I am in planning project mode for a new ClearVue 5HP 3 phase dust collector. It will be run from a VFD. However, I have not found a whole lot of documented experience with dust collectors and VFD (only general information). So, I have a couple questions.
Question #1 - Do any of you have direct experience with specific VFDs running a 3-phase dust collector? I am currently doing a selection process and the results are all over the board. I do know that the VFDs which are 3-phase input will need to be de-rated (i.e. doubled in amperage/size) if you are using single phase source. However, the VFDs that are "single phase input to 3 phase output" are configured to support full amperage/capacity without the need to double the VFD size. My understanding is that it mostly has to do with input diode capability (but I could be wrong). When searching for VFD choices, I see a variety of results. The following are all specifically 5HP "single phase input" models.
First are the higher price results.
Eaton 5HP ($634) - this is the largest in physical size. It actually matches the physical size of the bigger ATO 7.5HP VFD.
https://www.grainger.com/product/EAT...ve-240V-20RA66
Invertek 5HP IP 20 ($610)
https://www.wolfautomation.com/ac-dr...-240v-1-phase/
Invertek 5HP IP66 ($850) - Interestingly, this model is specifically listed as being "dust tight" and water resistant.
https://www.wolfautomation.com/vfd-5...se-input-3-ph/
In the middle level, I found the ATO 5HP Single Phase to Three Phase VFD ($294)
https://www.ato.com/5hp-vfd
Both the Invertek and ATO have very large and detailed documentation online IN ENGLISH!!. ATO manual is 169 pages. Invertek models have a general manual and an advanced technical manual at about 50 pages each. I could not find any documentation for Eaton. Their web pages seem to hint that they want contractors to sign up for training programs on these types of products.
The ATO has a built-in potentiometer knob on the front face. The Eaton and Invertek will need to have an external potentiometer wired in and configured for speed control.
Then there is a multitude of cheaper Chinese import models available in the $150-200 price range. These are actually smaller in physical size than the ATO/Invertek. These are brands such as Mollom, Huanyang, HKS, Lapond, Vevor, XCFDP, etc., etc. When doing a detailed look on these cheaper ones, a lot of them appear to be half-baked designs with lacking functionality and potential unforeseen implementation issues. They are also all very small in physical size compared to the ATO/Invertek (this tells me there's not much inside or uses cheap components/capacitors, etc.). Interestingly, all these cheaper items have a good number of reviews on Amazon with a 4+ star average rating There's almost no reviews on ATO VFDs on Amazon (maybe because most people are cheap).
I am leaning towards ATO because of documentation, support and perceived quality level. I know that Chris Parks has recommended Huanyang and Powtran. Huanyang does not have a working front panel potentiometer and I cannot find a good source for Powtran.
Does anyone here have direct practical experience with these items that can provide a recommendation?
Question #2 - What is the slowest speed to safely run this motor on the dust collector. It's going to be a 5HP Baldor 3 phase motor. I have seen some recommendations that speed should not ever be below 80% of specification, but I think that mostly has to do with single phase capacitor-start motors. I know that there is going to be a minimum speed required to get the 4000FPM required to pull dust through the ducts. However, I want to drop the speed to reduce noise as much as possible (with the understanding that I'll have to crank it back up if I run multiple tools.