3 Phase Setup

nivek

Hi Everyone,
I am brand new to the site and need your expertise for a question which is probably very easy for most of you.
Over the years I have accumalated 6 machines that run on 550v-575v 3 phase power. My shop has 240v 1 phase entrance. I have swaped out some of the motors in a few machines but now I wish to run them with their original motors.
These are all older woodworking machines and the highest rated HP is on the table saw at 9HP 550v 3phase.
I realize I need a 20hp phase converter but now have come to understand that I will also need a step up transformer.
Are these the only two componets that are missing to make things function?
What variables should I be looking at if I want to buy a used transformer (ie. prim voltage, sec. voltage, delta....)?
Right now it is a question of economics, if it is better to buy the remainded motors 240v 1 phase or set my shop up with 3phase 550v for present and possibly future machines.

Thank-You

pudge565

I have never heard of this voltage system. At least not in the U.S. Maybe someone else can help you out. Or it just may not be common enough to be taught in a tech school.

jbfan

575(600) volts is used in old cotten mills, as well as other places, where I statrted. It took me a while to understand the 480/277 concept.

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gallerytungsten

There are a lot of unusual systems, especially for older equipment. Here in New Orleans, the water pumping system is around 100 years old; the old pumps work great, but they use a 20Hz AC system. (The water authority has their own power plant for just this purpose.) On aircraft, they use 440Hz AC. Perhaps the OP will give us some more details, such as where he's located. There are plenty of 440v/3phase tools, but I've also never heard of 550/575v.

Bubbles

yeah, more info. How much total power you have coming in? 200amps,400,600,800 ??? Will your panel accept large (over 100amp 2pole brkrs) that's some monster power. Hope you don't have a little service. More info would be great

hpp2

Do you have any electric motor shops in your area?
You might be able to have them rewound for 240 vac.

Murray Ritchie

If you were to supply the components to run 3ph 600v, there would be some things I would consider. Firstly, you would only be able to run one machine at a time. Which is not an issue if all your work is done by yourself. Then, the shop equipment would have to be moved everytime you wanted to use it. Not sure, but would guess that they are stationary machines given the voltage rating.

Changing the motors may seem like a big undertaking, but at least you could maintain, and organise your shop.

Railman

Nivec,
What you are going through is common for woodworking shops. Sometimes you just have to research your situation in order to get a feel for where you need to go. If you have a dedicated 200 amp single phase service, you shouild easily be able to supply enough power for your saw + small (5 to 7 1/2hp) dust collector, & maybe even a small 2hp compressor, all running at the same time. You need to do some research to get started. Try here: http://www.arco-electric.com/FAQ.cfm

There are many companies that make/sell "roto phase converters", & if you check their sites, they offer all the info you need to get the answers your looking for. You may want to build your own converter. All you need is a 3ph motor, & then add a converter pannel to it, & you'll have your roto phase. Try here: http://www.phaseconverterspecialist.com/panels.html

Good luck,
Joe

tradesmen

railman is on the right direction for you. The power may not even build you a 3 phase service if your load is not large enough to make it profitable for them to do so, so a phase converter is the way to go.