In reply to your question regarding 3 phase. I used to run my 3 phase machines including a 5hp Colchester Triumph Lathe from a Transwave Static Converter 240V supply and 415V output at 5.5KW. Whilst the converter worked ok it was low on starting power and did not supply full power to the machines.
I sold the lathe and converter. A short while later I once again needed 3 phase so whilst searching eBay I came across a guy selling a 3 DVD set these covered how to make my own Static and Rotary Converters; a welder and also how to convert either a motor stator or scrap 3 phase transformer to give 3 phase output.
I bought the DVD’s and was amazed at how easy it all was to do with very detailed instructions on each method.
I tried the Stator method and although it worked ok the stator I had obtained was a bit too small so I bought a large scrap 3 phase transformer. I followed the instructions and now have a 3 phase transformer giving an estimated 10KVA (10hp) at 415V but on full power. I ran a circuit around my garage from the transformer and can run multiple machines at full power on 415V up to the total maximum output of the transformer; the machines can be switched on and off as if normal 3 phase was being used as each machine has its own starter and is phase balanced to the transformer.
This transformer is a beauty and the whole 3 phase system cost me less than £120 ($187). The transformer is virtually silent in operation and I fitted a safety panel lamp to the supply so that I can see at a glance it is powered up. The transformer idles at a very low 0.8A which is just fantastic given its size.
Using my static converter it used to take ages for my large dust extractor to wind up to speed but now using the transformer it’s almost immediate.
Douglas Arndt is the creator of this method and Doug’s site is;
http://www.unique3phase.com/
Doug is a great guy to know and deal with. I enjoyed installing 3 phase and saved a bundle. A friend here in the UK (Wales) was quoted £17,000 ($26.520) to have the electricity company install 3 phase 415V into his two farmhouses.
Using Doug’s method any output volts or amps are possible and I can highly recommend watching Doug’s videos online.
Any person attempting this project does so entirely at their own risk as a mistake could prove fatal. Following the instructions is easy and it is possible to do all the work but for anyone with doubts a qualified electrician could be asked to check over the project and power it up for the first time. Please don’t take chances.
Converting a 3 phase machine to single phase is not as easy as it sounds to be. The motor would need to have a shaft to match the original pulley/s also it would need to adapted to the machines mountings. It would require it’s own starter as the original 3 phase starter would not be of use. The starting amps of a single phase motor is approximately six times full load current which could give problems with the supply and cabling. Single phase motors generally do not like multiple stop/start cycles as they can overheat and burn out.
I hope this is on topic and of use. Pictures of my transformer are included.
Regards, Col.
Hybrid Mode
