555 timer to make 120HZ motor drive?

[Eric R Snow]

This probably won't work. I don't know enough about motors and
electronics to know. I was looking at some zero crossing solid state
relays. Thinking that one could be used to switch on a 1 HP single
phase motor. The type with a starting winding and no caps. Then, after
wiring up a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) to a three phase motor, I
got to thinking that maybe the aforementioned single phase motor could
be started on 60HZ and then switched to 120 HZ. From what I've read
about VFDs the voltage rises with the frequency so that at 120HZ a 115
volt motor would be supplied with 230 volts. If this is so, could a
230 volt DC supply be switched by a zero crossing SSR at 120HZ
controlled by a 555 timer? What effect would the induction from the
motor windings have on the SSR? Obviously the complex VFD electronics
aren't just there for fun. But would the described scheme work? Well
enough to get useful work from the motor?
Thanks,
Eric R Snow

 

[petrus bitbyter]

This probably won't work. I don't know enough about motors and
electronics to know. I was looking at some zero crossing solid state
relays. Thinking that one could be used to switch on a 1 HP single
phase motor. The type with a starting winding and no caps. Then, after
wiring up a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) to a three phase motor, I
got to thinking that maybe the aforementioned single phase motor could
be started on 60HZ and then switched to 120 HZ. From what I've read
about VFDs the voltage rises with the frequency so that at 120HZ a 115
volt motor would be supplied with 230 volts. If this is so, could a
230 volt DC supply be switched by a zero crossing SSR at 120HZ
controlled by a 555 timer? What effect would the induction from the
motor windings have on the SSR? Obviously the complex VFD electronics
aren't just there for fun. But would the described scheme work? Well
enough to get useful work from the motor?
Thanks,
Eric R Snow

The speed of real three phase motors can be controlled by what you call a
VFD. Especially lower speeds can be obtained without degrading the power.
But driving a motor at two time its nominal speed will destroy it. The
bearings can not handle the forces neither can the coils in the stator. A
one phase motor will almost sure have other mechanical limitations. For
instance, when the speed is too low, the start coil will not be switched off
and will be fried.

SSR's that switch inductive loads like motors need a so called snubber
network. Google for it if you want to know more.

I like your aim for experimenting but strongly advise to start with less
complicated and less dangerous projects.

pertrus bitbyter

 

[Eric R Snow]

The speed of real three phase motors can be controlled by what you call a
VFD. Especially lower speeds can be obtained without degrading the power.
But driving a motor at two time its nominal speed will destroy it. The
bearings can not handle the forces neither can the coils in the stator. A
one phase motor will almost sure have other mechanical limitations. For
instance, when the speed is too low, the start coil will not be switched off
and will be fried.

SSR's that switch inductive loads like motors need a so called snubber
network. Google for it if you want to know more.

I like your aim for experimenting but strongly advise to start with less
complicated and less dangerous projects.

pertrus bitbyter

Thanks for the reply Petrus. You should know that most 3 phase
induction motors made in the USA can be run at twice nameplate RPM.
Especially if they are 1725 RPM motors. The biggest problem with
running non-VFD rated motors is when run below rated RPM. The fans may
not keep the motor cool. The solution is to install another fan. The
info about motor ratings was obtained from bothe motor makers and VFD
makers.
ERS