Where can I find a controller for a 3 Phase AC motor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable controller for a 3-phase AC motor, specifically a permanent magnet synchronous motor with detailed specifications. Participants explore various types of controllers, including variable frequency drives, and share resources and suggestions for further research.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the specifications of a permanent magnet synchronous motor and expresses difficulty in finding a suitable controller.
  • Another participant questions the need for a controller, suggesting it may be for variable frequency or starting purposes.
  • A suggestion is made to search for "variable frequency drive," noting that while there are many options, a 100 kW motor may require a significant investment.
  • Participants provide links to manufacturers' literature to help distinguish between different types of controllers, such as contactors, soft starters, and variable frequency drives.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about finding a damaged soft starter at a junkyard, suggesting that repairing existing equipment could be a valuable learning experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to finding a controller, with multiple suggestions and perspectives presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific needs and options for the motor controller.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of experience and resources, indicating that budget constraints and learning objectives may influence the choice of controller. There is also an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in selecting a controller for a high-power motor.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals involved in projects requiring motor control solutions, particularly those working with high-power AC motors or seeking practical learning experiences in motor control technology.

kolleamm
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I'm working on a project with a team in building a motor. My task is to find a controller for the motor, but I haven't had much luck.
Here are the specs for it :

Permanent magnet synchronous motor,
3 phase
8 pole
2 layer winding
100 kw power
400V

The motor is AC. If somebody can even point me in the right direction that would help greatly.

Thanks in advance!
 
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Wow, ambitious project.Good luck.

Why do you need a controller? Variable frequency? Starting?
 
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If you google "variable frequency drive" you'll get a lot of hits...but 100 kW is a big motor and this won't be cheap.
 
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kolleamm said:
If somebody can even point me in the right direction that would help greatly.
Learn about them by searching on keywords in manufacturers' literature.

for example
http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/Products...orsStarters/SoftStartersControllers/index.htm
http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/wp/150-wp007_-en-p.pdf
should get you started on distinction between "contactor" "soft start" and "VFD"

kolleamm said:
My task is to find a controller for the motor, but I haven't had much luck.
I guess this is a low budget learning exercise ?
It'd be good experience for you guys to repair one . That'd require you to figure out how they work. They show up on Ebay occasionally
I found recently in my favorite metal recycle yard a brand new Motortronics 150hp reduced voltage soft starter . Looks just like this one but has some damage to a corner of the circuit board from when they tossed it off the truck at junkyard. I think the guys didn't appreciate what it was..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150-HP-MOTORTRONICS-SOFT-START-/271634315964?hash=item3f3eaababc:g:sLUAAOSwajVUOyWU
motortronics1.jpg

Plenty of parts in there for a future welder enhancement project, ...(is "Hot Rod Lincoln" too awful a pun ?)

point being, you don't have to start from absolute scratch.

old jim
 
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Thank you so much for your help everyone! I will tell the project manager what you all have written and hopefully provide more answers to what I require.
 

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