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Control Resources

AC Motor Speed Control Page

For the best AC motor speed control results in energy savings, control accuracy, low bearing noise, and motor compatibility, nothing beats and inverter grade motor with a Variable Frequency Drive or switching to DC motor speed control. In cases were DC power is not available, or a Variable Frequency Drive is cost prohibitive, the use of a TRIAC AC motor speed control is recommended.

Common features for Variable Frequency Drive and TRIAC AC motor speed control are listed below. For more information on the differences between fan controller technologies and their performance regarding motor efficiency, see our technical article at Control Comparison & Motor Efficiency.

TRIAC/Phase Control Features	Variable Frequency Drive Features
Multi-fan applications	Better control accuracy
Lower bearing noise	Lower speed capability (<30%)
Smaller size	Controls a wider range of motors
Lower inital cost / Lower efficiency	Higher initial cost / Higher efficiency
Controls single phase motors only	Controls single and 3 phase motors
Available for compatible AC motors 150 mA - 18 Amps	Available for compatible AC motors up to 1000 Watts

WARNING: SmartFan AC motor speed controls both TRIAC/Phase control and Variable Frequency Drive are designed for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers). SmartFan AC motor speed control products should only be used with compatible induction motors: Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) or Shaded Pole. Motors must be approved by the motor manufacturer or thoroughly validated prior to use. Attempting to control a fan or motor that is not compatible could cause excessive heating and/or permanent damage to the motor. The use of inverter duty grade motors is highly recommended when using a Variable Frequency Drive.

AC Motor Speed Control TRIAC/Phase control and Variable Frequency Drive
TRIAC/Phase control based AC motor speed control for single-phase PSC and shaded pole motors approved for voltage control by the motor manufacturer in applications up to 8.0 Amps.

SmartFan Nimbus AC Motor Speed Control	SmartFan AC-VX AC Motor Speed Control
TRIAC/Phase control based AC motor speed control for single-phase PSC and shaded pole motors approved for voltage control by the motor manufacturer in applications up to 18.0 Amps.

SmartFan Nimbus-HP AC Motor Speed Control
Variable Frequency Drive for single and three-phase inverter grade motors in applications up to 4.0 Amps.

SmartFan Stratus II Variable Frequency Drive

Benefits of AC Motor Speed Control

Benefits of using SmartFan AC motor speed control products both Variable Frequency Drive and TRIAC/Phase control include acoustical noise reduction, energy savings, environmental (humidity, temperature, pressure, flow) regulation, greater system reliability and improved safety.

Typical Applications Variable Frequency Drive and TRIAC/Phase Control

Pump Control SmartFan AC motor speed control products are capable of controlling small AC pumps.	Clean Room Pressurization SmartFan AC motor speed control products can be used to help keep positive pressure in clean rooms.	Humidity Control SmartFan AC motor speed control products can automatically regulate fan speed when connected to a humidity sensor.

Ventilation SmartFan AC motor speed control products can be used in conjuction with a ceiling fan, attic ventilator or duct fan to remove hot air or noxious fumes.	Electronics Cooling SmartFan AC motor speed control products & DC motor speed control products can be used in electronics cooling applications to regulate air mover speed to control temperature and reduce acoustical noise.

Links

To view more information, please use the following links below:
Click on Comparison to go to our analysis of controller technologies and motor efficiencies.
Click on Catalog to go to our catalog page to select the SmartFan variable motor speed control for your application.

To visit other SmartFan Product Groups:
Click on DC Controls to learn about SmartFan variable speed DC fan and motor speed control and alarm solutions.
Click on Alarms to learn about SmartFan fan speed alarm solutions.
Click on Custom Design to learn about Control Resources custom design and manufacturing capabilities.

Control Resources Incorporated 11 Beaver Brook Road Littleton MA, 01460 USA Tel: 978-486-4160 Fax: 978-486-4772 email: sales@controlres.com

Control Resources AC Motor Speed Control Page

AC Motor Speed Control TRIAC/Phase control and Variable Frequency Drive

Benefits of AC Motor Speed Control

Typical ApplicationsVariable Frequency Drive and TRIAC/Phase Control

Links

Control Resources

AC Motor Speed Control Page

AC Motor Speed Control
TRIAC/Phase control and Variable Frequency Drive

Typical Applications
Variable Frequency Drive and TRIAC/Phase Control