Bauer Capitano 3 phase to single phase conversion

[Morgan00]

Hello All,
I recently bought a Bauer Capitano from a fire dept that was upgrading their system. It was originally wired for 208-230v/460v 3 phase motor, 3480 rpm, and 182T/184T frame size with a 1-1/8" shaft. The block number on my compressor is A/1622/07 and is rated for 5cfm. As I do not have 3 phase power at my house, I am considering converting the system to single phase. I know that includes a motor swap, motor controller and overload relay change out to match the amperage draw of the single phase motor. Is there any other components that would need to be changed out?

Also, I have found it somewhat difficult (though not impossible) to find single phase 5hp motors with 3600rpm in the 184T frame size. It seems that the 7.5hp single phase motors are much more common with the 1-1/8" shaft diameter and 3600rpm. Would it damage my compressor to go up in horse power?

 

[rhwestfall]

Why not just get a VFD for it?

@tbone1004

Can a VFD Convert Single-Phase Power to Three-Phase?

Using VFDs To Convert Single-Phase To Three-PhaseOne of the most common calls we receive at VFDs.com is asking about phase conversion: Can a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) convert my single-phase power supply to run a three-phase motor? Many who call us are looking at the ability to combine...

vfds.com

 

[Morgan00]

Why not just get a VFD for it?

@tbone1004

Can a VFD Convert Single-Phase Power to Three-Phase?

Using VFDs To Convert Single-Phase To Three-PhaseOne of the most common calls we receive at VFDs.com is asking about phase conversion: Can a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) convert my single-phase power supply to run a three-phase motor? Many who call us are looking at the ability to combine...

vfds.com

I am just unfamiliar with VFDs and it seems like it would be better long term to just convert it to single phase. One less failure point in the system, is my general thought. I am open to ideas though, is it significantly harder one way or another?

 

[rhwestfall]

Hoping @tbone1004 will chime in here. He seems to know this stuff.

 

[Wookie]

Way less expensive to get a VFD.

I have one running a 10 HP Mako, those Baldor motors ain't cheap.

 

[tbone1004]

I am just unfamiliar with VFDs and it seems like it would be better long term to just convert it to single phase. One less failure point in the system, is my general thought. I am open to ideas though, is it significantly harder one way or another?

it's backwards thinking actually. The VFD is easier on the compressor itself by giving soft start and soft stop. It's also easier on your electric panel by not hammering the circuit. By the time you get everything in there converted it will be much easier and cheaper to install the VFD. The documentation for using them for phase conversion is phenomenal. Wolf Automation is a great resource for Invertek inverters which have 5hp vfd's designed for single phase input.
The installation is actually as easy as connect 3-wires in and 4 wires out. Programming them is also quite easy and only takes a few minutes. If you look on youtube for videos of vfd installations on a lathe or milling machine it is exactly the same.

 

[Morgan00]

it's backwards thinking actually. The VFD is easier on the compressor itself by giving soft start and soft stop. It's also easier on your electric panel by not hammering the circuit. By the time you get everything in there converted it will be much easier and cheaper to install the VFD. The documentation for using them for phase conversion is phenomenal. Wolf Automation is a great resource for Invertek inverters which have 5hp vfd's designed for single phase input.
The installation is actually as easy as connect 3-wires in and 4 wires out. Programming them is also quite easy and only takes a few minutes. If you look on youtube for videos of vfd installations on a lathe or milling machine it is exactly the same.

Thank you for the information. I actually spoke to wolf automation and ordered a VFD from them. Everyone convinced me it was the best way to go. The only question I have is about controls. Will the VFD effect my controls at all?

 

[Wookie]

Thank you for the information. I actually spoke to wolf automation and ordered a VFD from them. Everyone convinced me it was the best way to go. The only question I have is about controls. Will the VFD effect my controls at all?

No

 

[happy-diver]

Yeah I listened to tbone1004 too, just bolted that one to the wall yesterday about $150 ebay ten years ago
for the three phase booster, three wires in and 3 out

Got unhappy looking cables hanging out of the ceiling no switches to boxes for the three and a half phase
not easy bolting vibrating moving stuff, to limestone

Now you see it

Now you don't, almost

 

[Snusmumrik]

Hello All,
I recently bought a Bauer Capitano from a fire dept that was upgrading their system. It was originally wired for 208-230v/460v 3 phase motor, 3480 rpm, and 182T/184T frame size with a 1-1/8" shaft. The block number on my compressor is A/1622/07 and is rated for 5cfm. As I do not have 3 phase power at my house, I am considering converting the system to single phase. I know that includes a motor swap, motor controller and overload relay change out to match the amperage draw of the single phase motor. Is there any other components that would need to be changed out?

Also, I have found it somewhat difficult (though not impossible) to find single phase 5hp motors with 3600rpm in the 184T frame size. It seems that the 7.5hp single phase motors are much more common with the 1-1/8" shaft diameter and 3600rpm. Would it damage my compressor to go up in horse power?

Man, buy 1-phase-to-3-phase VFD. It's cheaper to wire and rogram VFD than to replace motor.
Also, VFD can be programmed to slowly start motor, this stress home electric power far less than classic contactors.