VFD, Encoder, Labview

[Allen Baker]

I have been given a project as a graduate student. I have to rebuild a wind tunnel for my Advisor/Professor. The goal is to have some combination of the following: a VFD, Visual Encoder, motor with fan assembly to be able to be monitor and control from Labview, and to be able to know the actual current rpms of the shaft. This is for a wind tunnel that will be used in upcoming experiments and studies in Fluid dynamics. I have looked through automation direct, and multiple other sites for fan assemblies and frankly have no idea what would work without spending money that we currently do not have. Please help.

 

[Heaviside1925]

You say rebuild. What parts and pieces do you have?
You are going to need to define a lot of parameters concerning your design basis before proceeding but if you can give some indication of what you are trying to replicate/rebuild, there may be a path forward.

 

[Allen Baker]

That's fair. I will try an upload a picture if that will help. The current controller is a Variac that has a short and therfore useless, the motor and fan are one piece the motor is rated for 1hp 115V power supply and is a ZIEHL-ABEGG that does not have a solution for speed control.

 

[Heaviside1925]

With the ZIEHL-ABEGG model number, you should be able to find its rated performance, that is what you'll need to find a suitable substitute for the fan.
Are you looking for matching performance with the ability for turn-down?

And when you say Visual Encoder, do you mean machine vision or a tachometer?

 

[waross]

With a VFD you need a three phase motor.
A 1 HP motor is pretty large to try to speed control with a Variac.
Yes, it may work, until it doesn't.
"ZIEHL-ABEGG" doesn't tell us much.
They make a wide range of motors and fans.

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Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!