WHAT IS
A VFD?
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are devices that are used to control the speed of electric motors. They work by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor, allowing for precise control over the motor's speed. This can provide significant benefits for industrial manufacturers, including increased energy efficiency, improved process control, and extended lifespan of electric motors.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are an essential technology for industrial manufacturers and processing facilities. They provide numerous benefits, including improved energy efficiency, enhanced process control, and increased equipment lifespan.
VFDs work by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to motors, allowing them to operate at the optimal speed for a given task. This not only improves the efficiency of the motors, but it also reduces energy consumption and lowers operating costs.
In addition to energy savings, VFDs also provide improved process control. By allowing motors to operate at varying speeds, VFDs enable manufacturers and processing facilities to precisely control the speed of their equipment, leading to better quality products and improved production processes.
Another key benefit of VFDs is their ability to extend the lifespan of motors and other equipment. By reducing the strain on motors, VFDs can help prevent damage and prolong the life of the equipment, ultimately saving money on replacement and maintenance costs.
In summary, the use of VFDs offers industrial manufacturers and processing facilities significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency, process control, and equipment longevity. By investing in VFD technology, these facilities can improve their operations, reduce costs, and increase their competitiveness in the market.
VFD’s are not only long term solutions to system torque/speed control since the required maintenance of the drive is decreased (no belts to replace, lubricants to ads, gears to replace etc) they are often easy to install to existing motor starters. An early issue surrounding the installation of VFDs was panel space, though as the technology has improved inverters are now able to be mounted separately on some models.
WHY SWITCH TO A VFD?
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
MAINTENANCE COST
VFD failures are often caused by environmental factors instead of internal failures occurring. Meaning they require little maintenance. This factor of VFDs results in the primary cost placed in the initial installation rather than long term maintenance needing to be planned on another aspect of a system. Allowing for cost to be more easily accounted for.
ENERGY SAVINGS
Especially in the variable toque systems such as fans or pumps the ability to ramp voltage up & down as needed reduces the overall energy consumption of the system. Often these systems can see large decreases in energy by only needing to lower system speed slightly in a controlled manner resulting in instances where running a motor at 63% speed can consume only 25% compared to running the motor at full speed.
SYSTEM LIFESPAN
Instead of starting a motor being kept at full torque whether the drive is full voltage or soft start, VFD’s allow the motor to
accelerate and decelerate as needed. This reduces the mechanical & electrical stress on the system. Less stress on your system means less single instance failures keeping your systems running longer.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
While VFD’s are recommended in applicable systems that does not means issues are impossible. Possible issues include debris building up in heatsinks. As a result, the system can become overheated and damage components.
Extreme and/or drastic environmental temperature changes can also result in connections with in VFD to loosen. As well excessive vibration of a VFD can result in components being loosened or damaged. As mentioned earlier, these
common issues are linked to the environment the VFD is installed compared to wear and tear issues of the systems working as intended.
READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH?
If you’re looking to make the change from mechanical drives to VFD’s, Ace has an expansive inventory to fit your application quickly in addition to a dealer network allowing us to fill the needs of more specialized applications.
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