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Anonymous Poster #1

Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/11/2018 1:13 AM

I am not a electronics or instrumentation engineer. I came across this problem where I need to control AC from two different source simentaneously. I search on net but found nothing as of yet . The output should be used on two different machines so it's:-

1) different inputs of different Frequency and all from different source of AC.

2) need to have a same or single dual controller ( control values varies with time )

3) give time varying controlled output to difference machine respectively.

My question is , is such a controller possible Which can control variable w.r.t time , and also take in two inputs simentaneously? And also if I have the need to to use rectifier and then give input ? Output are 3 phase AC .( Fixed but controllable.)

I am not a electronics engineer but I need to solve this. Done the net search so you have any link do please show. Thanks

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#1

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/11/2018 11:25 AM

Yes, this is certainly possible. A properly sized variable frequency drive (VFD) can produce whatever frequency your machines require. These devices can also provide multiple phase configurations if one purchases the correct unit.

Unfortunately the crux of your problem is the miniscule amount of useful information provided. I recommend you hire an electrical engineering consultant in your location with control theory background for this project. They will size the correct VFD units (or possibly simpler solutions) and the proper control circuitry (PLC?) to read your multiple signals in an accurate fashion.

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#2

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/11/2018 2:36 PM

I am a little confused, what is the voltage and frequency of the signals and why are they being simultaneously combined?

What equipment is providing the input signals and what is/are the output signal(s) actually controlling?

Can you please provide more information and perhaps a picture? Is this a theoretical question or an actual real world application.

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#3

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/11/2018 6:22 PM

I think what you want is a transfer switch...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_switch

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#4

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/11/2018 8:25 PM

These folks can certainly help you. Most if not all of their sources may be externally controlled from a computer.

http://www.programmablepower.com/selector/AC-product-selector.php

You can chose from models as low as 750 VA to as much as 1 MVA.

The MX-45 below is one that I used to perform some MIL-STD-704 testing. Nice power supply.

Good luck with your quest.

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#5

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/12/2018 2:26 AM

Learn how to make MIMO (multiple input multiple output) controllers.

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#6

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/12/2018 4:14 AM

Hire a local Electronics Engineer?

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#7

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/12/2018 5:20 AM

Read the research from Dr. Rezkallah. He solves these type of problems for microgrids driven from various sources such as windmills, solar, diesel generators...

He has equipment from 5kw to 50kW in his lab. His contacts with industrial partners allow him reach the MW if necessary.

Research in micro-grids

https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=0CmzkOcAAAAJ&hl=en

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#8

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/12/2018 12:03 PM

Is this for yourself or someone else? There are laws prohibiting designing for someone else without a license. Is this really a need or a want? You have given us very little information to go on.

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#9

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/12/2018 2:24 PM

It seems no one is quite sure of your description, but that happens a lot.

In some cases, there are applications where related processes must have different drives at different speeds by design. Think of a printing press where the spindles rotate at different speeds depending upon how much paper is on the feed or finished rolls.

Another example might be that of a "flying saw" which cuts extrusions on the fly.

There are several PLC's that can manage this with high accuracy. In most cases, someone else has already solved this problem. When I am looking for examples, I sometimes have a hard time finding the magic search words, but eventually I hit upon them. Sometimes I come here for ideas of where to look.

If you want good help, you have to help too.

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#10

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/13/2018 5:10 PM

In addition to the good suggestions listed above, you will likely need two converters, one for each of the two power sources, if you plan to operate them in parallel, as you imply.

Steering diodes can prevent back flow of dc, from one source to the other, if you use some of the technology suggested. Some technology will only allow 'forward' flow through the converter.

The most cost effective method with current technology will likely be to convert your two sources into dc, and then invert the power using one variable inverter if you only have one load, or two inverters if you have two loads to be run simultaneously, at different voltage or frequency.

At minimum you will have two separate control assemblies/modules. One conventional PWM drive, rectifier/inverter, designed for one of your power sources, and one variable controlled rectifier designed for your other power source, to work in conjunction with the PWM drive rectifier, controlling to the same dc bus voltage.

The controlled rectifier will be specially designed, not something you will likely be able to buy off the shelf.

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#11

Re: Controller for Two Different Sources of AC

03/13/2018 6:25 PM

Favor hablar inglés.

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