Can I control this fan with a VFD?

[ALinCarolina]

Been looking at explosion proof exhaust fans for my new shop. Most of them in larger sizes have a single speed and I would really like to have variable speed if possible. I have read that 3 phase motors can sometimes be speed controlled with a VFD. I will only have single phase power in the shop.
One of the fans I am considering is this one:

http://www.industrialfansdirect.com/IND-FA-HL-IE/TE-VI3613HL-X.html

So can I control this motor with a VFD? I have never shopped for one before so can anyone suggest a VFD for it?

 

[matt_i]

before click and wait for the brown truck, I'd call to clarify. The title block has 3 phase but the bottom specs are 115vac single phase.

That said, yes a 3 phase motor can be controlled with a VFD. Its somewhat complex the first time thru as the VFD is typically a "powerful" meaning flexible device with all sorts of intended uses. One has to sort thru the manual to integrate a more basic application, again if its something you aren't used to working with/on.

I have had good luck with the Lenze/AC Tech VFDs, Hitachi and Reliance Electric for basic speed control apps. The basic specs deal with the HP or kW of the motor to be controlled, as well as the intended voltage, usually a 200-250vac input range.

Its also good to investigate phase loss and how the drive is limited (or not, each are individualized) on single phase input. Sometimes in a 1hp app, around .75kW, you can only produce 2/3hp and so cannot develop the full airflow. Getting a 1kw drive would help alleviate that.

 

[Falcon67]

Depends on the motor. Look for Inverter Duty, as I recall. I use a VFD on my mill and found that about 20% in either direction from 60 hz is about the limit on a chinese 3 phase motor.

 

[manwithtools]

Depends on the motor. Look for Inverter Duty, as I recall. I use a VFD on my mill and found that about 20% in either direction from 60 hz is about the limit on a chinese 3 phase motor.

Huh, please explain.... a three phase motor regardless of which country it's made in will tolerate more than 12hz of speed variance when controlled by a VFD.

Inverter duty motors are not required to vary a motors speed. They have better insulation and can typically tolerate lower speeds without over heating better than non-inverter rated but even that is a fallacy in many instances. That being said, unless you are using the motor near it's maximum capacity it should not be an issue.

 

[manwithtools]

OP, find another place to buy your fans, that web site is a bit sketchy....can you tell who they are and where they are located?

 

[ALinCarolina]

Thanks for the help. Here is a list of fans from a company I have ordered quite a number of things in the past with good results:

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/tubeaxial-belt-driven-fans-three-phase-fans-p-22558.aspx

I was looking at the 30" 2 hp sku 074-4-2-3 9990 cfm

 

[wyliesdiesels]

before click and wait for the brown truck, I'd call to clarify. The title block has 3 phase but the bottom specs are 115vac single phase.

That said, yes a 3 phase motor can be controlled with a VFD. Its somewhat complex the first time thru as the VFD is typically a "powerful" meaning flexible device with all sorts of intended uses. One has to sort thru the manual to integrate a more basic application, again if its something you aren't used to working with/on.

I have had good luck with the Lenze/AC Tech VFDs, Hitachi and Reliance Electric for basic speed control apps. The basic specs deal with the HP or kW of the motor to be controlled, as well as the intended voltage, usually a 200-250vac input range.

Its also good to investigate phase loss and how the drive is limited (or not, each are individualized) on single phase input. Sometimes in a 1hp app, around .75kW, you can only produce 2/3hp and so cannot develop the full airflow. Getting a 1kw drive would help alleviate that.

Yeah i noticed that too. No such thing as 115VAC 3-phase at least in the US...

 

[Falcon67]

The explanation is that the motor here *******, vibrates and otherwise complains at 35 hz and not a 40 hz and above. Besides, I've found over time that there's no need to screw with the Hz anyway, the 6 geared speeds on the machine is plenty fine.