Phase converters make it
possible to operate three phase motors from single phase power lines when three
phase power is not available, or when the cost to obtain it is
prohibitive. Converter motor combinations are being used to successfully
operate many kinds of industrial and farm loads. Some examples are:
computers, oil wells, welders, HVAC equipment, magnets, dry cleaning equipment,
machine tools, crop driers, grain handling systems, irrigation pumps, CNC
machines and animal feeding systems.
Three phase motors are
used instead of single phase motors for a number of reasons when three phase
power is available. In sizes above two horsepower, three phase
motors generally are more readily available and less expensive than single phase
motors of the same horsepower ratings. They are very simple in
construction, requiring no starting windings or starting devices (such as
internal centrifugal switches) and fewer parts generally means fewer maintenance
and service problems. The direction of rotation is easily reversed with
three-phase motors by simply interchanging the connections to any two of the
motor leads.
Proper selection,
installation and protection of both the phase converter and the three phase
motors are essential for satisfactory performance from a converter motor
combination. This website is intended to provide guidelines in the
selection and installation of phase converters to allow the user to realize the
maximum benefit from a converter motor combination.
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