What questions
should I ask a phase converter manufacturer before I buy?
Read this
What is
better electronic switching of capacitors or contactors?
They both acceptable methods
of switching capacitors, electronic switching is done at zero point or at
cross over in the AC cycle
wave with minimum stress on both components, if contactors
are used current limiting at switch-on can be used to provide the
same benefit and has proven more reliable long term when
set up correctly, not to mention easy to fault find and you can go to
your local electrical wholesaler for spares.
Can I use
the output from the converter to operate my three phase equipment that
contain control equipment & PLCs ?
Yes, as a
rotary converter is a linear device it produces a smooth sine wave similar to supply utility power.
This can be used to operate sensitive control equipment like: timers, counters,contactors,
& PLCs
Do I to supply these components separately?
No , in most cases no modification is required to the control circuits
of the three phase machine.
How far away
from the power supply can I install the converter?
Distance from
the power source does not effect the converter provided the correct size
cable is used to allow for voltage drop...... a tip go for a larger size
cable than required , it pays off in the long run.
Do I need to install screened cable to the three phase motors / machines?
No, as the converters is a linear device & does not contain high speed
switching devices EMC requirements are not a issue.. in this regard.
Do I need
to install a time delay device to allow the POLYPHAZ Rotary converter to
get up to speed first?
No , all converters
come complete with a time delay device to allow the converter to get up
to speed before the output contactor is energized
and three
phases are available.
What is VolTrak
?
This system is incorporated in the control system of rotary converters
from models R/15 & above, it monitors the output power supply &
maintains output asymmetry by way of 4 stage capacitor switching
to 6 stage for larger converters, thereby offering only the power
required to suit the load, delivering benefits through providing a stable
output supply.
What is FaulTrak ?
Put simply it tells you what the fault is by way of a text display,
from 8 to 12 text messages are used to guide you though several supply /
application & converters faults. Available in models R/15 & above
What is LoadTrak
?
This is a
add on feature to our models R15 & above, it has proven to be a very
useful feature for applications that consist of several three phase loads
to operate from one rotary converter over long or short distances with no
control circuit signal to the converter to indicate a start or stop signal,
this feature senses when a three phase load is turned off or On the LoadTrak
system senses this & starts or stops the converter with no control wiring
required.
What KVA
transformer is required?
As a guide
one KVA per HP to be operated at one time.
What is the
life expectancy of a POLYPHAZ converter?
The converter
can last longer than the motors and equipment being used , it operates
very cool under load. Temperature rise is greatest under no load conditions.
With your
Rotary converters what does the motor do to produce three phases?
Firstly it
is not a standard motor , it's a compensation drive with a modified rotor
that provides no torque , the windings are modified to react with the converter
to produce the center phase only dependent on the draw or the demand placed
on the center phase (L2) from the three phase output.
Does the
supply authorities allow the use of these converters?
Yes , there
are many units in use throughout Australia and the World , the POLYPHAZ
also has world standard SIRM approval, also C-Tick
approved
N10944
I'm looking
to use a Rotary converter for a compressor , does it have to run all the
time or can I set it up to operate only when three phase is required?
Rotary converters
come standard with a two wire control option to operate the converter only
when three phase power is required , this can be supplied from a thermostat
or a pressure switch to operate the converter and in turn supply three
phase power to the load , as well you can take advantage of off peak
tariffs from your supply authority. For more complex controls ( i.e..
several motors to supply from the converter ) a LSD unit ( load sense device
) is available as an optional extra , this monitors the demand for three
phase power and operates the converter only when three phase is required.
Where do
I install the converter?
It needs to
go into an enclosed area with adequate ventilation to allow for cooling
and protection from the weather , i.e.. shed or workshop etc..
Can I use
the output of the converter for single phase loads?
You can only
use the output of the converter for small single phase loads and only
L1 phase can be used with the supply neutral.
I have a
dual phase or a two phase supply , can I use this?
Dual phase
or two phase as it is commonly referred to is a single phase 480/500volt
supply split with a center tap neutral to provide 480/500volt from the outer
points ( L1, L2 ) and 240volt from L1, L2 to neutral , this is the best option
particularly for large three phase loads as the current draw is half of
240volt single phase.
What will
my three phase motors draw from single phase?
Take a look
at the Technical Data web page , you will see
a current converter guide.
Can I use
VSD's and soft starters with the output of the Rotary converter?
Yes , but
consult us for advice.
Does your
inverter produce line interference or harmonics?
Firstly the
POLYPHAZ unit is not an inverter it is a converter and as such does not
contain high speed switching devices that can distort the input power supply
and produce harmonics, as a result of this the POLYPHAZ converter can utilize
a 100% of the supply transformer capacity unlike inverters which have a
rating to supply transformer ratio of approx. 10% of the supply capacity
transformer unfiltered as per AS2279 part two.