VFD(VSD) on sluice gates

[CuriousElectron]

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]

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.