AC START, SOLAR RUN HYBRID SOLUTION FOR SINGLE PHASE, STARTING CAPACITOR, MOTOR APPLICATIONS WITH SOLAR POWER MEASUREMENT

摘要

An induction-type AC electric motor system has a variable frequency motor (VFD) drive having at least two outputs, the VFD drive coupled to be powered by a solar input and to power the motor with a switching device in a first setting. With the switching device in a second setting, a run winding of the AC electric motor couples to an AC input and a start winding of the AC motor couples through a capacitor and start switch to the AC input. The system is configured to, upon determining motor start, put the contactor in first setting and use the VFD drive to continue running the motor, and, when the AC motor is not rotating, the system is configured to periodically measure available solar power and to start the AC motor if the available solar power exceeds a first threshold power determined sufficient to run the AC motor.