Rotary phase converters

[armbands0]

Hi, I was asked today by a potential customer about installing one of the boost energy range of phase converters.

Is there anyone out there with any knowledge of these devices?

Cheers

 

[Steve Riley]

Hi, What did you need to know? Whats it powering? If its a proprietary unit then just follow the manufacrurers instructions with regard to cable size and protection. A good forum at Practical Machinist - Largest Manufacturing Technology Forum on the Web for more understanding on how they work.

regards, Steve.

 

[armbands0]

It is for a 3 phase wood turning machine, looks like the boost energy device has a TP&N socket to connect to, seems straightforward.

The spec. recommends cable size and protective device.

Was curious to know of any potential pitfalls

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I don't think the frequency can be altered on rotary units, so only UK spec 50Hz machines can be used.

 

[Steve Riley]

For use with a wood turning lathe a variable frequency drive (vfd) might be a better choice as you can vary the speed. Downside is a vfd can only be used with one machine at once.

A suitable sized rotary can power more than one machine at once, for example the lathe plus a three phase grinder for sharpening tools.

If it is for industrial use then there is a requirement for brakes (often electrical) on some woodworking machinery, not sure if that applies to lathes though.

Steve.

 

[armbands0]

Hi Steve, yes he may want to use it for more than one piece of kit.

 

[Steve Riley]

Normal three phase wiring techniques can be used to connect the machines, or it can be as simple as putting the different machines on flex and plugging them in to the converter as required. The only thing to be aware of is that the generated leg (l2 usually i think) should not be used in the control circuitry (contactors etc), as it is not generally as stable as the other two phases.

Steve.