User: kenneth6140, Location: Chicago, IL
Asked on: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 1:44 pm EDT
Answered on: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 1:44 pm EDT
Question: Can someone tell me if there is an AC-DC-AC converter on the market that can convert 30kW split phase 240/120Vac 60Hz to 3 phase 480Vac(or 208Vac) 60Hz output? Bidirectional, of course.
Yes, such converters exist, although finding an "off-the-shelf" model for exactly your specifications might require some searching or custom engineering. Here's a breakdown of what you need to consider and where to look
Understanding the Challenge
Bidirectional Power Flow
The "bidirectional" requirement significantly narrows the field. Most AC-DC-AC converters are designed for a specific direction of power flow (e.g., grid-tied inverters). Bidirectional converters are more complex and generally used in applications like:
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Allowing power to flow from the grid to charge batteries and from batteries back to the grid.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Applications
Allowing electric vehicle batteries to power the grid.
Microgrids
Managing power flow between different sources and loads.
High Power Level (30kW)
30kW is a substantial amount of power, meaning the converter will be physically large, expensive, and require careful thermal management.
Specific Voltage Requirements (240/120V Split Phase to 480V or 208V 3-Phase)
This combination of voltages and phase arrangements is not entirely standard. Most off-the-shelf converters are designed for more common voltage combinations.
60Hz Frequency
The 60Hz requirement is standard in North America, making component selection easier.
Where to Find Such Converters1. Specialized Power Converter Manufacturers
Danfoss
A well-known company that develops a lot of high power converters. They might not have exactly what you need off the shelf, but they often do custom work or can point you to a suitable product.
ABB
Another global leader in power and automation technologies. They have a wide range of power converters, including bidirectional models.
Schneider Electric
Provides power management solutions that may incorporate bidirectional converters suitable for microgrids and ESS.
Eaton
They are involved in power distribution, including specialized inverters and converters.
SMA Solar Technology
Primarily known for solar inverters, but they also produce bidirectional AC-DC-AC converters for energy storage.
Princeton Power Systems
Focuses on grid-tied inverters and energy storage solutions, often with bidirectional capabilities.
Dynapower
Specializes in energy storage and power conversion systems, with a strong focus on bidirectional converters for grid applications.
EPC Power
Offers bidirectional inverters and converters for energy storage and microgrid applications.
Ideal Power
(Now part of Eaton) Pioneered bi-directional, bi-modal power conversion solutions. Check Eaton's current offerings.
What to Look For on Their Websites
"Grid-Tied Inverters" or "Grid Support Inverters"
These are often bidirectional.
"Energy Storage Systems (ESS)" Converters
Almost always bidirectional.
"Microgrid Inverters" or "Microgrid Energy Routers"
These often have bidirectional capabilities and flexible voltage/phase configurations.
"Solid State Transformers (SST)"
These are more advanced power conversion systems that can handle bidirectional power flow and complex voltage transformations.2.
Custom Power Converter Design Firms
If you can't find an off-the-shelf solution, consider contacting a company that specializes in designing and building custom power converters. This will be more expensive and time-consuming but allows you to get exactly what you need. Search for "custom power converter design" or "power electronics design services."3.
Ask for "Bidirectional AC-DC-AC Converter" When contacting companies or searching online, be very specific with your terminology. "Bidirectional AC-DC-AC converter" is the key phrase to use. Also include your voltage and power requirements.
Key Specifications to Confirm
Bidirectional Power Flow
Make sure the converter can handle the full 30kW in both directions.
Input Voltage and Phase
Verify it accepts 240/120V split-phase.
Output Voltage and Phase
Verify it provides 480V 3-phase (or 208V 3-phase, whichever you need).
Frequency
Confirm it operates at 60Hz.
Efficiency
High efficiency is important to minimize losses and heat.
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
Low THD is important for grid compatibility.
Protection Features
Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, short-circuit protection.
Grid Compliance
If connecting to the grid, the converter must meet relevant grid codes (e.g., IEEE 1547 in the US).
Cooling
How is the converter cooled (air, liquid)? Make sure you have adequate cooling capacity.
Communication Interface
Many converters have communication interfaces (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet) for monitoring and control.
Example Search Terms
"30kW bidirectional grid-tied inverter" "30kW energy storage converter" "AC-DC-AC converter bidirectional 240V 480V" "bidirectional power converter 30kW" "240V split phase to 480V 3-phase converter"
Important Considerations
Cost
Expect a converter with these capabilities to be expensive, potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Lead Time
Custom or specialized converters may have long lead times.
Installation
Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician.
Safety: Working with high-voltage power requires extreme caution.In conclusion, while finding a standard, off-the-shelf, 30kW bidirectional AC-DC-AC converter with your exact voltage and phase requirements may be challenging, it's definitely possible to source one. Focus your search on specialized power converter manufacturers, custom design firms, and use very specific search terms. Be prepared to provide detailed specifications to potential suppliers. Good luck! Flag for review