mobile 3 phase ?

[Gumby]

I have no idea on this but a friend has purchased a commercial coffee machine and is looking to go into business with it. The idea is to set it up on a trailer and be mobile, going to venues etc. The trouble is, this machine is 3 phase. Does anybody know if you can get portable generators to run this ?

(I know, he should have checked before he bought it) .....and it isn't me

[Iain]

They exist, you often see them being towed by trucks to worksites or powering things like Ashtons Circus.
Probably cost more than the espresso machine.
Heres two in the Trading Post
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/KeywordChecker.asp?sMsg=

Sorry, link not working, go to
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/
key words are 3 phase generator, look in Vic, they start at about $6k for a 14kva.

[Ashore]

Gumby
It is possible to build /get built a single phase to three phase convertor

www.metalwebnews.com/howto/ph-conv/ph-conv.html

Not sure of the current outputs though but may be a cheeper way out


Rgds
Russell


The trouble with life is there's no background music.

[nic]

I have no idea on this but a friend has purchased a commercial coffee machine and is looking to go into business with it. The idea is to set it up on a trailer and be mobile, going to venues etc. The trouble is, this machine is 3 phase. Does anybody know if you can get portable generators to run this ?

(I know, he should have checked before he bought it) .....and it isn't me

Just get it re wired, it's probably 3 phase because of power required to run it >2400W.
You'll probably find a couple heating elements each running on their own phase and the pump running on it's own phase too.
There is no NEED for 3 phase not like in a motor for example.
You should be able to get rewired to run with 2 single phase generators.

Nic

[knucklehead]

I used to use 3 phase generators. Ours where rather large though. The main problem would probably be the noise (not good ambiance). Really most coffee machines don't consume that much power. Check its power cosumption and you'll find that a single phase smallish generator will do fine. In fact the coffee machine would probably have difficulty loading a 3 phase generator. This is not good for the long term life of any generator.
Save your ears and money, get a generator single phase generator.

[Gumby]

Thanks guys, following this input we contacted the manufacturer and they are going to rewire it to single phase, no probs. Thanks for all the help

[outback]

Good, I'll have a large macchiato then.

[scooter]

Strong flat white for me, one sugar.

Nice of you to offer Gumby...


Cheers..............Sean, short white mug

[Gumby]

When we need some guinea pigs, we'll call