Bringing 3 phase power onto my property

[newbury]

You lucky dog!
I need 3 phase and am slowly accumulating parts for a RPC. The nearest 3 phase power line runs about 1/2 mile from me and they wanted over 30K just to run a line.

 

[midwesternhayfarmer]

Today is a day I have looked forward to for many years. The crew arrived to bring in 3 phase power for the building I plan to put up later this year. I'm really looking forward to having 3 phase as it seems I find all sorts of things I need to buy but they are always 3 phase so I have to pass. The main purpose of the power is to run a large electric hammermill to resize wood chips. NEw service requires a 10 year contract for a monthly access fee of $30. That gave me 180 ft from the pole, any further and it costs more. Here are the pics of the crew.
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When I ran electric service to my new building, I inquired about three phase service from the electric cooperative. I was told it was 4 miles down the road and would have to pay to bring it to my property and the rate would be about double of single phase unless I used a tremendous amount.

I installed a rotary converter capable of starting a 7 horse motor. 2 out of the 8 motors I run are larger than 1 horse. Have not had any issues in 7 years.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I make my own 3 phase too (RFC) but they are about to run a new 3 phase line, under ground, in front of my property. The guy running the show said he'd get me a price to put a line to my shop.

I'm really happy with how I do things now, so I doubt i'll have it put in...

SR

 

[BertZegers]

Just like they fudge everything they touch, the Ontario Government has declared rural time-of-use infrastructure not workable. After installing it of course. Seems (they claim) we have trees with leaves on them that inhibit the signals! Bad for me as a taxpayer. Good for me as an electicially heated home owner.

I got a letter from Hydro One saying the smart meter is not communicating so no more time-of-use. 7 years ago I have changed from electric heating to geothermal, and cut my electricity bill in half. Now the electricity rates have skyrocket in Ontario, and my geothermal is for backup. We are burning wood as much as possible. The Ontario government screws up everything.

 

[buickanddeere]

Given how low cost, reliablity and features of a variable frequency drive to convert single phase to three phase . I have no idea why anybody would use a rotary converter . It's 2016, not 1980.

 

[CalG]

buickanddeere has it right.

I've got a trio of 20-30hp vfds converting single phase 240V to 3ph for a variety of machine tools up to 10hp.
The "soft start", prevents the brown out when motor starting both the lathe and the air compressor. That was a real annoyance with the RPC.
The Variable speed part is nice too! ;-)

 

[midwesternhayfarmer]

Given how low cost, reliablity and features of a variable frequency drive to convert single phase to three phase . I have no idea why anybody would use a rotary converter . It's 2016, not 1980.

"Motors are rated to withstand voltage magnification caused by harmonic distortion of the motor current. However, when the same motor is connected to VFDs, the motor and its insulation can be subjected to a repetitive stresses from voltage pulses caused by harmonic distortion that can seriously damage the motor or its insulation rating degradation, causing catastrophic failure in a short period of time. Even if such failure does not happen quickly, the pulses will eventually degrade the system and reduce the potential lifespan of the motor. This is due, in part, to the odd-order voltage produced by a VFD, and not the typical sinusoidal wave that is normally provided from a power utility. As a result, when motors are connected to VFDs, they will experience repeating voltage pulses. Those voltage pulses may, under certain circumstances, be magnified as they reach the motor terminals. For example, in tests under actual operating conditions, a 460 volt motor supplied by voltage from a VFD has been empirically measured with pulses as high as 1200 volts, in contrast with the 620-660 volt level measured in the absence of magnification. "

This is why!!!

I have 1940's, 1950's, 1960's and newer three phase motors. I can't afford to replace them even if replacements were available. Some may have special frames specifically designed for the particular machine tool. I know it's 2016, again the machines are not even 1980.

 

[CalG]

That warning may be true, but I've got an Oliver direct drive band saw with an 850 rpm motor on a VFD that has been happy to do what ever sawing task asked of it for over 15 years.

The two lathes (5 hp and 7.5hp) have been VFD powered a few years longer.

I suppose, these new fangled VFD's cause a shortening of life for "Non-VFD rated" motors.

I just have not seen it. ;-)

"They say abstaining from tobacco, alcohol and sex lengthens one's life. But really, it just seems like it."

 

[MossRoad]

Whats the cost differernce for a VFD for each machine VS one homemade rotary phase converter for the whole shop?

 

[Bigkrank]

Got sticker shock years ago on this. Unless you are a business with some big demands just make your own 3 phase. I run CNC machines and more and it is no problem