Primus W-10X^2

[supremewhirlpol]

I am currently working on redesigning the electrical system and operations of a Primus W-10 commercial front loading washing machine that was manufactured in 1989. The issue with this machine is that the cycles are too short(30 min), sudden excessive current draw at the start of the extract cycles, and limited user settings. Newer machines have fixed these issues, however they cost over $3,000.00. So, why not do it your self. My plan of action is to totally re-engineer the electrical system using a Programmable Logic controller, Variable Frequency Drive system, and User Interface Panel.

Variable Frequency Drive System:
The Variable Frequency Drive system will allow me to have better control of the rotation of the cylinder. This will allow me to slowly increase the speed of the cylinder as water is extracted from the clothes.

Programmable Logic Controller:
The programmable Logic Controller will serve as the brains of the machine. Since it is a generic device, good programming is very key.

User Interface Panel:
The User Interface Panel will allow properties of the cycle to be changed. That way cycles can be extended or shortened.

I have pictures of the parts and my progress so far. What do you guys and girls think?

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The machine gutted out (front)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The machine gutted out (back)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Control Service Box

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The motor (side view)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The motor (back view)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The Variable Frequency Drive (still in box)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The PLC(still getting parts for it)

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The User Interface panel

 

[supremewhirlpol]

The cylinder(working on having gasket custom made)

 

[tristarcxl]

I spy a 3 phase VFD drive.....you do have 3 phase where it's being installed right? Call me nuts, but it seems like overkill to use 3 phase @ 208V for a 1 horse motor. A single horse AC motor only pulls about 10-11 amps @ full load on 120V.

To make life ultra-simple you could always use a DC motor. You'd get maximum torque all the time, less winding heating, and you wouldn't have to worry about all the "trash" running through your wiring in the rest of the building from the VFD.

 

[hotpoint95622]

Hotpoint 95622

Interesting to see the end result, makes my Hotpoint look small fry, but both are trying to make our own custom machine.

Good luck with it.

Lee

 

[supremewhirlpol]

Very true, I could have used a DC motor, I may do that on the next machine(a 55LB. machine). One of my majors is electrical engineering and 3 phase is over kill, however there is just something about 3 phase electricity that makes things more interesting. I am building this machine at home, and the 3 phase comes from a rotary phase converter that I built. With this project I am trying to build the ultimate washing machine. Better yet I could have even used a 3phase DC motor(now that sounds very interesting). I will definitely keep you guys and gals posted.