somenick
Newbie level 6
Hello all, I have come once again seeking your advice!
I want to design a 3 phase vfd for my own personal use (rather BIG pump, if it makes any difference) and I have two questions for you (well, one serious one and one miscellaneous). But, before all that, let me give you a quick run-down on what I want to achieve:
1) Single phase 230V (AC) input
2) Three phase (AC) output
3) Able to control a 2.5HP (rated) 3-phase motor (230/400V so I will *probably* connect it with star topology but more on that later)
I have figured out the control circuitry for the output half, have run some simulations and everything looks good at least on paper.
That being said, my concern shifted towards the input.. So, question:
1) Will I NEED some sort of PFC regulating/controlling circuitry? What I mean by need, is "will such a circuit wreak havoc in my electrical system at home"?
I am guessing that it wouldn't hurt, and I think it's a good chance for me to include such a stage mostly for learning purposes. If that is the case could you point me in the right direction for a chip or even better some application note regarding such a circuit? I have come across a very good one from fairchild semiconductors (I believe 42047) which got me up to speed regarding the basics, I highly recommend it!
I wouldn't mind if I could achieve pfc correction as well as some kind of inrush current limiting together, if that's possible..
And a bonus one:
2) For the power (read "current") I want to control (remember, 2.5HP rated motor) is there any point in using IGBTs instead of MOSFETs for the inverter? I don't really think so, just looking for some confirmation that I am on the right track not giving a second thought about IGBTs..
I want to design a 3 phase vfd for my own personal use (rather BIG pump, if it makes any difference) and I have two questions for you (well, one serious one and one miscellaneous). But, before all that, let me give you a quick run-down on what I want to achieve:
1) Single phase 230V (AC) input
2) Three phase (AC) output
3) Able to control a 2.5HP (rated) 3-phase motor (230/400V so I will *probably* connect it with star topology but more on that later)
I have figured out the control circuitry for the output half, have run some simulations and everything looks good at least on paper.
That being said, my concern shifted towards the input.. So, question:
1) Will I NEED some sort of PFC regulating/controlling circuitry? What I mean by need, is "will such a circuit wreak havoc in my electrical system at home"?
I am guessing that it wouldn't hurt, and I think it's a good chance for me to include such a stage mostly for learning purposes. If that is the case could you point me in the right direction for a chip or even better some application note regarding such a circuit? I have come across a very good one from fairchild semiconductors (I believe 42047) which got me up to speed regarding the basics, I highly recommend it!
I wouldn't mind if I could achieve pfc correction as well as some kind of inrush current limiting together, if that's possible..
And a bonus one:
2) For the power (read "current") I want to control (remember, 2.5HP rated motor) is there any point in using IGBTs instead of MOSFETs for the inverter? I don't really think so, just looking for some confirmation that I am on the right track not giving a second thought about IGBTs..