3 phase inverter,help please !

[steve--o]

hi all
ive just bought an old bridge port,uni miller,slotter,its all 3 phase,and i just wondered if any of you folks out thair had any inverter recomendations,ie type,price,the motor is 2.5 hp.
all advice welcome
im in almeria spain ,and limited to between 6 and 7 1/2 kva supply, (when its on ! )
cheers
steve,ex uk self employed,now living in common sence new labour exile

 

[piman]

Hello Steve,

look on E-Bay for one, there is usually a good selection. Buy one that is a well known make if you can. You want one that will do between 1.75 to 2.0Kw (2.5 H.P. = 1.85 Kw near enough).
Do be careful that it is the right voltage, as many have low voltage three phase output. This will work if your motor is rated 230\415 three phase and is connected in star for 415 and delta for 230, continental electric motors are often this voltage. If it is a motor that is 415 Delta (a lot of small motors do not have an option to alter the winding connection, these will not work with 230v three phase), make sure that the inverter has a 415v output.

Alec

 

[aero]

Check first you have a connector block on the motor with 6 wires on it. If you do it will run on an inverter. There's two ways you can run a 3 phase motor, star or delta. You need to be able to swap to -I think- its delta to run off a 220 volt inverter.

I've got a Mitsubishi E520 on my Boxford, I think it cost about £160. It came from a company called Newton Tesla in Cheshire 01925 447773. They specialise in inverters and power control.

Mine works just fine, and they'll give you all the gen you need to get it set up and going.

 

[irondarren]

I assume you talking about going from 230v to 415v three phase. if thats the case i have the same problem ,stuck with a 230v supply. i bought a 4kw rotary converter about £700 if memory serves me right. it powers a 3kw belt sander (would belt sand your fingers to your knuckles in a second if you give it chance). it works fine, just dims the lights in the workshop big time when the sander starts.

 

[piman]

Hello Darren,

Rotary converters are normally only cost effective if you have several machines. For a single machine a solid state inverter is better, particularly as it has built in protection and usually offers variable frequency.

Alec

 

[madkayaker]

Lo0ts of the inverters turn 230V single into 230V 3ph so you need to check if the motor is duel voltage. There is ones that turn 230V single into 400V 3ph so just need to check and get the right one for your motor.

 

[irondarren]

piman, i know what you mean about inverter converters. for when i re-build the forge properly, i have a 3phase inverter to run a 3phase motor to power the forge, thus allowing speed control by varying the frequency.

 

[aero]

The one on the Boxford is great, I never touch the drive pullies now, just adjust the speed control until its cutting nicely. Plus you get all the modern safety features and cut outs

 

[steve--o]

ok folks thanks for the info,i think i might take a pic of the wiring,/ motor label,befor i buy ,and put it on the forum,just in case i go for the incorrect type.
ive got all mi city & guilds in the spanners,tipi tooli,and ow that bugger was hot but no bugger all abought the electrickery lark
cheers
steve

 

[Wedg1e]

I have a 240v single-phase in, 415v 3-phase out inverter on my Boxford VSL. Works a treat
It's rated for 3 or 4HP (I forget which) and apart from some minor rewiring on the Boxie, you'd hardly know it was there. The VSL has continuously-variable transmission too so no need to use the inverter to change speed (though you could if you wanted).
Check out Drives Direct based in Nottingham, they have an Ebay shop and often list stuff at knock-down prices.

 

[steve--o]

thanks il have a look,
cheers , steve in a log fired,cold Almeria
plus the pounds knackered against the euro,and mi beers gon up