How do you choose a line reactor?

How do you choose a line reactor?

Selecting a Line Reactor for VFD applications

1. Insulation class – look for 200⁰ C insulation or better.
2. Expect a minimum of a 115⁰ C heat rise.
3. Ask for VPI (vacuum pressure impregnation) construction.
4. Reactors should be designed for both line and load side use, with no de-rating.

How does a line reactor work?

Line reactors are electro-magnetic devices which consist of a steel core wrapped with copper coils. The coils form a magnetic field which current flows through limiting the rate of rise of current, reducing harmonics and protecting additional electrical devices.

How do you calculate impedance of a line reactor?

If a 3% reactor was required for a 100 amp 480 volt drive, a 100 amp or larger current rating would be required. The drive impedance would be: Z=V/I or 480/100 = 4.8 ohms. 3% X 4.8 ohms = 0.114 ohms inserting this 0.114 impedance in the equation for inductance we get a value of about 300 Microhenrys.

When should you use a line reactor?

Line reactors should be used when:

1. Line side is prone to surges, transients and harmonics.
2. If VFD devices are being used in the circuit.
3. Total Harmonic Current distortion (THID) drive exceeds 5%
4. Turning on heavy-duty equipment or machines going through heavy loads.

When would you use a line reactor?

What is a line reactor for?

Line applied reactors help to stabilize the current waveform, and act as an impedance between the power source and VFD. That impedance will both protect the input section of the VFD and reduce the harmonic current drawn from the power system by the drive.

Where do I put my line reactor?

The line reactor should be installed in the lower half of the cabinet when dealing with an open-style device in an existing control cabinet, drive cabinet, motor control center, or other large enclosures. This will help prevent hot spots or pockets of heat and also allows better heat dissipation and heat convection.

What is a 3 phase reactor used for?

Reactors with 3 percent impedance are sufficient for most solid-state applications in North America. They absorb normal line spikes and motor current surges and can prevent most nuisance line tripping of circuit protection devices.

When to use a 5% line reactor?

Therefore, a 5% reactor will cause a voltage drop of 5%. If your line voltage is low, a 3% impedance line reactor is recommended to minimize the occurrence of a low voltage situation. A 5% impedance line reactor is typical for the load side of a drive.

Can a line reactor be rewound as a full motor?

A reactor at the output of this type of drive may not be a problem so long as the application can run without full motor voltage near full speed (typically 55 to 60 hertz). In some cases a specially wound motor may be used to compensate. For example a 460 volt 150 amp motor may be rewound as a 400 volt 175 amp motor.

What should the impedance of a line reactor be?

Choosing the Impedance of the Line Reactor. 3% impedance reactor will absorb spikes and surges and prevent nuisance tripping of drives in most applications. A 3% impedance line reactor is typical for the line side of a drive.

Where do I find the reactor part number?

Find the Horsepower Rating that you are looking for along the top row of the selector chart (below). Follow that column down until you meet the voltage/impedance combination you are looking for in the left column of the selector chart. Reactor part number will be in that box.