Servo Motors and VFD's

[adrian]

I was wondering if it is possible to run a 3 phase servo motor with a VFD.
Having no experience with servo motors so I thought it best to try the forum.
I have been offered a 2kw 220 volt three phase motor designed for 400Hz,
which on paper the Siemens Micromaster 440 I have should be able to drive.

I assume AC type servo motors are simple induction or permanent magnet type motors.
I am not interested in any servo type functions, just the ability of running the motor.
Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks Adrian.

 

[garyhlucas]

VFDs are how you run 3 phase motors! If the motor is rated for 400Hz and your VFD can be set for that frequency it's no problem. Note that the motor is likely permanent magnet and the VFD needs to be programmed for that otherwise it will be trying to compensate for the slip that an induction motor has and it won't be happy. I know this because I ran an AC servo on a VFD for a short time to move the axis on a machine we were building.

 

[adrian]

Thank you Gary for the reply.

I thought there could be a problem with a VFD and the slip compensation it does with induction motors.
The Siemens unit I have can be set for Asynchronous (normal induction) or Synchronous which are the permanent magnet or field coil type, with a frequency range up to 650hz it should work ok.

Kind regards Adrian