price. You can add to you cart and continue to shop for a multitude of accessories that are associated with that specific drive. Click here to get started searching!

You could also continue to shop for items such as, added NEMA rated enclosures, optional push buttons, selector switches, emergency stops, etc to where you could build a custom with standard product to make, remote operators, and indoor or outdoor rated applications. You could also have our company build you a custom panel with basics or outfitted with standard options and or total customs.

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation today, we are your authorized distributor for: AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, Fuji, TECO Westinghouse, Delta Industrial Automation, Gefran, WEG, U.S. Drives.

Call today we can help, 847-658-8130, sales@wolfautomation.com, or www.wolfautomation.com

AC Frequency Drive or Rotary Phase Converter?

Monday, December 3, 2012
by Chris Kinsfather

When would one choose a high performance AC drive over a Phase Converter. We first lets define what these two items are and what they are typically used for in industry. ( Basic Definitions supplied by Wikipedia)

First; A rotary phase converter, abbreviated RPC, is an electrical machine that produces three-phase electric power from single-phase electric power. This allows three phase loads to run using generator or utility-supplied single-phase electric power.

Next; A variable-frequency drive (VFD) (also termed adjustable-frequency drive, variable-speed drive, AC drive, micro drive or inverter drive) is a type of adjustable-speed drive used in electro-mechanical drive systems to control AC motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and voltage.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

These are just the simple definitions to lay some basic ground work. But here at Marshall Wolf Automation we receive many calls where people are looking to utilize the benefits of being able to convert single phase power into 3 phase power through a drive. While it is true that a drive can offer this conversion, it only should really be applied when trying to control a specific motor or a group of motors tied in series all taking the speed control in a master-slave arrangement.

The rotary phase converters best application is when trying to use the item to provide general power in converting single to three phase for general use for power for all products in a facility. The primary difference being that the VFD needs a signal communication feedback from the motor to the drive to be able to "communicate" between the drive and the specific motor. The VFD can't be used as general purpose item just to provide 3 phase power, it will not operate as intended. In those instances "general power" its best to use a the rotary phase converter as the solution of choice.

When it comes to VFD's Marshall Wolf Automation is your premier multi line supplier of VFD's. We carry over 8 brands including; AC Tech Lenze, Delta Industrial Automation, Fuji, Gefran, Hitachi, Teco Westinghouse, US Drives, WEG, along with complementary accessories for the drives.

To further discuss your requirements, please contact us at www.wolfautomation.com, or call us at 847-658-8130 or email us at sales@wolfautomation.com.

Variable Speed Drives On A Milling Machine

Friday, October 19, 2012
by Scott Welch

Question:

I have a small milling machine and purchased a Hitachi VFD to drive the 3 hp, 3 phase motor and it has worked out very well.

I have 100 amps, single phase to my garage and wish to power a ten hp motor on a large lathe.

The motor will start unloaded as there is a main clutch on the lathe. Is it possible to use a variable frequency drive to convert to 3 phase like I did before for the large motor?

The motor is labeled 7.4 KW 10 CV 1760 GIRI60 Hz ( I am guessing giri is Italian for rpm) 220V - 26.5 A 440 V - 13.3 A

I would not need the variable speed capability of the motor drive and have no intention of operating the motor at part speed. The motor protection and soft start provided by the VFD would be a big plus. Do you supply such a large VFD that will take 240 volts single phase input?

Answer:

Take a look at the Hitachi VFD WJ200-150LF. This drive is rated for 3 phase input three phase output at 20 hp. When applying 230 volt single phase to the drive you will get 230 volt three phase rated for a 10 hp motor.

Follow up Question:

The price is a going to take a bite out of my hip pocket :') I am convinced I should use the variable frequency drive because of the motor protection these drives provide.

I read the text below in the attachment you sent me:

TIP: If your application only has single phase power available, refer to WJ200 inverter of 3HP or less they can accept single phase input power.

Note: Larger models may be able to accept single-phase with derating. Contact your Hitachi distributor for assistance. Is this why you are recommending the 20 hp version in order to provide derating?

I am assuming if I downsized to a WJ 200 75 LF I would likely burn out the VFD?

Answer:

You hit it right on the head! The smaller Hitachi's, and other drives, have been designed to run on 115/230 volt single phase. With Hitachi they cut off at 230 volt single phase input and rated at 3 hp as does most others manufacturer's.

I do have one drive from AC Tech that will handle 5 hp in a volts/ hertz drive, but other than that I go thru the derating process. Rule of thumb is 50% of the hp is lost on single phase.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for a complete line of variable frequency AC drives!

Do You Have Questions About Converting Single Phase Power To Three Phase Power?

Thursday, June 21, 2012
by Scott Welch

Here is a shortened version of a recent email I received from a customer:

I have a 220 VAC, 3 phase, 60Hz industrial electric motor used to drive my vertical Mill.

I have 220 VAC, single phase power available and have been tossing around several ideas which do not really appeal to me. I saw your Weg CFW10 and had some questions.

I know when I was researching the Static/Rotary Phase Converters on one of the websites I looked at there was concerns about the wave shapes presented to the motor using variable frequency drives.

I don't remember what they did, but I think they added capacitors across the motor inputs.

I will supply 220VAC from a remote breaker (size please) and a disconnect switch mounted within 6 feet of the mill.

I'd like to be able to turn my mill On/Off and be able to adjust the motor speed Locally, i.e. the switch and speed controls mounted on the mill.

My Answer:

I cannot speak for the data put out by the Phase Convertor people but I can speak about the use of a drive to convert single phase power to three phase for usage with a three phase induction motor.

We can offer a variable frequency drive that will take in 230 volt single phase and give you the appropriate three phase voltage and current to run a specified motor horse power.

As far as the wave form from the VFD to the motor is controlled in the drive itself and can be tuned in to meet the needs of the motor. VFD’s used with motors are very noisy (electrically). Using EMI filters and line and load rectors help in reducing these issues “as needed”. If you're running one machine in your shop and it is on an isolated breaker I do not recommend all these different protection devices.

If after the machine is set up and there may be a problem then I would address with the correct device to alleviate the problem which rarely happens with this type of application. Running different pole motors will not bother the drive. There is a parameter that can be set on board to differentiate between the 4 and 2 pole motor.

The potentiometer is an analog device that sends a linear signal (0-10VDC) into the drive. This signal is the basis for the speed of the motor and is changed by the operator physically. The drives have input terminal blocks where you can bring in operator controls (pushbuttons, switches outside analog signals etc..) so this is not a problem.

I will need to know the horse power you need to choose the correct variable speed drive for you. I will offer the recommended circuit breaker to match. If there are any other items Marshall Wolf Automation can offer to make this easier for you please do not hesitate to ask.

DC SPEED CONTROL: Gefran's SieiDrive TPD32 Digital DC Drives

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
by Chris Kinsfather

Marshall Wolf Automation is your Industrial Automation Distributor for the Gefran SieiDrive - TPD32 series of digital converters is a product of the ever growing technological demands of modern industrial systems, and draws on Gefran's years of experience in the field of DC motor speed control. TPD32 is available in a wide range of motor power ratings and power supply types for solutions using both two quadrant and four quadrant operation. Designed to minimize user system requirements, the TPD32 offers a range of functions and dedicated application packages to cover the most complex requirements of modern industrial automation systems. Gefran's SieiDrive TPD32 Digital DC Drives combine a wide range of power ratings and an integrated field regulator for maximum flexibility with optimal control and efficiency.

Optional functions, fieldbus interfaces and application packages are available to provide a competitive and modular high-performance solution for demanding industrial speed and position control applications. Automation applications covered by the CE, UL and cUL-approved range include conveyor drives, converting and extruding machinery, machine tools, packaging machinery, wire drawing, punch presses and rolling mills.

The SieiDrive TPD32 range is available in thirty standard models in two and four-quadrant versions with three-phase line voltage ratings of 230V AC - 400V AC, - 500V AC and - 690V AC. Self-contained IP20 enclosures are available for current ratings from 20 to 1050A and higher power IP00 versions with an external bridge provide ratings from 1200 to 3300A.

The integrated field regulator uses a single-phase supply with current rating to suit the DC drive and motor type. Optional filters are available for full compliance with CEE - EN61800 - 3:2004 EMC directive.

A wide complement of built-in analog and digital I/O is available for machine interfacing and protection includes a motor thermistor input and relay outputs. Speed feedback options include tachogenerator and/or digital or sinusoidal encoders. The range includes features designed to aid straightforward integration into the customers' application. These include auto tuning speed and current loops, independent programmable linear and S-curve ramping, minimum and maximum speed regulation, programmable multi speeds, current limit linked to speed and adaptive gains.

Special functions available include "Speed Draw" where a configurable speed ratio in a multiple drive system can be applied to a main speed reference.

The "Auto Capture" function enables the drive to engage smoothly to a running motor for a flying restart and the "Droop" function is used to precisely balance the current between two drives that are connected to two mechanically coupled motors.

Options available include a separate and detachable programming keypad, I/O expansion cards and fieldbus interfaces including Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen and InterBus S. A range of programmable application cards with predefined library functions provides a choice of application solutions including full electronic line shaft control, wind/unwind control with torque in open or closed loop for load cell input and a single-axis positioning module with up to 64 preset position registers with absolute encoder support via an optional interface.

Gefran's EasyDrive PC configuration software allows the user to set up, diagnose and program the SieiDrive TPD32 Digital DC Drive in a graphical environment with time saving features that include parameter setting via tree structured menus, wizard guided programming, graphical variables display with trend recorder and oscilloscope function and multidrop network management for up to 32 drives.

If you have a DC high performance motor to control this is the drive you need to make maximize your process, don't stress. Contact Marshall Wolf Automation at www.wolfautomation.com, or email us at sales@wolfautomation.com, or call us at 1-847-658-8130. Reach out we can help!

Techtop, the best motors you may never have known to exist! Built to last!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
by Chris Kinsfather

Our technical department received a call recently where the end user was looking for a corrosion resistant motor, due to environmental conditions, but didn't want to spend the dollars on a all stainless steel and didn't want to have paint on the motor either. Well, we suggested Techtop as the one to review, due to the fact that they are known for making an aluminum motor! These motors are Totally enclosed motors are suitable for use in dusty, dirty locations and humid environments and the Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC) - exterior surface of the motor is cooled by an external fan on the motor shaft. Motor cooling is therefore dependent on motor speed

Techtop motors other product offerings include a wide range of single and 3 phase motors. Techtops main products are are standard and premium NEMA and IEC motors up to 200 HP, with aluminum, cast iron and roll steel casings. On our website we offer up to 10 HP, other HP are available on requests.

Available in rigid base or C-face
2, 4 and 6 poles
NEMA Premium, Inverter Duty
1 to 10 hp
TEFC Aluminum
Removable feet
1045 steel shaft
Shielded bearings
UL 1004 approved
1.25 service factor
Double lip oil seals
36 month warranty!
40° ambient rating
Vacuum impregnation
50Hz capable at 1.0 SF
Conduit box is 90° rotatable
Corrosion resistant hardware
F1, F2, F0 convertible (shipped F1)
Tropicalization on stator winding
Nipple seals between conduit box and body
One-way sintered brass condensate drains
Class 1, Division 2
Groups C and D Compliant

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation for all your motor needs, we carry TECHTOP and WEG, LEESON and GROSCHOPP. Visit us at wolfautomation.com, save us in your favorites. Or call us at 1-847-658-8130 or email us at Sales@wolfautomation.com. We can help!

Variable Frequency Drive Technical Question

Wednesday, May 30, 2012
by Scott Welch

Here is a recent email I received regarding a variable frequency drive requirement, start at the bottom.

I was able to recommend our TECO EV series for this application.

Answer and Recommendation:

If you can get the motor in 230 volt three phase input you can use the following drive.

JNEV-2P2-H1 TECO ¼ hp 230 volt single phase input 230 volt three phase output, variable frequency drive

Only $127.20, Order Here

Question:

Thanks for the reply.

I will have to verify but I think the factory can change voltage to 220.

I assume that would simplify things a whole lot.

Then input would be 220v 60hz single phase ..... output 220v 50hz 3 phase

Answer:

I have to have at least 380 volts into the drive to run this industrial electric motor. I can get to 230 volt with 115 at low horse power but I cannot get 380, 460 or 575 I have to have at least that same voltage in to get those voltages out of a VFD.

It may be more cost effective to change out the motor. It looks like the motor is a little less than ¼ hp. If you can get me the frame size I may be able to cross the motor to something more compatible to your available power.

Question:

I am looking at importing the attached machine for re-sale in the US. Electrical schematic is attached.

Motor is wound for 50hz 380v 3phase

Is there an inexpensive VFD to allow this machine to run on 60hz

Would also like to run the machine on single phase if that is possible without adding an additional phase converter.

Please advise, thank you.

Single Phase VFD and Motor Question

Friday, April 27, 2012
by Scott Welch

Here is a sample of a recent email 'conversation' between a customer and myself. Do you have similar questions?

If you are not sure about a variable frequency drive or industrial electric motor set up, give me a call or email techsupport@wolfautomation.com.

Marshall Wolf Automation has a complete offering of high performance AC drives and we can recommend the best, and most cost-effective, drive for your application.

Question:

I checked the specs of the motor, it is a 220V/Single Phase Cap start motor. The normal operating amp is 2.26Amp. (roughly 500W in power consumption). Do you have any converter that can drive this motor?

Which takes 220V/60Hz single phase and output to 220V/50Hz single phase? If you have it will you please send me a quote for a single unit? Thanks for your help.

Answer:

This motor is not recommended for speed control. You will have to change the motor over to a three phase motor and size an appropriate VFD to go with.

Question:

Now I’m looking at a different setup which takes 380V/3Ph/50H input and our power source is 220V/Single phase. The power requirement is about 5 KW. Do you have anything like this? If you do can you give me a quote? Thanks.

Answer:

We will be looking at boosting the voltage to 380 volt, single phase from 220 volt with a transformer. I have to have at least 380 to input into a 15 hp drive that would accept 380 three phase. By running a three phase 15 hp drive and using the single phase we develop from the transformer you will be able to run your 7.5 hp 380 volt three phase motor at 50 hertz.

Energy Management Solutions from Carlo Gavazzi - EM21

Friday, June 3, 2011
by Caryl Clement

Three Phase Compact Energy Meter, Detachable Display Carlo Gavazzi EM21

EM21-D Energy Meter Carlo Gavazzi This three-phase energy meter with removable front LCD display unit can be used either as a DIN-rail mounting or a panel mounting energy meter.

This general purpose three-phase energy meter is suitable for both active and reactive energy metering for cost allocation but also for main electrical parameter measurement and retransmission (transducer function).

Detachable display allows three installation modes - DIN rail energy meter, panel mounting, energy meter and transducer.

The nature of our voltage mains has changed greatly in the last 10 years. With the proliferation of non-linear loads such as inverters, power converters, switch-mode power supplies, and computers, there is a growing concern for the quality of our power sources.

Problems often arise which can cause equipment failure or shutdown resulting in significant costs and loss of production. Power quality problems can result in failure of compensation capacitors, tripping of fuses, over-heating of transformers and motors, failures of electronic equipment, and high neutral currents.

Energy costs are becoming a significant expense in most processes. With increased energy unit costs, decreased generating capacity, and the environmental concerns with the burning of fossil fuels, it is important that companies reduce their electrical consumption.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor – with Carlo Gavazzi offer a broad range of power quality meters and transducers which give early warning of power quality problems - allowing preventative action to be taken before a major failure results. Most of our products offer relay outputs that can be used to immediately shut down a piece of equipment if a certain threshold is reached. Another option is to connect to your PLC or PC control system to provide plant wide monitoring of power quality using 4-20 mA current signals or via RS485 or Ethernet communications.

We also offer a number of software products for monitoring of a network of meters and transducers. This allows at-a-glance viewing of your complete power system. If you are in need of any Carlo Gavazzi sensors or car washing systems equipment, call us today! 800-325-9653. We'd be happy to help you!

What Can You Do With A Crouzet Millenium?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
by Beckie Bordenaro

Customers ask quite often 'what exactly can I use a smart relay for?'... so we will be putting out a few blogs answering just that!

Crouzet Millenium logic controllers can do the following and more!

Adjusting: several options for adjusting setpoints

Converting: analog extensions are used to acquire or provide current, voltage or temperature values and convert them to the digital signals needed by the logic controller

Operator dialog: easy parameter setting with a built-in backlit screen

Supplying power: 12 and 24V DC voltage available, power supply ranges from 7.5 to 240 watt.

Actuating: Crouzet Millenium 3 can be used to drive devices such as brushless motors, solenoid valves and pumps (relay, solid state or PWM outputs).

Communicating: Crouzet Millenium 3 offers the option of supervising and connecting your devices (PC, remote screens/keyboards, etc.) by linking the logic controller to fieldbuses or via a modem: STN or GSM.

Marshall Wolf Automaton is your industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Crouzet Millenium programmable logic controllers (we also carry IDEC SmartRelays), phase monitors, counters, timers, solid state relays and industrial DC power supplies.

Order one of our Crouzet Millenium starter kits, they come with everything you need!
View our entire selection of Crouzet products!

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