3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Can anyone guide me through making an Inverter to control the speed of a 1HP single (or 3) phase induction motor?

I sometimes come across induction motors at a local tip that work but are of fixed speed, and wish I could use them better.  I have one at the moment which I plan to build into a humidity  dependent (with user override for occasional purge venting) ventilation system. 

So I want to be able to control the speed of an induction motor which currently runs at a fixed speed, off single phase 240volts.  I wonder if anyone has experience they might share in putting together an inverter capable of doing this?

Many thanks
Bongo. 

6 answers
sort by: active | newest | oldest
Jan 20, 2010. 11:33 AMsteveastrouk says:
For a little bit of speed variation, you can use a high power dimmer. For a lot, you have to buy an inverter. If you haven't a lot of experience of inverter design, forget it, its very difficult.
Jan 20, 2010. 11:37 AMlemonie says:
You can control AC motors by feeding them variable frequencies, you can also change the way field-coils are energised. I reckon this is a moderately-advanced project (at the least). I'm not too sure about a DIY guide.

L
Jan 21, 2010. 12:01 PMlemonie says:
Not that I know of, it tends to be an industrial thing. Still, if you do crack it be sure to publish the thing.

L

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!