Frequently Asked Questions & Answers with  POLYPHAZ Rotary single to three phase converters


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.

Home       Contact us