Blauberg Variable Speed Drive - 1.5Kw - 7 Amp - 1-ph

Optidrive E3 Variable Speed Drive

• Suitable for 1-phase electrical supply with 3-phase output.
• 1.7 Kw, 7.0 Amp full load current.
• Programmed to be compatable with Blauberg ventilation products.
• Rated to IP-66.

Single-Phase to Three-Phase Fan Speed Controller for Ventilation Systems

Take the stress out of speed controlling Blauberg fans with this easy-to-use, plug-in-and-play frequency inverter. This IP66-rated variable speed drive (VSD) allows you to run a Blauberg three-phase fan using a standard 230V single-phase supply — ideal for situations where three-phase power isn’t available.

The drive connects between the mains and the extractor fan, converting the power and adjusting the signal to let the fan motor run at different speeds. A simple dial on the front gives you direct control over the extractor fan speed, helping reduce noise, cut energy use, and improve airflow management.

The variable speed drive is fully enclosed and wall-mountable, with no need for an additional control panel. It’s preconfigured specifically for Blauberg products and includes a forward/off switch for local control and isolation.

Key Features

• IP66 weatherproof housing for direct mounting.
• Local control via built-in potentiometer and forward/off/reverse switch.
• Suitable for motor loads up to 1.5Kw.
• Internal EMC filter for commercial and domestic compliance (Cat C1).
• Sensorless vector control for stable fan operation at variable speeds.

Ideal for Commercial Kitchen Ventilation

The Optidrive E3 is particularly well-suited to commercial kitchen applications. Its robust IP66 housing and reliable fan control make it ideal for use when ventilation systems are intergrated with:

• Standard gas appliances.
• Electric cooking equipment.
• Solid fuel cooking systems, including wood-fired grills and charcoal grills.

Thanks to its intuitive programming and built-in control logic, the E3 can be easily integrated with catering gas interlock systems to comply with kitchen ventilation safety regulations. This ensures that fans only operate when gas is enabled and provides an extra layer of safety and compliance in commercial kitchens.

Installation and Operation

Installation is straightforward. The inverter can be mounted directly on a wall or near the fan housing. Cable access is provided via a removable gland plate, so there's no need to open the main enclosure during wiring. Local speed adjustment and motor direction can be handled directly on the front panel without external controls.

This allows for:

• Quick setup with no need for additional control panels.
• Reduced downtime during commissioning.
• Extreenly high protection from dust, water, and cleaning agents.

Electrical Overview

• Input Voltage: 200–240V AC, 1-phase.
• Output Voltage: 3-phase, 1.5Kw.
• Max Output Current: 7.0A.
• Frequency Range: 0–50Hz.
• Control Type : Sensorless Vector.
• Motor Types: AC Induction, PM, BLDC.

Dimensions

• Height: 232 mm.
• Width: 161 mm.
• Depth: 162 mm.
• Weight: 2.3 kg.

How Does a Single-Phase to Three-Phase Variable Speed Drive Work?

In simple terms, a single-phase to three-phase variable speed drive (VSD) like the Optidrive E3 takes standard 230V single-phase electricity — the same power you’d find in a typical socket — and converts it into a three-phase output, which is what most industrial ventilation fans need to run efficiently.

Power Conversion

The drive takes the incoming single-phase AC (alternating current) power and converts it into DC (direct current) using an internal rectifier.

Signal Rebuilding

It then uses an inverter to rebuild this DC into a new AC output — but this time, it creates three separate phases, perfectly timed to mimic true three-phase power.

Speed Control

By adjusting the frequency of this output (measured in Hz), the VSD controls how fast the fan motor spins. A lower frequency slows the fan down, while a higher frequency speeds it up.

User Interface

You control the fan speed using a simple dial or switch on the front of the unit. There’s no need for advanced programming — just turn the knob to increase or decrease airflow.

Why This Matters in Commercial Kitchens:

• Saves on installation costs by avoiding the need for a three-phase supply.
• Optimises airflow based on cooking activity throughout the day.
• Reduces noise during quieter periods by slowing the fan down.
• Improves energy efficiency, helping lower electricity bills.

In short, the Optidrive E3 gives you full control over your commercial kitchen extraction system, even when only single-phase power is available — all in a compact, weatherproof, and easy-to-use unit.