Thread: Powtran VFD doesn't fully turn off after stopping via remote

Pat, I have emailed Tony so he should respond to you as soon as he can. The cooling fan is operating normally as it is not temperature controlled but we can fix that for you as well. Both Fletty and I have modified the fan control and the only problem we have now is remembering to turn the VFD off when leaving the shed!

Thanks Chris
Talked to Tony yesterday but maybe I didn't describe the problem accurately?

I'm just surprised that the fan doesn't turn off after a while when in "remote" mode. Seems like bad design on the part of Powtran.?

Just to be clear, the fan DOES cut out automatically when in local control mode i.e. using the buttons on the front. It's only when I use the remote control mode i.e. the radio remote or the limit switches that the fan keeps running.

Also just to add, after the CV stops, while the VFD shows the 0 HZ and 0-0.5A display, there is an intermittent clicking sound, almost sounding like a relay turning on and off. This only happens when the remote/timer are wired in.

Like I said yesterday, It's got nothing to do with the ABG gear. That is simply a contact input to the VFD. The programming in the VFD is a more likely culprit. I have no idea how Clearview program the VFDs they sell so without a full parameter list I am only guessing. I think it has to do with the terminal control mode. I'm away for a few days but when I get back I will give you a call.

Tony

Edit: Just had an idea. Change F0.11 to 1. You won't be able to use the keyboard but I'd like to know if that fixes the problem.

Pat are you able to share what parameter the remote "STOP" operation is setting on the Powtran? Some photos of the remote switch and a rough schematic would help too. The never-off fan would drive me crazy.

On the PI500, Parameter 7.41 is supposedly for VFD fan control.
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0: Fan running only when running 1: Fan always running Factory default is "0" so it should work out of the box. Its the same on the PI160 and the PI9130 series. On the PI130, there is no 7.41 parameter but it automatically turns the fan on when running and turns it off about 30s after it stops. However, only on the PI160 does this parameter seem to work. I read somewhere this parameter works on on certain models of the PI9130 series but have not been able to find out what they are I have tried changing this parameter on 3 different PI9130w, (a 3HP 240VSP - 240V3P PI9130 in my shed, a 5HP version of the same, and a 3P-3P mode) but I have had no luck. AS far as the other problems go I would do a factory reset and re input any changed parameters. Just because it comes from a factory doesn't necessarily means someone hasn't had a play with it,

Thanks all for the input - really appreciate how helpful you all are in this forum!

I've discovered that it's something to do with the limit switch/timer arrangement.
I disconnected it from the VFD but left the radio remote in place, and everything works as expected - when I stop the VFD either using the button on the front or the remote, the cooling fan stops after a little while and I get a nice quiet workshop!

It's strange because when I wire in the timer box, the limit switches successfully trigger the timer which then triggers the VFD to slow down and stop...BUT...the timer box keeps on clicking intermittently, almost like a relay going on and off (maybe quieter than that). The power draw on the VFD oscillates between 0 and 0.5A and the VFD does NOT go back to the home screen. Almost like it's constantly turning on and off, so the VFD never truly stops and never goes back to the start screen. This seems to be why the cooling fan never turns off, because the VFD does not yet "think" that it is finished.

I think this is a question for Tony when he gets back! I suspect user error but am struggling to figure out what it is.

I can live without the limit switch arrangement for now (can just use remote) but it is odd.

OK, I thought you meant the clicking was coming from the VFD. I will give you a ring later today.

I meant to reply to this post ages ago, just to say that Tony from ABG was great and he sorted out the issues. A very odd set of coincidences and faults!!!

The whole system has been working great ever since.