Thread: New VFD announced by Powtran

Bob, Off topic but, I was reading something about front loading washing machines recently where it suggested most FL machines are actually 3 phase to cope with the constant stop start, reverse and variable speed. I guess the machines must include their own VFD internally. Have you heard of anybody cannibalizing an old washing machine to reuse as DIY parts?

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

Bob, Off topic but, I was reading something about front loading washing machines recently where it suggested most FL machines are actually 3 phase to cope with the constant stop start, reverse and variable speed. I guess the machines must include their own VFD internally. Have you heard of anybody cannibalizing an old washing machine to reuse as DIY parts?

I've had a look - its messy - very messy.
The one I looked use quite a high speed (16k? rpm) motor and a pair of pulleys to bring the rpms down to working range.
For me the really killer though is they have a hard set program and I can't see a way of re-programming them.
Someone will eventually work out a hack but I won't be holding my breath.

Ther are big changes coming through from Powtran on the control side of things I was told this months ago but asked not to say anything.

Any more news on these new VFDs. I’m looking at buying a VFD or two in a about 6 weeks time. Does anyone know roughly what they cost?

Originally Posted by CBaulds

Any more news on these new VFDs. I’m looking at buying a VFD or two in a about 6 weeks time. Does anyone know roughly what they cost?

Sorry no more info.

The reality is that for general WW machines a basic VFD model is more than enough.
They mostly have way more programming and control features that a wood worker will ever need.

The last 2HP Powtran (PI160Z) cost $100 and shipping will be about $25

Originally Posted by CBaulds

Any more news on these new VFDs. I’m looking at buying a VFD or two in a about 6 weeks time. Does anyone know roughly what they cost?

I was told a few months and the changes are a break through in one area that I have been requesting for at least five years. Only one problem with that, the Chinese have a different time scale to the rest of the world sometimes. The new series they released a few months ago was 415V in and out and with a release date of May IIRC for the 240V series, the prices given to me for the 415V series was really sharp so I expect the 240v series to be the same. I am hoping these may have the big changes but I suspect not as the 415V did not. If you have 415V 3 phase now you don't have to wait but most need the conversion in 240V.

Thankyou Bob and Chris. $100 sounds very reasonable to me. I’d be looking for the 240v to 415v. I guess if the new models aren’t out in the next couple months I’ll just purchase the current model.

Cheers,
Cameron

Originally Posted by CBaulds

Thankyou Bob and Chris. $100 sounds very reasonable to me. I’d be looking for the 240v to 415v. I guess if the new models aren’t out in the next couple months I’ll just purchase the current model.

As far as I know Powtran don't make such a beast.

How good are these VFDs.... So clever.

http://powtran.com/en-us/product/show-2393.aspx

For $100 I wouldn't be bothered pulling apart washing machines. These schmicko little units solve a thousand problems.

Originally Posted by woodPixel

How good are these VFDs.... So clever.

http://powtran.com/en-us/product/show-2393.aspx

For $100 I wouldn't be bothered pulling apart washing machines. These schmicko little units solve a thousand problems.

The units will be way more useful than anything found in a washing machine.

I have not used that specific model but their other models are very good and have no hesitation in recommending them.

With out wanting to hijack this thread is there an option for people who don’t want to play with the sparks.
But want VFD I would love VFD on my drill press and Hercus metal lathe.
But the only electrical work I do is to change light bulbs and plug electrical equipment into power sockets!!

Please don’t take my remarks as condescending an at present it’s more just I wonder what that would cost question?.
Tho I suspect there’s quite a few of us out there.


Cheers Matt,

Originally Posted by Simplicity

With out wanting to hijack this thread is there an option for people who don’t want to play with the sparks.
But want VFD I would love VFD on my drill press and Hercus metal lathe.
But the only electrical work I do is to change light bulbs and plug electrical equipment into power sockets!!

Please don’t take my remarks as condescending an at present it’s more just I wonder what that would cost question?.
Tho I suspect there’s quite a few of us out there. ,

If you are talking plug and play then then the answer is no.

Unless you can do it yourself (and this is not for the faint hearted) then

Option 1:
Pay for a license Electrical fitter to do it.
If your drill press or lathe are single phase you will need a 3Phase motor KACHING. Used ones are cheap by the EF is unlikely to go for that option.
The Electrical fitter will most likely require you to install a VFD recommended by him - after all he has to guarantee the work and as they have different manuals and instruction sets is unlikely to want to send a few hours of reading up a new manual - KACHING
The Sparky recommended VFD is likely be more expensive that any you can buy out of China KACHING.
Motor :$150, VFD plus delivery $150, Electrical fitter - guess $150.
Plus the new motor may not fit the mounting plate, pulley etc so you may need some mechanical work done. KACHING

Option 2:Wait - some time in the future many small motor machines will come standard with VFDs 3Phase motors.
One of my Italian Cousins is a small custom/elecrical motor manufacture and more than 50% of the motors he makes are 3 phase but run from single phase via a compact built in VFD.
In fact think Hare and Forbe sell something like that but for $$$$
Eventually most motors will be like this.

Originally Posted by BobL

As far as I know Powtran don't make such a beast.

Perhaps he means 240v single phase in - 240v three phase out?

Originally Posted by cjbfisher

Perhaps he means 240v single phase in - 240v three phase out?

Maybe?