We were asked to completely overhaul the control system for a bungee fairground ride. The original set up used direct-on-line to tension the bungee cords. We replaced that with inverter control to give soft starting and more advanced control over the motors. We incorporated the existing set up as a back up in the event of a problem with the inverter.
The new system reduces the amount of start up current required for the motors, allowing the operator to use a smaller, more environmentally friendly generator.
Another benefit of the reduced start up current is that existing lighting rig can be replaced with more efficient sodium lamps. These lamps produce more light per watt than most electric light sources, the downside however, is that they need time to warm up. When the motors are taking lots of start up current on DOL they tend to shock load the system and the lights dip, in this case sodium lamps would need time to warm up again and so are not used. Our system prevent this issue.
In addition to the electrical work done, we also replaced the control cabinet with a stainless steel panel that will last much longer.