Single Phase VFD | 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

Lathe Retrofit Question

Monday, January 28, 2013
by Scott Welch

I get a number of questions regarding variable frequency drives for various lathes. Here is a recent one:

Question: I have a question about sizing a VFD for a lathe retro fit. I have a 5 hp BlackMax motor rated at 15.4 FLA. I have 240v single phase at my house..

If I understand correctly I need the Hitachi WJ200-055LF to handle the load or would the 037LF work. Any other sensorless vector drive you'd recommend? Thanks for the help

Answer: The Hitachi WJ200-055LF will be a bit undersized for this application. You need to double the hp output of a Hitachi drive. WJ200-075LF would be the correct drive to use for single phase 230 volt input 230 volt three phase output, rated for 10 hp.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for all of the top brands of high performance AC drives, industrial electric motors and all things automation.

Read other blogs regarding lathes!

Hitachi VFD NE-S1 set to replace X200 series of VFD

Saturday, January 26, 2013
by Chris Kinsfather

The NE-S1 is the latest economical and simple to use speed control solution from Hitachi! This series is available in the popular range of 1/2 to 3 hp. This drive was designed to be the replacement for the aging X200 series drive. Currently the only voltages available are 200-240 Volt Single and Three Phase Models. Future model will include a 400Volt series, 3 phase models as well. A very compact V/f drive in a IP20 enclosure. Typical sizes are approximately less than 2.75" wide x 5" tall x 4.5" deep on one series and about 4.25" W x 5" H x 4.92" Deep.

This variable frequency drive was designed with the needs of both OEM's and systems integrators in mind. An ultra-compact design and easy, out-of-the-box integration for most applications are just a few of the design features.

Here are additional features of the Hitachi high performance AC drive series NE-S1:

Space saving
- 43% smaller than the Hitachi X200 series
- Side-by-side installation to save panel space
Simple operation
- Run/stop/reset is integrated in one button for simple operation
- Full-function attachable operator available as an option ( part number: NES1-OP) others available: OPE-SRmini, OPE-SBK, WOP
Global standards
- CE/UL/c-UL/c-Tick
- Compatible to both sink and source logic as standard
RS485 Modbus-RTU communication port is standard
Automatic energy saving function
Ideal for these applications:
- Fan and air conditioning
  - HVAC, fans and blowers, clean rooms
- Pumps
  - Water and wastewater, tank-less water supply
- Food processing machines
  - Slicers, mixers, fruit sorters

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation today by contacting us at www.wolfautomation.com or 847-658-8130 or contact us at sales@wolfautomation.com contact us today and let us size your HITACHI VFD today. Call us we can Help!

Single Phase VFD's In Stock and Ready To Ship!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013
by Beckie Bordenaro

Are you looking for a single phase VFD? It's your lucky day - we have a great selection of single phase variable frequency drives in stock and ready to ship.

Not sure which one is best for you? Take advantage of our complimentary in-house technical support!

One of our most popular single phase VFD's is our TECO JNEV/EV Series. This drive is very popular with lathes and milling machines.

Search all of our single phase input variable speed drives now!

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

Great Suggestions for Sizing a Drive for Single Phase Input power as suggested by HITACHI DRIVES

Thursday, January 17, 2013
by Chris Kinsfather

At Marshall Wolf Automation get a lot of questions regarding sizing larger drives, beyond 3 HP for situations where the enduser only would have 208-240V single phase or even 440-480V/1/60 input power. Please keep in mind that there are good rules of thumb out there, like doubling horse power or using the FLA of the motor and multiply by 1.732 for a new amp requirement, then selecting the proper drive amp output that bests that number. Other companies like FUJI actually publish a selection requirement in their technical manuals, some other manufacturers never publish anything. But in reviewing some documents from HITACHI their suggestion for a rule of thumb keeps it very simple, here is there suggestion:

"The rule of thumb Hitachi recommends is to start with the 3-phase motor’s nameplate full load amperage (FLA) rating and double it. Then select an inverter with this doubled continuous current rating. This will give adequate margin in the input rectifier bridge and bus capacitors to provide reliable performance. NOTE: Fusing or Circuit Breakers should be sized to match the INVERTER input current rating, NOT the motor current rating!" - Ref: AN032404-1 Rev. A

Hitachi has other great suggestion:

"Beyond the inverter considerations, be sure to size components upstream of the inverter to match the INVERTER’S current ratings, NOT the motor’s. This would include, but not be limited to wiring, fusing, circuit breakers, contactors, etc." - Ref: AN032404-1 Rev. A

We at Marshall Wolf Automation can assist in your selection process for any of the AC VFD that our organizations offer. You can reach us at www.wolfautomation.com or email us at sales@wolfautomation.com, or call us 1-847-658-8130. Contact us today, we can help!

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.

Tech Spotlight: Conveyors For Farm Use

Friday, November 30, 2012
by Scott Welch

I recently had a customer email questions regarding an outdoor farm conveyor application. Here is the question and answer:

Questions:

I have a customer needing to run two 1.5 HP motors at the same speed [not necessarily a "digital line shaft" -- there can be some position drift.

Will your AC Tech ESV222N02YXE [3HP] handle two 1.5 HP motors? I will be determining if 1 HP will be sufficient and, if so, will this work A-OK on a 3 HP drive with single phase 220 VAC input???

This is a farm application running outdoor conveyors [thus not in the rain, yet they may be rained on when not in use]. They can be permanently covered from direct rainfall if needed, but I'd prefer to leave them "open" for better cooling [rather than in a NEMA 4X cabinet...]. This is an option, especially using drives with "external" heatsink. All options are on the table -- any suggestions are welcome....

What if they decide they need them to have position synchronization??? -- what motor/drive combinations would you suggest [eg: closed loop vector drives...]?

The AC Source is either 208 or 230 VAC SINGLE Phase!!! --- and they will be operating about 100 feet from the building via an "extension cord" with oversized wires, ....AND they will be having other motors with VFDs too -- further complicating things....and the conveyors are moved around!!!

Please send links to design recommendations for these unusual conditions. It would be possible to run separate lines to each VFD to save most of the "noise" interaction concerns.

Answers:

You can use a three hp variable speed drive to run two 1.5 hp motors as long as the FLA of the motors are less than the current output of the drive itself. Even on the single phase input units. This practice is frowned upon by drive manufacturers but this is used successfully in many applications like yours.

There is a Nema 4X indoor/outdoor rated variable frequency drive from AC Tech. These drives can handle the rain and the UV from the sun. By running the SM Vector drives from AC Tech you will have operators on the face of the drive so you don’t need a separate pushbutton box to deal with.

By using two SM Vector drives you can send following signals from one drive to another to synchronize two motors.

Being that you are 100 feet away and have several drives on each line I would suggest a line reactor to be specified for your drives. This can be mounted with the drive at the conveyor or in a controls room. If drives are in control room load reactors would be necessary as well..

By using reactors and basic EMC filters that can be mounted to the back of the heat sink, we will be able to handle noise issues. Sound wiring with shielded wire and proper grounding techniques help in this area immensely.

ESV222N02YXE AC Tech Nema 4X indoor/outdoor rated for 3 HP 208-240 volt single phase input 230 volt three phase output $441.10

ESV222N02SFE AC Tech Nema 4X indoor/outdoor rated for 3 HP 208-240 volt single phase input 230 volt three phase output, with EMC Filter installed $469.70

Let me know if there is anything else you may need.

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

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!

Did I Order The Correct Variable Frequency Drive?

Friday, October 19, 2012
by Scott Welch

I recently received the following question in our technical department:

I am having some second guessing on the variable frequency drive I just ordered. Can you confirm this unit will drive a 220v 3 phase 1 hp (4.0 amp max) motor. The way I interpret the data sheet it should, but someone said VFD's can only produce variable frequency and not variable voltage. It seems these newer designs are capable of both frequency and voltage variation.

Answer:

This drive takes in 115 volt single phase power and puts out 230 volt three phase rated for 1 hp.

A VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) changes the speed of the motor based on frequency and voltage. This relationship is always tied together. The voltage rises as the frequency rises until you meet synchronous speed or 60 hertz (under normal circumstances). You can take a look at the chart attached top give you an idea of this relationship.

Do you need assistance to figure out the best variable speed drive for your application?

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for all the top brands of AC drives; AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, TECO, Delta and Fuji Electric.

Search all of our high performance AC drives now! Free in-house tech support is always available.

WEG Motors - Nah, How about a WEG AC Variable Frequency Drive! Like A Pro

Monday, July 2, 2012
by Chris Kinsfather

Designed for controlling squirrel cage three-phase induction motors the new Weg CFW700 is a general purpose variable frequency drive that gives customers the flexibility needed for the control of applications ranging from simple speed control to more demanding ones as torque control.

Since it is included on its control the Weg CFW700 features Sensorless and Closed loop control as a standard feature (factory built). Another outstanding characteristic we could not leave behind is that by using the internal micro PLC (SoftPLC factory built), more sophisticated applications can be implemented. Applications include overhead cranes, PCP (Progressive Cavity Pump), pump jack and many more.

The new Weg CFW700 was designed based on the plug and play technology where plugging in expansion modules hardware and software recognize it automatically. Also, this feature allows for easy installation and safe operation with no need for additional configuration.

Applications
Pumps and fans, Compressors, Paper and Cellulose/Wood, Chemical and Petrochemical, Ironworks.

1.5 up to 75 HP 220- 240 V – Single phase (up to 3 HP)
2 up to 150 HP 380-480 V – Three phase
Simplicity – same programming as all other WEG drives
Dual DC Bus chokes (6%) for longer VFD lifetime
- Reduces harmonics eliminating the need for external line reactors
24VDC Power Supply for process transducers - Standard
Soft-PLC with free programming software
Encoder Input - Standard
RS-485 Modbus RTU - Standard
Conformal Coated boards for harsh industrial environments
Rated 50 °C (122 °F) – up to 60 °C (140 °F) with derating
Self-tuning function automatically matches VFD with motor
UL, cUL, CE, C-Tick, GOST, IRAM, INMETRO approved
Built-in micro PLC
- Gives flexibility for developing application that require ladder programming thus the use of an additional PLC is not necessary

In your search for a High Performance AC Drive, consider Weg's CW700 series, it may just be the right variable frequency drives for your needs. Contact us, Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial supply distributor for your high performance AC drive needs. Phone us at 1-847-658-8130 or email us at sales@wolfautomation.com.

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