2 Generators

[Britannia]

Yes sir. So common you can even find them on Amazon.

Interesting - though they don't seem to provide high power versions (20kW)

yup. also some models can drive a three phase motor from a single phase source.

However, as you say, these exist:

20KW single phase 230V to 3 phase 400V converter - 20KW single phase 230V to 3 phase 400V converter Exporter, Manufacturer & Supplier, Yueqing, China

That could be used to power a 3 phase VFD at 20kW.

Thanks for all the pointers

Richard

 

[CPseudonym]

The Amazon link was more of a haha. Likely a joke only I could get. Sorry Richard

They can be sourced in any size, phase, voltage you specify. Extremely common in commercial/industrial settings. Handy little devices that make the impossible (or really difficult) happen. Commercial HVAC would not be able to exist in its current state without them.

 

[sunchaser]

Interesting - though they don't seem to provide high power versions Richard

The biggest VFDs I worked with were 5,000 HP being powering cyclone feed pumps.

 

[Capt.Bill11]

Are these available for single phase 220V?

Richard

The motor has to be 3 phase. The freq. drive creates the third phase.

We use them on chilled water A/C systems all the time to ramp up the chiller compressors.