What would be some uses for a variable frequency AC power supply?

[RU482]

I recently came across an item like this and it got me wondering, who would use something like that?

Basically, it takes 85-265VAC in (I assume 60HZ, maybe 50hz also) and outputs 0-138VAC, 16A in low range, 0-265VAC, 7A in high range. The frequency is variable from 47Hz to 450Hz. What the heck would use 450Hz?

 

[AbsolutDealage]

One possible application is in a product testing environment. Where I work, we have something very similar set up to various outlets throughout the building. If someone needs to test a product to see if it works on a range from say 50 Hz to 70 Hz, or from 100VAC to 140VAC, they can program the outlet (via web interface) to output virtually any voltage/frequency combination.

I'm sure there are a hundred other things that these are used for, but thats the one that comes to my mind right away.

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage
One possible application is in a product testing environment. Where I work, we have something very similar set up to various outlets throughout the building. If someone needs to test a product to see if it works on a range from say 50 Hz to 70 Hz, or from 100VAC to 140VAC, they can program the outlet (via web interface) to output virtually any voltage/frequency combination.

I'm sure there are a hundred other things that these are used for, but thats the one that comes to my mind right away.

What brand of test equipment is that?? Could you get a model number??>

 

[RossGr]

Such things can be used as speed controllers on AC moters.

Edit:

Link to some info on a VFD(variable frequency Drive)

 

[glugglug]

You could also hook it up to a bunch of speakers to use it as a tone generator.

 

[ScottMac]

Shipboard (Navy) and airline power is 400Hz, IIRC.

Scott

 

[Demon-Xanth]

The reason for the variation between most of the range is that 50Hz, and 60Hz are common for home power, as states marine and aircraft power is in the 400's. 110, 115, 120, 220, and 240 are common voltages. 170 is more common than it should be (countries with a poor power dristribution infrastructure, much like California).


I have an ATX power supply in a system that'll do it. With the exception of the high frequency, this one only does 63Hz.

 

[Dragon21]

You need consistant hz (either 50 for pal or 60 for NTSC) if you are doing any kind of news gathering/ field video taping because the control track of a video cassette requires a constant signal matching whatever broadcast standard you are using. Generators are notorious for giving variable power frequencies. I once edited a news spot that was filmed on a boat- we had to do all sorts of adapative tracking control to compensate for the variable hz that was feeding the beta deck the spot was recorded on.

 

[ET2nuke]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
Shipboard (Navy) and airline power is 400Hz, IIRC.

Actually, most of the shipboard power is not 400Hz, but there are a few things that use it- such as radar. There is only a small portion of the power distribution system on a carrier that is 400Hz. There are high voltage sections, 4160v, but that is 60Hz.

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: redly1
I recently came across an item like this and it got me wondering, who would use something like that?

Basically, it takes 85-265VAC in (I assume 60HZ, maybe 50hz also) and outputs 0-138VAC, 16A in low range, 0-265VAC, 7A in high range. The frequency is variable from 47Hz to 450Hz. What the heck would use 450Hz?

In a physics lab to actually prove that AC voltage has a frequency, and that it can be adjusted and viewed on an oscilliscope.