faking 3 phase power at home
 

I just bought a 3 phase air pump for my fish pond

it is a spencer vortex blower a high volume [40 cfm] low pressure
fan style compressor [sort of like a car turbo]

it was cheap unused at a yard sale $40 but retails for $660 on line new
unfortunately the el motor is 3 phase at 220v and I need to fake that somehow
but some of the online sites that sell 3 phase converters [using capacitors ]
say there will be a 2/3 power rate after conversion
and that the converters do not work well with compressors

so does that mean the more common piston type high psi compressors ?
or
will the unit run at 2/3 speed on a converter ?
or is the run speed independent of power ?

Look for a VFD, I think that will give you the rated performance.

As I recall that is correct, a simple phase converter will reduce power (not speed) so if the motor is coasting that is not a big deal, but under load it is. No sure how that blower works.

However, look at VFD (variable frequency drives) that will convert to 3 phase, not loose power, and give you the added benefit of being able to control the speed.

Edit: How many HP is it?

There are at least two types of phase converters; static and rotary. The static uses capacitors and will reduce the output. A rotary basically (my knowledge on this is VERY limited though!) uses another motor to create the third phase and doesn't reduce the output.

Another idea may be to swap motors, it is likely a standard size frame. The frame size is sometimes listed on the motor plate.

Really good idea here!

This will probably work, but it's not very efficient. I think a 5HP motor will run a 2HP 3 phase...

This is exactly what I am using to run my 3 hp 3 phase lathe. I wouldn't do it any other way.

You need to oversize the vfd by 50% if you are putting in single phase.


4KW 220V 5HP VFD Single Phase Variable Speed Drive Inverter Variable Frequency | eBay

I have a rotary phase converter that runs my lift. If you don't need a lot of power, the capacitor style should work fine, (yes it will reduce power) Phoenix phase converters provides good equipment and maintains repair parts.

vfd does sound good as it will make 3 phase and add a speed control
but at a $240 price point for 1 or 2 hp control
the blower motor is only 1/2 hp
and no longer is a cheap unit at $280 total

so a motor swap maybe a better idea [cheaper]
it is a Hitachi motor but shaft end and shape maybe a problem ?

Is there a frame size or model# on the motor?

$147 for 1/2 hp

https://www.driveswarehouse.com/nes1-004sb-2684

Look at the link I posted. Under $150 for 5hp or 3hp with 220v input. They shipped DHL overnight.

It is awesome.

thanks 100 or so is a better price

looking on e-bay now

would like an used USA unit over new china stuff

but am amazed at the ads with NO DATA
or very limited

want 110v or 220v single phase input
and 3 phase 220 out
donot want or need remote control or over speed or reverse
just a start/stop + up down speed/Hz control on unit
need 1/2 hp think 1 to 2 hp capable is not much more cost

Have you considered getting a 3 phase power outlet put into your home?

Sound like you did very well on the pump. Maybe worth considering rather than getting a converter.
Also good for the garage if you ever get a big welder or machinery.

That would be VERY VERY expensive here.

damn 150$ for a 5hp VFD is crazy, i would have guessed 5 times as much, but I havent priced one in more than a decade.

It works awesome. Think about it, the brand names ones are made in China now too. It was a screaming deal.

Amazing how technology changes. 20 years ago I took the 3 phase motor off the southbend.... now I'm converting other equipment to 3 phase.