Need help selecting the right speed controller for a 3-phase AC motor
The motor current rating indicates that the motor is not a 5 Hp motor by international standards. You should be looking for a 3 Hp VFD. There VFDs on the market at that power level that can provide the required output voltage and current with single-phase input power. There are models rated for 120 V, single-phase input and 230 V, three-phase output.
You don't need one of the highest performance models on the market, but you need more than a variable-torque model that is designed for fan or pump duty. The fan and pump VFDs are often designated as &quot;standard duty&quot; while the models that have higher starting torque and better low-speed performance are often called &quot;heavy duty.&quot; You may find different terminology used.
Most of the ability to operate at low speed without burning out the motor is in the motor design. The motor that you have was designed for use in a treadmill. It is marked 5 Hp with a current rating that is more like 2.5 Hp or less. You don't need 5 Hp for a treadmill, but you do need a motor that can provide the torque of a smaller motor at low speed with continous operation. That is what the manufacturer is really trying to sell my calling it 5 Hp.