Facilitating voltage conversion, from single phase to three phases, is a common issue in locations where three-phase power is unavailable, severely lacking, or too costly to introduce from the supply line.
Most heavy machinery is designed to run on three-phase electrical power as three-phase motors are more efficient, more cost-effective, and run at lower amperage for a given horsepower than single-phase motors.
Unfortunately, three-phase power is not usually available in some areas. It is worth checking with your power company; however, even if it is available, the cost of connecting may be financially prohibitive. It is ideal to find a leading 3 phase variable frequency drive manufacturer to buy a high-quality product. Below, I’m going to explore some important information about phase converter and variable frequency drive.
- Phase Converter
A phase converter facilitates three-phase adaptation by taking two single-phase lines and adding them with an additional leg, resulting in true three-phase power. Phase converters have been around for quite some time and come with a usual lifespan of 30 years when properly maintained.
Types of Phase Converters:
- Static Phase Converter
It is suitable for low-powered motors and cannot balance current on three differing lines. In most cases, the wind that carries the majority of the load is taken advantage of at 50 percent to 80 percent of the nameplate horsepower. Therefore, the connected motor does not run at full horsepower. It includes a capacitor and a voltage-sensitive relay.
- Rotary Phase Converter
It is ideal for large machines with heavy starting loads. It also uses an induction motor for generating the third leg of the three-phase conversion process.
- Digital Phase Converter
This type of phase converter is solid-state and uses a digital signal processor to produce third-phase power. Compared to static and rotary phase converters, it operates quietly and more accurately and doesn’t use an idler.
- Variable Frequency Drive Features and Uses
The way a VFD facilitates phase conversion differs. During set up, the device is wired to the supply line and motor. Compared to a phase converter, panels take place on the VFD interface – not a set of switches or using starters. Common applications include drill presses, large mills, and pumps, CNC, cranes, automation, and lathes. It’s important to highlight that when sizing a VFD, one must check for the FLA (Full-Load Amps) rating on the nameplate, not the horsepower rating.
During operation, it converts the single-phase AC supply line into DC, which is converted to three-phase AC on the output side. To start, a bridge rectifier is used to enable the initial conversion from AC to DC voltage. At this stage, the DC voltage produced is filled with ripples in its waveform. In the next section of the VFD, DC voltage is transformed to AC three-phase, via an inverter and switches in the inverter manages positive and negative voltages that are needed to generate the desired phase and frequency.
Which One Is Better?
Both devices can facilitate phase conversion, from a single-phase to three phases. Choosing one over the other depends on a lot of factors, such as the number of machines connected to the unit, motor power requirements, and costs.
Compare to the phase converter, which cannot adjust frequency or motor speed, VFDs deliver more control over several aspects of power regulation and distribution. Such factors include motor speed, frequency direction, and soft starting that are great for preserving the lifespan of large machines and reducing inrush currents.
Conclusion:
These are some important information about phase converter and variable frequency drive. You can find a leading 3 phase variable frequency drive manufacturer for buying the best product to meet your specific needs.
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