Building a Rotary Phase Converter. Part 1: Theory, initial testing and proof of concept

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 16 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 75

  • @AM-dn4lk
    @AM-dn4lk 4 місяці тому

    This was an excellent theoretical overview of how motors, 3 phase and, 1 phase and rotary phase converters work. Thank you.

  • @ecvolt2976
    @ecvolt2976 11 місяців тому +1

    Very knowledgeable !! gives a good understanding of the inter-relationship of the three phase motor acting as a motor and also as a generator. I like how you moved on to the starting capacitor and the relay well done. thank you for sharing your knowledge

  • @ssnoc
    @ssnoc 7 місяців тому

    This is Excellent! - I have been searching a long time for a basic understanding of windings and phase induction. I’m trying to teach myself how to re-wind a motor, but there is nothing in English on UA-cam. Your excellent video is helping me understand and I Thank You 🙏

  • @propertypaul
    @propertypaul 5 років тому +7

    The drill start part reminded me of my first converter ; I used a rope to start it. That was the 'temporary' method that I used for about five years.

    • @MrWaalkman
      @MrWaalkman 3 роки тому

      Same here. And changing phase rotation was a piece of cake. :)

  • @paolo69
    @paolo69 2 місяці тому

    I thought i knew how induction motors worked for years but i learned It only After this video and some sperimentation

  • @MrWaalkman
    @MrWaalkman 3 роки тому +3

    Excellent video!
    Small point, but what the Buildist refers to as a "Time delay" is usually referred to as "phase shift". You need that phase shift to get a motor (any AC motor) to start to rotate on its own. You can do this with capacitors as shown, but it can be done with inductors (coils) as well. The inductor option is heavy and expensive which is why caps are the go-to option for starting.
    For instance, small AC motors such as the ones powering bathroom fans are what's called "Shaded pole" motors. This is the copper bar that goes across part of the motor. This is inefficient since shorting out part of your core robs the motor of power. But no capacitor is required to start the motor, and it's fine for small motors.
    BTW, a relay with an AC coil will have the same phase shifting setup.

  • @keithgibbons5765
    @keithgibbons5765 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this VERY informative video. It is a big help to us DIY with limited electrical knowledge!

  • @chadjsaul
    @chadjsaul 4 роки тому +3

    I learned a lot from your build. Great job explaining along the way. Thankful for the knowledge!

  • @edwardgrabczewski
    @edwardgrabczewski 2 роки тому +2

    Wow! what an excellent explanation!

  • @dannywilsher4165
    @dannywilsher4165 4 роки тому +2

    Very well explained sir, thanks!!!

  • @GAJ3T
    @GAJ3T Рік тому +1

    For breaking loose rusted nuts, bolts, etc., I like using a mixture of 50% acetone and 50% Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). I load it up into a syringe or a pistol pump oiler... It works great! If I get a wild hair... I'll replace 10% of total volume with Marvel Mystery Oil... shake before every use

  • @richardyantz469
    @richardyantz469 Рік тому

    Great video.Answered alot of questions i had

  • @PeterTremonti
    @PeterTremonti 4 місяці тому

    I have a question about your diagram at the 9 second mark. I'm wondering if the Countdown DPDT Relay is drawn correctly in the deactivated position or if I'm just misunderstanding it. It looks like when the timer comes on (as drawn) that the start capacitors would be disconnected instead of connected. My other question is, what's the benefit of using 24VDC instead of just straight 120V to power a countdown relay and solid state relay?

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  4 місяці тому

      I'm not certain that I drew it correctly. But if you follow the link to the plans (in the description) you'll find on the righthand side a detailed step through of the start sequence. The step through is accurate as to what I built. I've since been convinced that a single on/off button was a mistake. That it should have a master "on/off" switch and a separate momentary push button to initiate the start sequence. It's safer in the long run. I'm not losing sleep over this one, but the other config is superior.
      Lastly, no, the 24v dc is not required. It happened that I had spare 24v control devices, so I converted to that in order to utilize them and be able to make use of the solid state relay. It could all conceivably be 240 or 120ac relays, but I don't know if you'll find ac-triggered solid state relays. And I wasn't confident that the response timing for the start capacitor was going to be precise enough using a mechanical relay. Not saying it can't work, but I had more confidence in the solid state route.

  • @BadKarmaFab
    @BadKarmaFab Рік тому +1

    Great video! Did you scrap out an elevator roller guide to build your motor dolly?

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  Рік тому +1

      Good catch! Not everybody would recognize that piece.😁

  • @garthkennedy203
    @garthkennedy203 5 років тому +1

    Well done! Very well explained.

  • @bradsmith1046
    @bradsmith1046 2 роки тому +1

    I apologize if I missed it but could you provide any sources I might get a 1200uF start capacitor from? Also what breaker size was your 20hp idler drawing from? Thank for the excellent video and very clear process description you have provided.

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  2 роки тому

      I bought one of these: www.ebay.com/itm/223030502520
      I only had my idler hooked up to a double 30 for testing, but best I recall it would need to be higher if I intended to pull anywhere near its full capacity. It's at least the sum of the amperage of all your motors that you'll run simultaneously.

  • @mrmatt2525able
    @mrmatt2525able 3 роки тому +2

    Definitely subscribed

  • @ForCheapTimeS
    @ForCheapTimeS Рік тому

    Excelent video! The motor being used is a three phase idle motor correct?

  • @joemancino9049
    @joemancino9049 4 роки тому +1

    Do you think it would hurt to use a starter capacitor value above what it should be rated? My motor is a 5HP 230/460 motor, so if it is approximately 70uF per HP, then 360uF would do the job, but I am finding ones cheaper in the 750uF range. Do you think that the extra capacitance would hurt or do you think it might make the startup even more efficient? I'd imagine the extra capacitance would definitely take more time to charge up and thus it would need to be in the circuit a little bit longer. My gears are turning lol. Great video by the way!

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  4 роки тому +1

      It's hard to say for sure, but it is generally fairly forgiving. My GUESS is that it would work. But I wouldn't bet much money on it...

  • @gusc6785
    @gusc6785 2 роки тому +1

    great video

  • @mrmatt2525able
    @mrmatt2525able 3 роки тому

    Hey I got my 15hp Baldor motor phase converter wired up, everything works great, but just idling it uses 42amps on 240v!! Start running my milling machine with a 7.5 hp motor and it’s drawing 50+ amps!!
    The 42 amps at an idle seems like a bit much? Did I wire something wrong??

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  3 роки тому +1

      The does strike me as pretty high. It's impossible to say why from here. Could it be that the idler motor has a bad bearing and is drawing a lot of current just to stay on speed? Or did you do the full capacitor balance procedure? I know that the capacitor balancing reduces the current meaningfully but I'm not sure how much.
      I will say that the jump and current from 42 amps to 50 to run your milling machine motor is about right. All the current for both motors is going through your phase converter. So going up by 8 amps to run that extra motor is about right. But the 42 amp baseline is definitely higher than what my 20 horsepower idler was drawing.

    • @mrmatt2525able
      @mrmatt2525able 3 роки тому +1

      @@TheBuildist ok thanks for the reply!, the motor spins freely. I’ll have to go through and check my wiring. I haven’t capacitor Balanced the output yet, nor do I have that capacitor on the input side of the motor yet either.... I had a start capacitor explode so I’m waiting for more capacitors off amazon. I’ll get back to you when I balance it :)

  • @ICBOY10
    @ICBOY10 Рік тому

    Hey Thanks so much!!!! Great video!! 👍👍👍

  • @garthkennedy203
    @garthkennedy203 5 років тому +1

    A question; If the the 220 single phase, is fed into a 3 phase transformer producing 380 volts, having a capacitor on the third leg on the 220 input so 3 phase power comming out of the transformer, then fed into the idler motor......not produce greater torque?

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  5 років тому +1

      I'm not qualified to answer. But it sounds like you're thinking of using a transformer as a phase converter. I'm not aware of that being possible.

    • @garthkennedy203
      @garthkennedy203 5 років тому +1

      At the moment, I have the 220 running the 3 phase idler motor ( as you have described) giving me 3 phases of 220. These are attached to the the 3 phase 220-380 transformer and the result is 3 phases of 380. Drives a post drill and other gear....but they don't have a great deal of torque........ Many thanks for your reply!

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  5 років тому +2

      Ok, now I understand. My only input is to point out that when you step up in voltage, you step down in amperage. So if a 10HP phase converter can support a 6.6hp motor at 240 volts, it can only support a ((220/380)*6.6)=3.82 HP motor at 380 volts. And that's if your transformer were 100% efficient, which it's not.
      I'd guess your rotary phase converter may be too small.

    • @garthkennedy203
      @garthkennedy203 5 років тому +2

      @@TheBuildist The idler motor is 6 HP and the moters it is driving are no more than 3 HP. I hadn't realized about the loss of power, with increase of voltage. Thanks once more!

  • @Apollo1van
    @Apollo1van 2 роки тому

    I have an Airco 250v welder it 3 phase can I use the wild leg off 3phase motor it calls for 408

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  2 роки тому

      Yes, you can run a 3 phase welder off of a rotary phase converter. But I don't know how to get the voltage up to the 408 you need.

    • @Apollo1van
      @Apollo1van 2 роки тому

      What if you could wire two and one together 220x220 ,I do not know how to come motor probably have come off another 220circuit then add a leg from motor very confusing.

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  2 роки тому

      @@Apollo1van I don't think that would work. I don't think the voltages would add up like that. There would have to be some kind of transformer involved, but I don't know the specifics.

  • @ben-w2j
    @ben-w2j 10 місяців тому

    I love your videos, but didn’t want to simplify your three phase generator if you take a three phase generator and simply apply 120 V and on your third leg, install a decent size capacitor are usually use a 15 to 25 µF capacitor, tapped back into one of the other legs will actually start and run your three phase motor perfectly fine then you can come off those three legs for any three-page device you have that is rated underneath the 20 hp motor. That third ghost leg going through a capacitor will simply offset itself from the other voltage coming in and will truly act like a three leg/3phase coming into the motor. I have done this to run 3phase welders at my house.3phase metal lathes and any other 3phase objects you will find it simplifies the whole process you’re doing and also you will not need a drill or anything to get up to speed. It will be simply like flipping a switch to apply the two legs of power

  • @victoryfirst2878
    @victoryfirst2878 4 роки тому +2

    Can you build a phase converter that is perfectly balanced between the phases ???? How close can the voltage balance be between legs ??? Nice video with lots of information on the subject. VF

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  4 роки тому +1

      I think it's possible in theory... but there are two problems that I know of: 1. Capacitors are not infinitely variable, so you'll always have to use a capacitor whose value is an approximation of perfect. You could only get "perfect" if you had the perfect size capacitor. and 2. The capacitance for perfect balance is dependent on the load. So you have to shoot for an approximated load when you're doing the balancing step. The more perfect your approximation of load, the better your balance can be achieved. But if you need to support differing loads (2 or more different machines) then your "perfect" balance can only be for one of them.
      THE GOOD NEWS IS that it makes very little difference whether the balance is "perfect". Anything beyond the steps in this video is only going to produce tiny increments of efficiency.
      My understanding is that this method produces something that's about 97% efficient, and if you went to extreme measures you might achieve 98.5% efficiency. A very small benefit.

    • @victoryfirst2878
      @victoryfirst2878 4 роки тому +2

      @@TheBuildist Thank you so much for clearing up my thinking on balancing the legs of the phase converter and the limit of efficiency that can be achieved. Good day to you Mr, The Buildist. Look forward to more great videos to come from you Sir. VF

    • @victoryfirst2878
      @victoryfirst2878 4 роки тому

      I had another question for you Sir ??? Would using an electronic phase converter have efficiency closer to 99 plus percent ?? Just an idea The Buildist. Thanks VF

  • @stuarth43
    @stuarth43 Рік тому +1

    thanks Mr, in Au the max amps one can pull legally from a 230ac supply is 40
    I have a 12hp lathe the other stuff is under 3 hp, so I'll hunt around fer a motor , as tis now i get my 3ph juice from a LINCOLN VANTAGE welder/genset, diesel fuel here is over 10 dollars an imperial gallon, so I need to stop running my Lincoln which cannot produce enough grunt to start the lathe in over 400 rpm, which is fast nuff seeing as it is not bolted down

  • @maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109
    @maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109 3 роки тому

    I am looking to build my own phase converter, I have a 10hp 3 phase motor on my air compressor. Should I be looking at a 20hp or a 25hp motor? And does it matter if the converter motor is 1760 rpm or 3460rpm?

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  3 роки тому +1

      The RPC pony motor needs to be at least 33% bigger than the biggest motor you'll use. In your case a 15hp pony would work, but if you can do 20, it gives you more margin of error. The RPM of the pony motor doesn't matter.
      Good questions!

    • @maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109
      @maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109 3 роки тому

      I was told the higher the voltage of the start capacitors is better. I am interested in the micro farads it is rated. Is this true?

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  3 роки тому +1

      @@maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109 You're looking for voltage rating at least as high as what you need, the higher the better. For my 230 volt motor I bought an affordable 250Volt capacitor, which is adequate, but I would have bought a 350 or 400V rated if it were similarly priced. More than enough headroom is a good thing.
      Then the guideline is you need about 70MF capacitance per horsepower of motor. So for my 20HP motor, 1400MF is ideal. I found an attractively priced 1200 MF cap and decided to give it a try, and it worked just fine.
      So at least enough voltage rating for what you'll be sending through it, the higher the better, and about 70MF capacitance per horsepower motor that you intend to start with it. I'm no expert, but it has worked for me on two different builds so far.

    • @maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109
      @maryjaneeclipsemendozaport1109 3 роки тому +1

      Thank you very much, this is my husband's project just so you know, I will continue on my project

  • @JeremeSalazar
    @JeremeSalazar 4 місяці тому

    For this explanation I think you have you can have a loop. A generator that can run itself.

  • @turbo2ltr
    @turbo2ltr Рік тому

    Interesting. So I've been using these videos as a guide, I actually happened to buy that same cap for my 20hp motor without realizing you used it. The first time I started it (5 minutes ago), it started great, but before I could let go of the button thus disconnecting the cap, the cap immediately popped its top and puked out the magic smoke. I didn't trust that cap with it being only $20 which seems very cheap. I was also told the voltage rating should have 1.5 times the input voltage which was another reason I was doubting that cap. But I haven't been able to find any other 1200-1400 uF cap with a higher voltage rating. Wonder why mine popped and your's didn't.

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  Рік тому

      That's a bummer. Could it be that I found a 400V version? It's been a while for mine so I don't recall the precise details. But it never gave me the slightest trouble.

    • @turbo2ltr
      @turbo2ltr Рік тому +1

      @@TheBuildist Weird. Ended up buying four "270-324uF" caps, 330V. and it's running! Playlist of three videos... ua-cam.com/video/9vopNRoZM_Q/v-deo.html Thanks for your videos, they were helpful!

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  Рік тому

      @@turbo2ltr That's fantastic news! Your build looks great so far. Nicely done.

  • @pradhiksha.gandajaykumar.d4242
    @pradhiksha.gandajaykumar.d4242 4 роки тому

    How calculated run capacitor & start capacitor for 3 phase submersible motor

  • @romeobuagayan2238
    @romeobuagayan2238 3 роки тому +1

    This is educational video,I like it.can you share me your schematic diagram sir.

  • @stuarth43
    @stuarth43 Рік тому +1

    sounds like that motor needs new bearings, did heaps of bigger stuff when I was a mill fitter, 1978

  • @chuckgilbert2035
    @chuckgilbert2035 10 місяців тому

    Thank you for not using the "Alright guys" every time you start videoing. Drives me nuts.

  • @Ian.Gostling
    @Ian.Gostling 3 роки тому +1

    Can you please address this statement "for the same voltage and current a 3phase motor has 3 times the power" as would violate conservation of energy, thankyou.

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  3 роки тому +1

      The more precise statement would be three times the torque. And it's not violation of conservation of energy it's simply efficiency. Three phase are three times as efficient of turning electrical current into rotation as single phase.
      To be clear: I'm neither a professor nor an engineer. So I could conceivably be wrong. But I'm 100% confident that three phase are profoundly more efficient even if not fully three times as efficient. But Google could tell you for sure.

  • @sisyphuscranerigging7792
    @sisyphuscranerigging7792 4 роки тому

    No wonder you got that motor for free - it sounds clapped out, (loud) and seems to have a bent shaft! But great video, very useful!

    • @timmer9lives
      @timmer9lives 3 роки тому +1

      Sound like a bad bearing in my opinion . If it had a bent shaft, the motor would be vibrating. It is not vibrating, hence I’d bet it just needs two 25.00 bearings. Simple fix for a 20hp motor.
      And…. Excellent video. Subscribed.

    • @stuarth43
      @stuarth43 Рік тому

      my take on it too, bearing, it should be almost silent

    • @Artemetra
      @Artemetra Рік тому

      @@stuarth43 I'm using a 15hp motor for my RPC, and it would run fine for a while but start to howl and make whiny noises. After a $450 bearing replacement and lube it's working very silently now. I think the grease had hardened after sitting idle too long.

  • @louiehostetler7327
    @louiehostetler7327 4 роки тому

    I am trying to make a rotary phase converter with my 3 phase 12 horsepower 480 volt How can I generate 480 volts and not feedback into my house

    • @louiehostetler7327
      @louiehostetler7327 4 роки тому

      And also I'm from the US and how do you get 240 volts from one wire here I have two wires 120 each

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  4 роки тому +1

      @@louiehostetler7327 Louie, I'm also in the US. The RPC is fed by two wires that are 120 v each. They add up to 240 in relation to each other. if you go through the video you'll see that I do have the third wire, the neutral, wired into the controls of my RPC. But it's only because I have some internal components that need 120 volts to operate. if every part of my components were 240 volts, then I wouldn't even need the neutral wire to be fed into my RPC.
      As far as 480 volts, to my understanding you would have to get a transformer to step up from 240 to 480 and then feed the output of that transformer into your rotary phase converter.

    • @louiehostetler7327
      @louiehostetler7327 4 роки тому

      @@TheBuildist okay yes I just saw part to where you explain two wires coming in and I understand 240 measures between the two but I am dealing with 480 volts I think I understand how to build a rotary phase converter that I don't understand how to get 480 volt without interfering with my house I guess I need to get some kind of Transformer

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  4 роки тому

      @@louiehostetler7327 You're right, you definitely need a transformer. But most 480Volt transformers will be three phase. I don't know what you'll get out of a 3 phase 240-to-480 transformer if you feed it single phase 240. If it DOES spit out 480 single phase, then you'll feed that into your 480V RPC (Made from the 480V motor) and you'll then have 3phase 480V.
      HOWEVER
      If you don't need 480V, then there's a good chance your motor can be rewired for 240V. There are a lot of 240/480 motors whose voltage just depends on how they're wired. Do you need 480? If not, see if your motor's data plate has a 240 configuration.

    • @louiehostetler7327
      @louiehostetler7327 4 роки тому

      @@TheBuildist
      I have a brand new 4 sided wood planter 4 Motors 7 & 5 and two 4 horsepower motors 480 straight 1 horsepower Drive motor is the only one that has 240 / 480 I know I have a problem and you are the only one that shows a Transformer before you go to the rotary phase converter motor
      And I just wondered what that was and how much it cost

  • @ajstine7913
    @ajstine7913 Рік тому

    time 16:20, did anyone else hear dees nuts and laugh

  • @mick1gallagher
    @mick1gallagher 5 місяців тому +1

    Is this just an add for liquid wrench

    • @TheBuildist
      @TheBuildist  5 місяців тому

      AMONG many other things... I do reveal my fondness for the ONE, the ORIGINAL, THE LIQUID WRENCH. 🤣