VFD(VSD) on sluice gates 1

CuriousElectron · Monday at 11:40 PM

Hi All,
I had a question - I'm seeing Variable frequency drives or variable speed drives being used on sluice gates (vertical slide gates) to drive gate motor actuator. Why is the reason behind it? Why not use a standard FVNR starter instead. These gates are rated at 3 HP to 5 HP. I see they are used in project sites where 3 phase is not available, so those drives convert 1 phase 120VAC into 3 phase 240V. Is that the main reason, to be able specify a 3 phase motor instead of a 1 phase motor and have better means of control& longevity of the electric actuator?
Thank you.
EE

waross · 2025-05-06T02:28:36+0100

Three phase on a VFD versus a single phase motor;
Less points of failure on a three phase motor compared to a single phase motor.
Lower starting surge with a VFD.
More breakaway torque to overcome sticktion with a three phase motor compared to a single phase motor.
Even more breakaway torque to overcome sticktion with the torque boost feature of the VFD.

CuriousElectron · 2025-05-06T16:24:36+0100

Thank you for the explanation, Mr.waross!

jraef · 2025-05-07T04:06:37+0100

Also, simple reversing, which is more complex with single phase motors. With a VFD on a 3 phase motor, you just give it a reverse command, no contactors involved.

With Sensorless Vector Control, which is standard on most VFDs now, you can get full torque at the outset, you no longer need to use torque boost. But better than that, you can get a soft start from it, so less wear and tear on the gearbox of the weir gate.

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VFD(VSD) on sluice gates 1

CuriousElectron

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