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Concept
Phase converter
Summary
A phase converter is a device that converts electric power provided as single phase to multiple phase or vice versa. The majority of phase converters are used to produce three-phase electric power from a single-phase source, thus allowing the operation of three-phase equipment at a site that only has single-phase electrical service. Phase converters are used where three-phase service is not available from the utility provider or is too costly to install. A utility provider will generally charge a higher fee for a three-phase service because of the extra equipment, including transformers, metering, and distribution wire required to complete a functional installation.
Three-phase induction motors may operate adequately on an unbalanced supply if not heavily loaded. This allows various imperfect techniques to be used. A single-phase motor can drive a three-phase generator, which will produce a high-quality three-phase source but at a high cost to the longevity of the system. While there are multiple phase conversion systems in place, the most common types are:
Rotary phase converters constructed from a three-phase electric motor or generator "idler" and a simple on/off circuit. Rotary phase converters are known to drive up operations costs, due to the continued draw of power while idling that is not common in other phase converters. Rotary phase converters are considered a two-motor solution; one motor is not connected to a load and produces the three-phase power, the second motor driving the load runs on the power produced.
A digital phase converter uses a rectifier and inverter to create a third leg of power, which is added to the two legs of the single-phase source to create three-phase power. Unlike a phase-converting VFD, it cannot vary the frequency and motor speed, since it generates only one leg. Digital phase Converters use a Digitial Signal Processor (DSP) to ensure the generated third leg matches the voltage and frequency of the original single-phase supply.
Official source
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