Mini & Mainframe Power Requirements

From: William Donzelli <william_at_ans.net>
Date: Mon Jan 19 00:48:57 1998

> 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_at_ans.net
Received on Mon Jan 19 1998 - 00:48:57 GMT