It is necessary to have a frequency that is different from the usual 25,50 or 60 cycle source available from the supply

lines.

In some special cases, two sources of supply of different frequencies must be interconnected so that there will be a flow of power from either one to the other.

Under such circumstances,

frequency converters
must be used!

TYPES:
Synchronous synchronous frequency converter Induction frequency converter Electronic frequency converter

Synchronous synchronous frequency converter

- in this method, two synchronous machines are coupled together so that both rotors, having the proper number of poles, operate at the same speed.

Induction frequency converter

- It is possible to use a wound rotor induction motor to change the frequency of the source to another value - In practical installation, the source frequency is changed to a higher value(example, for 60 to 180 cycles )

A wound-rotor motor, its stator winding connected to the available source of supply, and its rotor winding connected to the motor whose speed is to be different from what it would be if it were connected to the incoming power lines.

To obtain current from the rotor of the frequency converter at a higher frequency than the source, it must be driven in a direction opposite to that in which it would normally run as a motor.

The generated rotor frequency of this type of converter can be varied by varying the operating speed. This can be done by using multispeed or adjustable speed driving motors. In belt-driven sets, it can be done by changing the pulley ratio.

The rotor of this type of frequency converter can generate voltages whose frequencies are less than those in the stator winding if it is made to operate in the same direction as the revolving field.

ELECTRONIC FREQUENCY CONVERTER

Since the late 1960s, frequency converters have undergone extremely rapid changes, largely as a result of the development of microprocessor and semi-conductor technologies and their reduction in prices.

 Electronic frequency converters can be divided into four main components:

1. The rectifier, which is connected to a single/three-phase AC mains supply and generates a pulsating DC voltage. There are two basic types of rectifiers controlled and uncontrolled.

2.

The intermediate circuit. There are three types:

a) one, which converts the rectifier voltage into a direct current. b) one, which stabilizes or smoothens the pulsating DC voltage and places it at the disposal of the inverter. c) one, which converts the constant DC voltage of the rectifier to a variable AC voltage.

3. The inverter, which generates the frequency of the motor voltage. Alternatively, some inverters may also convert the constant DC voltage into a variable AC voltage.

4. The control circuit electronics, which transmit signals to and receive signals from the rectifier, the intermediate circuit and the inverter.

What all electronic frequency converters have in common is that the control circuit uses signals to switch the inverter semiconductors on or off. Frequency converters are divided according to the switching pattern that controls the supply voltage to the motor.

 Transformers are generally used when it is necessary to change from one polyphase system to another. Scott Transformation(three to two phase and vice versa) Transformation from single phase to two or three phase cannot be made with transformers.

Induction phase converter must be used!

- a polyphase induction motor that is operated from a single phase source.

Principal application is in connection with the operation of electric locomotives.

single phase is fed through overhead trolley wire and the track to a phase converter; this machine generates three-phase system which can be used to operate three phase traction motors.
-

 The stator winding is designed that one of its two phases is connected to the single phase source, while the other is displaced 90 electrical degrees from the first and connected in T with it.

 In operation, the phase converter receives its single-phase power from the step-down transformer.the motor action is not steady since power is pulsating.the speed variation is only slight,so that the three-phase voltages remain fairly well balanced.