Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.

Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.

A hard start capacitor replacement unit has a plurality of capacitors in a container sized to fit in existing hard start capacitor space. The capacitors are metallized film capacitors wound in a single cylindrical capacitive element. The container has a common terminal and capacitors value terminals for the plurality of capacitors, which may be connected singly or in combination to provide a selected capacitance. An electronic or other relay connects the selected capacitance in parallel with a motor run capacitor. The hard start capacitor replacement unit is thereby adapted to replace a wide variety of hard start capacitors.

A hard start capacitor replacement unit has a plurality of capacitors in a container sized to fit in existing hard start capacitor space. The capacitors are metallized film capacitors wound in a single cylindrical capacitive element. The container has a common terminal and capacitors value terminals for the plurality of capacitors, which may be connected singly or in combination to provide a selected capacitance. An electronic or other relay connects the selected capacitance in parallel with a motor run capacitor. The hard start capacitor replacement unit is thereby adapted to replace a wide variety of hard start capacitors.

A motor capacitor verification unit includes a capacitor selection section coupled to an electric motor employing a motor capacitor for its operation that connects the motor capacitor for verification testing. Also included is a capacitor testing section coupled to the capacitor selection section that evaluates the motor capacitor for operation with the electric motor. Further included is an AC power control section coupled to the capacitor testing section and that only permits application of an AC operating voltage to the electric motor and the motor capacitor after a successful motor capacitor verification as required for electric motor operation. An electric motor operating system, an HVAC operating system and methods of operating an electric motor, retrofitting a motor capacitor verification unit to an electric motor and manufacturing a motor capacitor verification unit for use with an electric motor are also provided.

A motor capacitor verification unit includes a capacitor selection section coupled to an electric motor employing a motor capacitor for its operation that connects the motor capacitor for verification testing. Also included is a capacitor testing section coupled to the capacitor selection section that evaluates the motor capacitor for operation with the electric motor. Further included is an AC power control section coupled to the capacitor testing section and that only permits application of an AC operating voltage to the electric motor and the motor capacitor after a successful motor capacitor verification as required for electric motor operation. An electric motor operating system, an HVAC operating system and methods of operating an electric motor, retrofitting a motor capacitor verification unit to an electric motor and manufacturing a motor capacitor verification unit for use with an electric motor are also provided.

A permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a stator defining an axis of rotation and a rotor disposed adjacent the stator. The stator includes a start winding, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the start winding, a first plurality of windings, and a second plurality of windings. At least one winding of the first plurality of windings is energized in parallel with at least one winding of the second plurality of windings at a first voltage and in series with the at least one winding of the second plurality of windings at a second voltage. The first and second pluralities of windings are energized to produce a plurality of motor speeds. The rotor rotates relative to the stator about the axis of rotation at a selected one of the plurality of motor speeds induced at least partially by a magnetic output of the windings of the stator.

A permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a stator defining an axis of rotation and a rotor disposed adjacent the stator. The stator includes a start winding, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the start winding, a first plurality of windings, and a second plurality of windings. At least one winding of the first plurality of windings is energized in parallel with at least one winding of the second plurality of windings at a first voltage and in series with the at least one winding of the second plurality of windings at a second voltage. The first and second pluralities of windings are energized to produce a plurality of motor speeds. The rotor rotates relative to the stator about the axis of rotation at a selected one of the plurality of motor speeds induced at least partially by a magnetic output of the windings of the stator.

Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.

A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.