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View Full Version : Can I slow speed-up of three-phase siren?


Robert Gift
Apr 16, 2010, 07:29 PM
My Federal Signal 2t22A air raid siren (now tornado siren) attains peak speed, 3,450 rpm, very quickly.
10 hp, 208-240/480.
It is running on 240 V. at a small sewage plant next to my fire station.
At 5,300 feet and low humidity, I assume the air does not impose the load on the rotors that it would at lower elevations and higher humidity.

If I mount the siren on the fire station roof and size the wire to produce a voltage drop to 200 Volts, would that safely slow the acceleration?
Federal Signal states that within 10% of operating voltage is acceptable.

Thank you.

Robert

KISS
Apr 16, 2010, 07:56 PM
Why would you need to slow the acceleration?

I seriously doubt that sizing the wire to 200 V would:
a) be code compliant
b) work effectively

You can do it with a variable speed drive that has a custom ramp control. If it doesn't try a PLC to generate the ramp control. Be warned that you also may need a speed sensor.

Another possibility is to use a soft-starter.

Robert Gift
Apr 16, 2010, 09:17 PM
Thanks, KISS.
The siren would be easier to notice with slightly slower speed-up.
If I must supply wire, I might as well make it a less expensive smaller gauge AND supply 190 volts at the siren.
Can't afford and would not want a VFD at my VFD.
Would 190 Volts rather than 240 Volts cause a slightly slower acceleration?
208 volt is design voltage +/- 10%= 188.

KISS
Apr 16, 2010, 09:27 PM
In an AC motor frequency really determines speed and not so much voltage. Lower voltage isn't good for the motor long term.

A soft-starter would be the best solution. http://www.danfos.info/content/files/MCI_Soft_start_motor_controller.pdf

Older solutions basically added resistors in the line for a short time for start up. That's another way it can be done.

Robert Gift
Apr 16, 2010, 09:36 PM
Yes, the 60 Hz determines final rpm, 3,600 - (minus) "slippage"? (What's the term?)
I just want it to achieve its peak 3,450 rpm a little more slowly.
On Youtube, I have heard other 2t22s and they were slower. But maybe they were single-phase. Someone also put my siren on Youtube.

The 2t22A is actually two sirens on a dual-shaft motor.
One rotor/stator has 10 ports (openings) and the other 12. At 3,450 rpm it produces musical pitches D5 and F5, a "pure" or "perfect" minor third which creates a B-flat2 Resultant.

Standing near the siren holding my ears, I can feel my chest vibrate.