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Rotary Phase converters
- Thread starter Stomper
- Start date
What do you need to know? I know some and can point you in the right direction if I don't know the answer.
I know we have one on our small lathe at work and I know whatever I just read here... 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_phase_converter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_phase_converter
More than likely I'll be setting up a machine shop at home with single phase 220. I'll be installing CNC machines that are 220 3 phase.
Will rotarty phase work with CNC machines?
Can you get a phase converter that is say rated for 10hp and use it on a 7.5 hp machine? Or are they more specific than that?
I may end up getting 3 phase brought out here anyway, but that its going to be a costly venture but may be more cost affective in the long run, dunno
I totally forgot that my cousins husband is an engineer, he's designing wind turbines right now and this is right up his alley, think I'll be giving him a call
I'd still appreciate the discussion here tho.Brett
I know it can be done but what size you need i can't help you with that answer. FWIW i have a friend who has a CNC mill and lathe in his garage using a rotary phase convertor.
dcubb
1/2 ton status
A couple of years ago I installed a 30hp rotary phase converter in a buddy of mines shop to run his new HAAS VF2 mill (20hp). I monkey'ed around with the t-leads of the converter to achieve the best output phase voltage balance (per the manufactorers instructions), ended up with less than 5% imbalance. The HAAS tech signed off on the installation no problem.
One good thing about rotary phase converters is that, for example; If you have a 10hp converter, you can run multiple lesser hp motors (say 7.5hp or less) all at the same time. They all act as a converter and actually help balance out the phase voltage.
One of the drawbacks is that they are somewhat inefficient. I've measured the current draw of the 30hp at idle at a little over 10 amps.
You can use a as large of rotary converter as you want with a small motor, just not the other way around. Just remember, the bigger the converter, the more energy is wasted.
This is the link to the rpc my bud has.
http://www.americanrotary.com/
One good thing about rotary phase converters is that, for example; If you have a 10hp converter, you can run multiple lesser hp motors (say 7.5hp or less) all at the same time. They all act as a converter and actually help balance out the phase voltage.
One of the drawbacks is that they are somewhat inefficient. I've measured the current draw of the 30hp at idle at a little over 10 amps.
You can use a as large of rotary converter as you want with a small motor, just not the other way around. Just remember, the bigger the converter, the more energy is wasted.
This is the link to the rpc my bud has.
http://www.americanrotary.com/
That's good reading! Thanks for the link.
Jimbo*
1/2 ton status
If you are going with CNC's, you really should look into Phase Perfect. Quite a bit more expensive initially than rotary, but true three phase, and very clean voltage are substantial benefits.
There is also a forum on phase converters over at Practical Machinist--several guru's in there.
There is also a forum on phase converters over at Practical Machinist--several guru's in there.
Thanks for the site Jimbo.
