AC Drive Control Powerflex 4

Quick question.

I have Single Phase 120 VAC feed.
I have a Single Phase 120VAC Fan/Motor Combination.
I now have requirements to ramp up and down at preprogrammed intervals and I need advice on the VFD of choice.

Can I use the Powerflex4 drive? I see in the specs that the feed is 120 SP, but the output is 3P.

How would I connect my single phase motor to this animal?

I wouldn't normally bug you guys, but the Tech-Connect line is putting me on hold for more than 10 minutes.....and I trust everyones opinions here better......

I don't use SP motors in my plant but I use a ton of PF4s and the literature doesn't say anything about a SP motor--only SP power to a 3P motor.

Single phase AC Motors shouldn't be used on a VFD. The various 'tricks' they use to establish direction don't work with variable frequency drives.

Swap the motor out for a three phase one, and you are good to go.

I am in the Pharma Industry and to change the motor/fan combo is more difficult.

The fan/motor combo is a German Designed Integrated system,

http://www.ebmpapst.us/allpdfs/G2E140.PDF

I just spoke to a EBM rep, and he explained that all motors of this type can be variable frequency controlled.

I am curious about the Powerflex4, since it sounds like it is small enough and capable of controlling this unit. The problem is, like mentioned above, all examples of wiring are using a 3P motor.

Any ideas?

I'm not going to swear to it but if memory serves me, the old AB 160 can roll single phase motors. Barring that, I would think that some manufacturer has a unit you could use--maybe AD, T B Woods, etc.

If EBM is so hot on saying their motor can be VFD driven, ask them what they suggest. Put the monkey on their back.

You might want to look at this:


http://www.bardac.com/pages/products/ac_optidrive7.html

I've never used one, just heard about it.

Keith

Thanks for the link!

This sounds like it is the drive that I need.
Once again, more minds are better than one.

Appreciate the help.
I am still curious about the PowerFlex4 though....

For $460 each, the Optidrive is defineately worth looking at.