Everyone could use a refresher on what output voltage is and how it works. Whether it’s your first time using a rotary phase converter or you’re a seasoned professional, check out this output voltage guide to learn more about this crucial part of rotary phase converter operation.
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What Is Output Voltage?
Having trouble understanding what output voltage is and what role it plays in rotary phase converter operation? This complete guide is here to help.
Voltage Basics
Before diving into what output voltage is, let’s cover the voltage basics. Voltage measures the electrical potential difference between two points. The higher the voltage, the more electrical current exists. Every voltage is either an alternating current (AC) that moves in just one direction or a direct current (DC) that flows in multiple directions. Voltage is measured in watts.
Output Voltage Definition
Electrical output measures how much power a device produces. It can be calculated by multiplying the voltage by the electrical current. Both voltage and output voltage are measured in watts.
Voltage output measures how much energy an electrical power source delivers to an electric load. In the world of rotary phase converters, voltage output tells you how much voltage a phase converter produces for a given application.
Conductors & Insulators
Conductors and insulators are two components that play a key role in the output voltage process. Learn more about them below:
- Conductors: Conductors are materials that transmit electric currents. Metals such as copper and aluminum are common examples.
- Insulators: Insulators are non-conductive, meaning they don’t conduct electricity. Instead, insulators resist electrical currents. They generally wrap around electrical wires to block the flow of electricity to them. Common insulators include wood, rubber, and glass.
How to Balance the Output Voltage of a Rotary Phase Converter
Maintaining a balanced output voltage is essential to proper rotary phase converter operation. The primary way to maintain this balance is to keep the voltage steady while the device operates. Also, be sure not to burden the rotary phase converter with an electrical load that is larger than the device can handle. The load amount your rotary phase converter can handle depends on whether it’s single-phase or three-phase. Essentially, every load should be sized to the rotary phase converter being used.
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What Causes Voltage Imbalances in Rotary Phase Converters?
Single-phase rotary phase converters contain two wires, labeled L1 and L2. Three-phase rotary phase converters contain three wires, labeled L1, L2, and L3. The voltage between each wire should always be roughly the same. Imbalances occur when the voltage between one or more wires is significantly higher or lower.
Here are the two main scenarios in which this imbalance occurs:
- The voltage from either L1 to L3 or L2 to L3 in a three-phase rotary phase converter falls or jumps.
- A significant voltage difference occurs between L1 and L2 of a single-phase rotary phase converter.
How to Fix a Voltage Imbalance on a Rotary Phase Converter
Now that you’ve detected a voltage imbalance in your rotary phase converter, let’s cover how you can restore balance.
Imbalanced Single Phase Loads
Remember that single-phase devices contain two wires, L1 and L2. These wires might experience a slight voltage difference when a larger load is placed on them or when multiple single-phase loads connect to one rotary phase converter’s output. That’s completely normal.
However, if the voltage difference between the wires is unusually high or low, you’ll need to perform one of two repairs.
- Quick Fix: Disconnect the single-phase loads from the rotary phase converter. Reconnect them to the single-phase service.
- Complex Fix: Spread the single-phase loads equally among the three wires—L1, L2, and L3.
Undersized Rotary Generator
A voltage imbalance may also occur when the rotary generator you’re using is too small for the load applied to it. An undersized rotary generator can’t handle large electrical loads.
If a large load is placed on a small generator, the voltage dips. A dip in voltage slows generator operation. If a large load stops in the middle of operation, the voltage will spike. A spike in voltage speeds up generator operation.
If you have an undersized rotary generator, here are two ways you can fix the resulting voltage imbalance:
- Replace the undersized rotary generator with a larger one that can handle large electrical loads. The only downside to this method is that a large generator could have trouble starting if the control panel of the rotary phase converter was customized to power the undersized rotary generator.
- Alter the undersized generator so it imitates a properly sized one. This method allows you to avoid device start issues. Be sure the output voltage remains steady throughout operation.
View Our Selection of Rotary Phase Converters
Whether you work in agriculture or automotive manufacturing, we have a large selection of equipment needed to power your job. View our catalog of single phase to 3 phase converters and other equipment. We source the market’s highest quality rotary phase converters that are custom-built to meet your specific power needs. If you’re looking for reliable, versatile, and affordable three-phase power, one of our maximum horsepower rotary phase converters is just what you need. Give our team a call by phone at (866) 418-9060 to receive assistance choosing a rotary phase converter for your unique application.