Buck Boost transformers

Buck Boost transformers

  • Not Professional, would've made the customer wait

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Right Application

    Votes: 22 91.7%

  • Wrong Application

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Works, but only in a pinch

    Votes: 2 8.3%
  • Total voters
    24
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R

Rexx

Member
Location
Metro Atlanta (Marietta)
I've got a customer who got a new piece of equipment that required NO MORE than 462 Volt 3 phase power, or the warranty would be voided. His power coming into the building was 497 phase to phase. My options were A) FInd him a step down transformer that would give him the voltage he needs or B) Use 2 Buck/Boost transformers to step the voltage down to a suitable level for the equipment provider to provide the warranty. Here are the "varibles" to consider 1: When the machine isn't running, the Customer's not making money. 2: a Step Down Transformer (480 to 440) was MINIMUM 12 days out. 3: The customer would have had to pay for the Installer to fly back, hotels & per diem after the step down was wired, in order to finish set up on the machine (about 4 days worth).
What is YOUR opinion on the Buck/Boost transformers (sized to carry the full load) vs. the Step Down transformer in this case?
 
My opinion is that the equipment manufacturer dropped the ball.

The customer should have know ahead of time that a strange voltage would be required, and the manufacturer should have designed the equipment to work with common available supply voltages.

That said, properly designed, buck-boost transformers should do a fine job of providing the correct supply voltage.

-Jon
 
One of my Superiors, with 21 years experience, just plain didn't like the idea. Another co=worker just thought that it was below our Company Standards. He compared it to using MC Cable vs. conduit & wire. My thoughts were, & remain, that it's just exactly why someone invented them!
 
I would go with the two B&Bs in an open delta configuration. I would order a third unit though for stock just in case they lose one. Much cheaper and less KVA rating required.
 
So get a 480 delta to 480/277 wye 1.732/1 transformer and change the taps to get where you need. (make sure you have enough taps).

UM this cost more, takes up more space, generates more heat.

Me I install the buck boost, unless I have the noted transformer in stock and can sell it.

I have 38 years run a top notch company and think your bosses are over looking a basic installation concept they they may not understand and think of it as cheating.
 
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A buck/Boost will work great in this type of application as the load and voltage is constant, where you get into trouble with using buck/Boost's is when you try to overcome voltage drop with loads switching on and off, this can lead to over voltage when the load is less.

This is why they fear buck/Boost.
 
hurk27 said:
A buck/Boost will work great in this type of application as the load and voltage is constant, where you get into trouble with using buck/Boost's is when you try to overcome voltage drop with loads switching on and off, this can lead to over voltage when the load is less.

This is why they fear buck/Boost.
Click to expand...

You assume and you know what happens when you assume.

Two poster agree with your boss, is you boss and his son forum members?
 
brian john said:
You assume and you know what happens when you assume.

Two poster agree with your boss, is you boss and his son forum members?
Click to expand...


:-? I don't think I understand your post.
I was merely stating that in a situation where a buck/boost is installed for voltage drop, and where you have varying loads they can be a problem, and not recommended.

But I can't see a problem in the installation as described?:-?
 
hurk27 said:
:-? I don't think I understand your post.
I was merely stating that in a situation where a buck/boost is installed for voltage drop, and where you have varying loads they can be a problem, and not recommended.

But I can't see a problem in the installation as described?:-?
Click to expand...


I agree with you post but you assume that is what his bosses thought. ALTHOUGH a wye delta would have the same issues.
 
hurk27 said:
A buck/Boost will work great in this type of application as the load and voltage is constant, where you get into trouble with using buck/Boost's is when you try to overcome voltage drop with loads switching on and off, this can lead to over voltage when the load is less.

This is why they fear buck/Boost.
Click to expand...
A close ratio autotransformer (buck boost) generally has quite low impedance so its voltage regulation would be less than a double wound unit for the same rating.
 
buck/boost

buck/boost

we once had a machine shop which had the problem of under voltage less thasn 196 instead of 208, We added buck/boost xfmers as needed.. a year later a techincian was calibrating the cnc lathe.. I looked inside the acess panel under the tailstock end and there was a 'any-size any-volt' xfmr. I didn't have the heart to tell my jouneyman. Look for step up/down xfrms for the machine. Some one at the machine builder/supplier has done this before and probable has a goods solution.
 
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