415 Volt 50 Hz Supply

[brinkmann27]

We have a small air compressor (1/2HP) 120 volt 1 phase 60 Hz.(Capacitor start) Motor is single voltage and frequency. A customer of ours wants to use this overseas where the available power is 415 volt 50 Hz. Without derating the motor what is the best and most economical way to convert the 415/1/50 to 120/1/60? Thanks!

 

[jraef]

The voltage is no problem but you can't truly supply 60Hz power from a 50Hz supply without either a motor-generator set or an electronic frequency converter. The capacitor start on your motor limits you to a M-G set because it would likely damage an electronic converter. This will be relatively expensive but relaible. At 1/2 HP it may be $200-300.

An alternative is to get a 415-120V transformer and go ahead and run the compressor at 50Hz. It will run at 5/6 speed which for a compressor will translate into taking longer to reach the pressure setting in your tank. It may pull more current under the same load as well, so it will run hotter and die a premature death. Then just replace the motor with a 50Hz unit of equal power. It may take years for the extra heat to damage the motor anyway.

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Consider an AC-DC-AC static (electronic) converter.

 

[OperaHouse]

When operating a 60Hz inductive device at 50Hz, you should reduce the voltage to prevent magnetic saturation.