Benefits of VFD

Benefits of Variable frequency drive (VFD)

Controlled Starting current:

When an AC motor is started it can take up to as much as seven to eight times the motor full-load current to start the motor and load. This current flexes the motor winding's and generates heat, which will, over time and reduce the lifetime of the motor. An VFD Drive/controller starts a motor at zero frequency and voltage. As the frequency and voltage build,  which typically takes 50-70% of the motor full-load current.

Reduce power line disturbances:

Starting an AC motor, and the subsequent demand for 400-600 % the motor full-load current, places an enormous drain on the power distribution system connected to the motor. Using VFD eliminates this voltage sag. Since the motor is started at zero voltage and ramped up smoothly.

Controlled Acceleration:

A VFD starts at zero speed and accelerates smoothly on a customer-adjustable ramp. Conversely, an AC motor started across the line triggers higher mechanical shock loads both for the motor and mechanically connected load. This shock will, over time, increase the wear and tear not only on the connected load but the AC motor as well.

Adjustable Operating Speed:

This allows starting at reduced speed, and allows remote adjustment of speed by programmable controller or process controller. Control in an industrial sense, is always a big bonus for production.

Adjustable Torque Limit:

Use of a VFD can protect machinery from damage and protect the process or product (because the amount of torque being applied can be controlled accurately). A VFD in turn can be set to limit the amount of torque, so the AC motor never exceeds this limit.

Controlled Stopping:

It is just as important as acceleration, ramped stopping can be important to reduce mechanical wear and tear, due to shocks to the process or loss of product due to breakage.

Energy Savings:

Variable torque loads, such as, Centrifugal fans and pump loads operated with a VFD will reduces energy consumption. Centrifugal fans and pumps follow a variable torque load.

Reverse Operation:

Using a VFD eliminates the need for a reversing starters, a VFD allows electronic ability reversing either by integrated reversing or an external switch added to the VFD terminal control board. The elimination of a reversing starter eliminates its maintenance cost and reduces panel space.

Elimination of Mechanical Drive Components:

Using a VFD Drive could potentially eliminate the need for expensive mechanical drive components. Because the VFD can operate with an infinite variable speed, it can deliver the low or high speed required by the load, without a speed increasing or reduction devices. This eliminates maintenance costs, as well as reducing floor-space requirements.