training transformer lab station

[joerm64]

Not sure if this qualifies as "general electrical" but if so does anyone have any knoweledge about the the training transformer lab station attached in the pics? It appears to be a training device for teaching about transformers. It plugs into a 3 phase power source. It has 3 single phase 3kva transformers connected to the 3 dash board plug layouts I'm guessing so that via changing jumpers to achieve multiple step up or step down transformer voltages. The jumper cables are all missing but otherwise appears to be complete and undamaged. Would this thing have any value as a variable power source for trouble shooting motors being able to dial in a variety of output voltages in 3 phase or single phase? Would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, advice, comments etc.
pics attached:

 

[LarryFine]

I wouldn't mind having it.

 

[GoldDigger]

The picture is incredibly small and low resolution as it was loaded to the forum. Can't tell much about it.
Your "dash board" fittings: are they perhaps banana jacks or pin jacks? If so patch cords are easy to buy or make.

 

[joerm64]

The picture is incredibly small and low resolution as it was loaded to the forum. Can't tell much about it.
Your "dash board" fittings: are they perhaps banana jacks or pin jacks? If so patch cords are easy to buy or make.

The jacks on the dashboard look like welding lead type jacks. They are pretty large.
The other item that came with the lot is a 240v 3 phase variable transformer with AC and DC jacks. I have not been able to find any documents on this. Anyone have any thoughts or familiar with this device?

 

[MTW]

Joe,

I can't speak to your lab station, because I cant see it. But I can tell you that 1Φ transformers are incredibly versatile devices, that can be wired in may ways, to achieve many voltages, both 3Φ and 1Φ, with standard 4 winding transformers. From the quantity of jacks on the front, looks like yours has many taps on the windings, making it even more versatile.

If its using welder pin terminations, it could get expensive to make up a quantity of jumper whips and input and output leads, in order to use the thing. 3KVA units are not that big but could be used to power a variety of smaller motors or equipment of varying voltages.

I built a test power supply, that takes in 240V Delta and provides four 3Φ and 1Φ output voltages, 110, 200, 240, 480. Input and output voltages can be changed depending on the connections used, and the utility voltage available. When bench testing a 480V 3Φ motor, applying 110V 3Φ provides a nice soft start to prevent the thing from rolling around in the floor. Once its up to speed, then the voltage can be changed to the voltage the motor is wired for.

My design uses contactors to switch winding connections, instead of pin jacks, so it can be changed on the fly with a selector switch, and a start stop station. With a single input and output connection. I use it to test and repair equipment and controls of all types and voltages in my shop. I worked on one for a motor repair shop that used the same concept, but theirs had a 480V input, with a similar set of output voltages.

The variac model used with a rectifier is even more versatile, because it is infinitely variable, often used for testing DC motors, both field and armature power. The range of voltage span with the variac will be less than with the isolation transformer arrangement. Variac units are limited to a couple of volts between winding coils, so the maximum voltage is limited, but variable by a couple of volts per turn. I built a DC unit for the motor shop with instrumentation that they use to test DC motors with and power field coils on larger units.

Figure out how to post some photos, so we can see what you have.



MTW

 

[L8TRG8TR]

I’ve been tasked with finding /designing a way to provide power for training purposes within or new shop classroom,we are a full service contractor so I need to be able to run large 3/0 480v air conditioners also fractional hp 120v motors.do you have any suggestions?

 

[L8TRG8TR]

Joe,

I can't speak to your lab station, because I cant see it. But I can tell you that 1Φ transformers are incredibly versatile devices, that can be wired in may ways, to achieve many voltages, both 3Φ and 1Φ, with standard 4 winding transformers. From the quantity of jacks on the front, looks like yours has many taps on the windings, making it even more versatile.

If its using welder pin terminations, it could get expensive to make up a quantity of jumper whips and input and output leads, in order to use the thing. 3KVA units are not that big but could be used to power a variety of smaller motors or equipment of varying voltages.

I built a test power supply, that takes in 240V Delta and provides four 3Φ and 1Φ output voltages, 110, 200, 240, 480. Input and output voltages can be changed depending on the connections used, and the utility voltage available. When bench testing a 480V 3Φ motor, applying 110V 3Φ provides a nice soft start to prevent the thing from rolling around in the floor. Once its up to speed, then the voltage can be changed to the voltage the motor is wired for.

My design uses contactors to switch winding connections, instead of pin jacks, so it can be changed on the fly with a selector switch, and a start stop station. With a single input and output connection. I use it to test and repair equipment and controls of all types and voltages in my shop. I worked on one for a motor repair shop that used the same concept, but theirs had a 480V input, with a similar set of output voltages.

The variac model used with a rectifier is even more versatile, because it is infinitely variable, often used for testing DC motors, both field and armature power. The range of voltage span with the variac will be less than with the isolation transformer arrangement. Variac units are limited to a couple of volts between winding coils, so the maximum voltage is limited, but variable by a couple of volts per turn. I built a DC unit for the motor shop with instrumentation that they use to test DC motors with and power field coils on larger units.

Figure out how to post some photos, so we can see what you have.

View attachment 19749

MTW

See my post above