Greetings All, I've built a couple rotary phase converters using info from the web, from Fitch R. Williams, and from the usenet group: rec.crafts.metalworking. When building these devices capacitors are used to balance the voltages on the three "legs". This balancing is done so that the voltage is the same as close as possible when the phase converter is operating under load. And that the power factor is as good as possible. Both converters turned out well because I was given good info and I can follow directions. And I think I understand most of what's happening. However, I don't understand why a capacitor, when placed across two of the three legs, doesn't act as a short. It seems to me that the capacitor would look like a resistor placed across a DC source. If the resistance is high enough then only heat is produced. If low enough heat and melted resistors are produced. Another question is about using capacitors to help with motor starting when operated from a generator. When used with a rotary phase converter one of the reasons why capacitors work is because they store and release energy. Knowing this has lead me to wonder: Is it feasible to use capacitors to help with the power surge when starting induction motors? Thanks, Eric R Snow
- posted
17 years ago