ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Using a VFD to drive a single phase 50 Hz load.

I thought there should be simple solid state fixed frequency inverters... a mistake obviously. In theory you could build one using a rectifier and a fixed frequency DC-AC converter like it's used for photovoltaic systems or subway/streetcar auxiliary systems (mostly lighting). Don't know if that's cheaper though.

The 380/400V difference is explained easy enough. Prior to standardization most European countries had 220/380V while the UK had 240/415V. In an effort to harmonize the nominal voltage all European countries agreed on a common voltage of 230/400V roughly 15 years ago. Some manufacturers probably still use the old specs.

jraef. When someone figures out how to connect 3 phase to a single phase motor please let me know.

Even without the capacitors and cap switches the single phase motor is wound for single phase. He cannot drop one leg of the VFD output. That would indicate to the VFD that one winding or one conductor was open.
We have to be realistic here. If he wants 50Hz, he either needs a 50Hz motor, Run the 50Hz on 60Hz,or a frequency output of 50Hz.