AC Motor Speed Control Products

Control Resources is a leading manufacturer of AC speed controls that control motors, fans or pumps for a variety of industry applications with current rating up to 18 amps.  Our controls regulate motors based on inputs that include temperature, analog (0-20mA, 0-10VDC) signal or remote transducer control.  Mounting options include DIN rail, open frame, with and without metal enclosures.

If you do not find a standard SmartFan® control to fit your specifications, we can customize an existing design or create a completely new design.

Control Resources is a smart choice:

• We have 400+ microprocessor-based and analog power electronics designs to our credit.
• We design and manufacture under one roof; and we only manufacture what we design.
• You’ll work with an engineer, not a salesperson.
• Our innovative Design Fee Assurance reduces your design costs while providing a buyout option.

When a DC fan or motor is available and DC power is available, nothing beats a DC control for energy savings, cost, size, safety or controllability.  When circumstances do not permit the use of a DC fan or motor, CRI offers 3 AC technologies to consider; TRIAC (voltage or phase control), VFD (Variable Frequency) or ECM  (Electronically Commutated Motor).

TRIAC Control:  If system cost is the number one concern, choosing an induction motor [Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) or Shaded Pole] and a compatible TRIAC control may be the way to go.  TRIAC controls also tend to be more energy efficient at higher speeds than VFDs.  Drawbacks of this technology include relatively high minimum speeds and potentially nonlinear control curve (input signal vs. motor speed).  Warning: SmartFan TRIAC controllers are designed for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and should only be used with compatible induction motors.  Motors must be approved by the motor manufacturer or thoroughly validated prior to use.  Attempting to control a fan or motor that is not compatible could cause excessive heating and/or permanent damage to the motor.

VFD Control:  Not all AC motors are TRIAC controllable.  In many of these cases, an inverter duty motor can be successfully controlled with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).  VFDs tend to be more energy efficient than TRIAC controls at lower speeds and can be run at lower speeds.  Drawback to VFDs include, controller cost, size and potential bearing noise.  Warning: SmarFan VFD controllers are designed for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and should only be used with compatible inverter duty grade motors.  Motors must be approved by the motor manufacturer or thoroughly validated prior to use.

ECM Control:  In recent years, the availability of ECM motors has greatly increased.  These are basically DC motors with built-in transformers allowing them to be powered from the AC line.  As a result, these motors are the most energy efficient and easiest (inexpensive and accurate) to control.  But of course there is no such thing as a free lunch.  ECM motors can be pricey and are not always available in the size required.

*TRIACs are often more energy efficient at high speeds, Variable Frequency more efficient at low speeds.

AC Fan or Motor Speed Control Selector
	Current Rating (Amps)	Motor Type	Control Type	RFI Filter	Input Voltage Range (AC, 1 Phase)	Model
	4 (50ºC)	1 Phase or 3 Phase Inverter duty	VFD	No	104 – 253	Stratus II
	7.5 (40ºC)	1 Phase TRIAC controllable induction motor	TRIAC	No	95 – 250	Nimbus
	8 (40ºC)	1 Phase TRIAC controllable induction motor	TRIAC	Yes	98 – 264	AC-VX
	18 (65ºC)	1 Phase TRIAC controllable induction motor	TRIAC	No	85 – 300	Nimbus HP
	N/A	ECM	ECM	N/A	22- 26	Cirrus-ECM
	Custom AC Products

Typical Applications
Variable Frequency Drive, TRIAC/Phase Control,
and ECM Motor Control

Pump Control
SmartFan AC motor speed control products are capable of controlling small AC pumps.

Clean Room Pressurization
SmartFan AC motor speed control products can be used to help keep positive pressure in clean rooms.

Humidity Control
SmartFan AC motor speed control products can automatically regulate fan speed when connected to a humidity sensor.

Ventilation
SmartFan AC motor speed control products can be used in conjuction with a ceiling fan, attic ventilator or duct fan to remove hot air or noxious fumes.

Electronics Cooling
SmartFan AC motor speed control products & DC motor speed control products can be used in electronics cooling applications to regulate air mover speed to control temperature and reduce acoustical noise.

ECM Motor Control
SmartFan Cirrus-ECM motor speed control can be used in HVAC applications to regulate air mover speed.