Need Help!- DIY rotary phase converter plans? 5HP.

[diyengineer]

I have a high quality 5HP 3 phase motor can run 240V-480V. Pretty much brand new, and nothing to really do with it. I'm always passing up random equipment because i lack a 3phase power source. Does anyone have open source plans for a conversion kit? A local machinist has a really sweet setup but have not had the time to make the drive over to his place. I may get the plans from him and load them up here anyways.

Thanks!

[diyengineer]

Found this thread loaded with info:
Rotary Phase Converter Designs and Plans - Page 6 - Practical Machinist - Largest Manufacturing Technology Forum on the Web

This is the motor: I was going to use it for an air blower, but i changed my mind. I don't need a air blower for anything at this point in time.
YouTube - 5HP 2000CFM blower.
Pictures of the motors plate attached as well.

Most of the auctioned equipment from the local factory is 460V 3 phase. (sanders, drills, saws, etc.) I know as long as its 3 phase most of the stuff can be rewired down to 240V 3 phase, which is what im after. Is there any way to make a practical 460V from a 240V single phase sub panel, and 3 phase motor? If so that would be more plug and play and require less wiring but its not required and may not even be possible. As long as i have access to 3 phase power i'll be a happy camper and it should make for a fun project.

[diyengineer]

5 HP ROTARY PHASE CONVERTER CONTROL PANEL | eBay

This could also be an option!

HERE'S WHAT MY DUAL SPEED PANEL WILL DO:

17XX RPM MOTOR: A-B (line voltage) 230 volts; B-C 226 volts; C-A 236 volts (ALL PHASES WITHIN 3% OF LINE VOLTAGE!)

34XX RPM MOTOR: A-B (line voltage) 230 volts; B-C 230 volts; C-A 241 volts (ONE PHASE LESS THAN 5% HIGHER THAN LINE!)

$139 bucks is a good deal.

[Al_The_Man]

The panel looks a pretty good deal.
If you are looking to build, I used these plans, link in post #2.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bridge...erter_too.html
Al.

[diyengineer]

He said he would make a single speed panel for that motor instead of dual speed and it would get better voltage balance across the phases (for the same price).

Might have to hop on that.

Say if the panel was within 3% voltage on all 3 phases, would there be any easy way to finish balancing them down closer to 0%? Buy more capacitors, different kind, etc?

Also would this be good enough to run a Computer off of or electronics (if they were 3 phase). Just checking. Thanks!

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by diyengineer Say if the panel was within 3% voltage on all 3 phases, would there be any easy way to finish balancing them down closer to 0%? Buy more capacitors, different kind, etc? Also would this be good enough to run a Computer off of or electronics (if they were 3 phase). Just checking. Thanks!

If you can get within 3% you are doing fine!
There are not many computers that run on 3 phase, Unless you intend competing with Univac
Remember, the 240v 1 phase is passed right through, so all you have to add is a neutral and you have 120v 1phase for all the electronics.
Al.

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man If you can get within 3% you are doing fine! There are not many computers that run on 3 phase, Unless you intend competing with Univac Remember, the 240v 1 phase is passed right through, so all you have to add is a neutral and you have 120v 1phase for all the electronics. Al.

haha!

Yes this is true, i can just pick up the single phase line. I was just pondering haha.

[mactec54]

diyengineer

Why not run your motor with a VFD, they are much more efficient then a rotary phase converter, may cost a little more, but have more options for controlling the 3 phase motor

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by mactec54 diyengineer Why not run your motor with a VFD, they are much more efficient then a rotary phase converter, may cost a little more, but have more options for controlling the 3 phase motor

Although i could do that, having access to run multiple 3 phase items is a huge plus. I live by a large factory that always has random machinery that i bid on but cannot power them. Nothing huge at all, but having access to 3 phase power in a home shop would be a really big plus for me.

[mactec54]

diyengineer

Then if you want efficent 3 phase power & can spend a little bit more buy a phase perfect, I have one that can supply up to 100 amps you can drive a lot with that & they are very efficent, A rotory Phase converter is cheaper to buy but costs a lot more to run,You can look at them here

http://www.phaseperfect.com/

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by mactec54 diyengineer Then if you want efficent 3 phase power & can spend a little bit more buy a phase perfect, I have one that can supply up to 100 amps you can drive a lot with that & they are very efficent, A rotory Phase converter is cheaper to buy but costs a lot more to run,You can look at them here Phase Converter, Digital Phase Converters - Phase Perfect Phase Converters

How much does something like that cost?

[diyengineer]

Originally Posted by mactec54 diyengineer Then if you want efficent 3 phase power & can spend a little bit more buy a phase perfect, I have one that can supply up to 100 amps you can drive a lot with that & they are very efficent, A rotory Phase converter is cheaper to buy but costs a lot more to run,You can look at them here Phase Converter, Digital Phase Converters - Phase Perfect Phase Converters

BTW, that is AMAZING and just what i if i find a future shop that does not have 3 phase power and i find myself with some equipment i need that is!!! I think for now ill buy that smaller ebay panel just to fiddle with, since it is only a 5hp motor, its not like i can run anything to huge.

Thanks MActec!