18 Jan
1998
18 Jan
'98
4:48 p.m.
One scheme that I have seen used to power a 3-phase
motor (on a lathe or
such) is to connect a 3-phase motor of comparable rating or higher to the
single-phase mains and also connect all three phases to the motor to be
powered. The motor connected to mains is powered up - it may require a
twist to get it spinning - and when up to a steady speed, the lathe (or
whatever) motor may be powered up. I'm sure that there are some
inefficiencies, but I have seen it work.
Yes, it works, but is quite inefficient. I would venture to say that using
a real motor-generator would be better, if properly maintained.
Motor-generators are not as bad as most people think - a good one is
fairly efficient, provides isolation and regulation, and can take a lot of
electrical abuse. They are just bears to move (done it - not fun).
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net