Definitions & Guidelines

Phase conversion solutions

3-phase Motor Loads

A three-phase induction motor has 3 sets of windings. When supplied with three-phase AC voltage, the uniform alternating (120 degree) separation between the wave forms will create a balanced rotating magnetic field that spins the motor. A three-phase motor can spin driven by only two of the three windings but cannot start spinning without all 3 or mechanical assistance to break it free of the initial locked rotor condition.

Static Phase Converter

In the simplest implementation, a static phase converter is effectively just a form of motor starter. The converter taps a leg of the single-phase supply and feeds, after adjusting the phase timing with capacitors, the third winding of the motor to help break it free of the locked rotor condition. After startup, the motor continues to run on two of the three windings, with a resulting decrease in power and efficiency.

Rotary Phase Converter

In the most common configuration, a rotary phase converter works using a three-phase induction motor started by a static phase converter. Once the motor is running on two legs of a single-phase supply, the third winding within the motor creates the third leg in a similar fashion to a generator.

Phase Perfect® Phase Converter

The Phase Perfect® uses digitally controlled switches (IGBT’s) to take power as needed from two legs of a single-phase supply and rectifies it to charge a DC bus. A Phase Perfect then uses additional switches to convert the DC back into an AC waveform to generate the third leg. This digital phase conversion is actively controlled by a microprocessor. Because the system is microprocessor-controlled, the generated leg is continually optimized to provide balanced power and protect any attached equipment.


Motor Starting Ability

Phase converters have wildly different characteristics on their ability to start and run motor loads.

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Voltage Balance

Maintaining tight voltage balance significantly alters the performance and longevity of electric motors.

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Sizing A Phase Converter

Oversizing, or splitting across multiple units, learn how to best accommodate available incoming power.

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These pages contain comparisons of phase conversion technologies, including static, rotary, and digital phase conversion, applied to simple and complex scenarios.

Phase Perfect® provides uncommon value in Phase Conversion Technology


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Phase Perfect®

The original Phase Perfect® supplies power to some of the most demanding applications available under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. Utility-quality three-phase power anywhere you need it.

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Phase Perfect® Enterprise

The Phase Perfect® is also available in a compact, high-value, configuration where the customization options of the original are not required. These Enterprise models have the same modern digital phase conversion technology inside as the original.

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