Transwave converter

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Transwave converter

This topic has 11 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 10 September 2020 at 14:48 by Michael Callaghan.

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8 September 2020 at 17:53 #494731
Michael Callaghan
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@michaelcallaghan68621
Hi, I have a Colchester bantam lathe, for years I have been running the 3phase motor with the German inverter that came with the lathe. However the inverter died and I needed to replace. I purchased a used 2kw transwave converter off eBay. The lathe motor is rated for 1kw. Today I hocked it all up, but the motor is making a lot of noise. And the transwave setting switch even at setting 1 shows a very high amp draw. Is my understanding of how these things wrong correct, ie the converter will only produce power related to motor demand, so over powering the motor can’t happen. I have not yet reinstalled the motor casing. But before ido it would be nice if someone can let me know if I am killing the motor or not. By using a larger converter then motor rating.
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8 September 2020 at 17:53 #19937
Michael Callaghan
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@michaelcallaghan68621
8 September 2020 at 18:45 #494737
larry phelan 1
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@larryphelan1
Dont know, but I use a 7.5 kva unit to run my 1.5 hp lathe.

Of course it also runs my 4.5 hp planer or spindle moulder.

Dont see how it could do any harm, but just a thought, are you sure the converter is big enough ?

I think you may need something a bit bigger.
8 September 2020 at 18:53 #494739
Michael Callaghan
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@michaelcallaghan68621
Hi, thanks for getting back. The transwave unit is rated at double the motor rating, so should be ok. It must be just me not ever hearing the motor not boxed in.
8 September 2020 at 20:42 #494762
SillyOldDuffer
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@sillyoldduffer
Have you tried the other 'power' settings? There's only a rough relationship between switch position and motor size, so it's worth experimenting. I'm not familiar with the transwave but I think the voltmeter measures the fake phase and should read about 240v. If it's not, the motor is being fed unbalanced 3-phase, which might explain noise.

Other possibilities: Static converters have a start mode that's switched off once the motor is running by a relay. They can go wrong, perhaps not cutting out. Also, the circuit depends on capacitors that can fail.

One important thing to check: make sure the motor isn't getting hot! A mismatched static converter can burn out the motor. If the motor warms up, don't use it until the problem is resolved.

Any Transwave owners or converter experts about?

Dave
8 September 2020 at 21:22 #494770
Manofkent
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@manofkent
My 3hp lathe motor ran happily fir many years from a 2 hp rotary converter!

It is worth changing the wire to terminal connections around and see if that helps.

Also a 3 ph motor makes a horrible noise when wired in delta with only two of the phases connected!

John
8 September 2020 at 21:26 #494773
Chris Evans 6
Participant
@chrisevans6
I've run a Transwave static inverter for about 8 years now. It powers my 3hp lathe ok but would not run the 2hp Bridgeport mill for more than a few minutes. Never did sort out why and fitted a VFD to the mill.

With the lathe running I turned the setting knob to show around 400 volts on the meter and have not touched it since. On odd occasions the motor will sound "Wrong" powering down and back on again restores normal service. Only downside I can think of with the inverter is no soft start. Every now and again the lathe starts with a bit of a sudden clonk, does not seem to have done any harm though.
8 September 2020 at 21:46 #494775
Emgee
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@emgee
Michael

If you haven't had it very long you could contact the seller and let him know there is a problem with you motor when powered by the inverter, was it listed as good working order ?

Emgee
8 September 2020 at 22:53 #494783
not done it yet
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@notdoneityet
Posted by John Hilton on 08/09/2020 21:22:23:

My 3hp lathe motor ran happily fir many years from a 2 hp rotary converter!

It is worth changing the wire to terminal connections around and see if that helps.

Also a 3 ph motor makes a horrible noise when wired in delta with only two of the phases connected!

John

It might also draw a lot of current if it is wired delta instead of star? Just wondering what the VFD and converter voltages might be… If the current indication is correct – and it is high for the motor – the motor will not last long.
8 September 2020 at 23:22 #494790
Steviegtr
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@steviegtr
Not used one of those but is the output from them not 400v ish. In which case would the motor need to be put to star.

Steve.
9 September 2020 at 07:53 #494805
Robert Atkinson 2
Participant
@robertatkinson2
+1 for motor being wired delta instead of star (220-240V instead of 380-415V).

You can't harm anything by trying it wired for star so tht is the next step.

Robert G8RPI.
10 September 2020 at 14:48 #495087
Michael Callaghan
Participant
@michaelcallaghan68621
Thanks chaps. Had a look at a second bantam running off a transwave and the noice is the same. I think that part of the problem is I alway ran the lathe at low revs. With the transwave it’s a lot faster, so more noice. I think I will return to the German inverter if I can find one. Thanks again.
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