Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Quick question for the Suppliers...

Any compressors available in 230VAC, 3 phase flavor that can be run from a sensorless vector drive? (VFD)

Frequencies would fall in the range of 0-400Hz, but would have threshold limits on both ends, with ramp up/down, gradually changing in 5 to 10 second to desired speed/output.

Yes but the sensorless vector drive only works
Through a flux capacitor

It amazes me the things I know nothing about

JB - your question gave me pause to reflect and remember a standardized response that I learned in ROTC. "Sir, I hesitate to articulate for fear that I may deviate from the true course of rectitude. In short, sir, I am a very dumb fish and do not know, sir!".
Hmmm. I thought Vector was Victor's twin brother.
Move over Gallop; you've got company.....

I have that part figured out

It is a real question tho, with control, output and energy savings in mind. High efficiency, and low drain on the wallet for run time.

Not sure if you are pulling my leg or not. I would have thought that VFD's would have crossed your desk at one point or another.

Oh yea, I went to Otterbine's training-school in PA a few years ago. Lots of hands-on stuff with 230VAC/3-phase fountain motors - and very interesting (except no VFDs). But, the electrical lingo just didn't stick between my ears. Guess I'm more of an organic chemistry type of guy.

Looks interesting Kelly.

What would be a good brand of compressor?
Something that is very reliable. Maybe they have something I could swap the motor out and put on a premium efficient one.

I have no experience with these types of compressors so I am really not sure how reliable different types are.

I have a regenerative blower (ring compressor), but that is way too big and noisy for my application.

The reason for the 3 phase, is that 3 phase motors are much more energy efficient than single phase. Plus they are initially cheaper.

As an example: I have a Little Giant 1/2 hp mag drive pump. Single phase, it is 835 watts. Swapping the motor to a 3 phase, it drops to 352 watts. Keeps more money in my pocket, rather than shelling it out every month to the utility company. That's pretty substantial.

One problem tho. I only have single phase service, thus the need for the motor to be able to run with a VFD.

I have a test setup with pic's. Not sure if anyone is interested, because it get's a bit technical.

Saving money thru energy efficiency is my goal, and motors are a big way to do that.