VFD Device

A VFD device is also known as Variable Frequency Drive, variable speed drive, adjustable speed drive, electronic motor controller, or an inverter.

A VFD device is a solid state electric motor control system designed to control the speed of an electric motor. VFD devicesoperate as load controls within electric motor applications; and a VFD devicecan reduce energy costsup to 50% by speed reduction on electric motorswhere the full speed of the electric motor is not needed.VFD devices are used in AC servo systems, air compressors, conveyor systems, lathes, mills, plastic extrusion, slitter lines, food processing, waste water treatment systems, submersible pumps, HVAC fans, blowers, and many more electric motor applications.

Many manufacturers will apply a VFD device to rotating equipment to reduce amperage spikes upon start up of large electric motors.Choosing the right VFD device for an application can aid rotating equipment by providing less wear on the electric motors where applied.Adjusting the acceleration and deceleration time of electric motors can extend the lifespan of an electric motor. VFD devicesprovide the ability to control the frequency of starting and stopping of an AC electric motor.This ability allowsan AC electric motor to only operate when needed for the equipment its rotating, and electric motors have a longer lifespan if they are only running when needed.

Approximately one third of electrical energy in the world is supplied by electric motors in fixed-speed centrifugal pump, fan, and air compressor applications. These fixed-speed applications don’t usually needthe full load speed of the electric motor theyre operating. By installing a VFD device to these applications, electric motor speeds are reduced, and power costs can be reduced by 50% or more. Technology has allowed cost and physical size reduction of VFD devices, and has improved performance through advances in semiconductor switching devices, simulation, control techniques, control hardware and software.

A properly applied VFD device and electric motor will significantly reduce energycosts for manufacturers. This is particularly true for variable torque loads such as fans, blowers, and pumps.Blowers are often used with dampers to control air flow; These dampers may operate either manually or automatically. When dampers are closed, 50% of the electric motor current will drop to approximately 60% of full load nameplate current. By utilizing a VFD devicein blower applications, the current draw of the motor will be reduced 30% for every 10% drop in speed; The same electric motor operating froma VFD device at 50% speed, will draw approximately 20% of the full load current.

To learn more about a VFD device orfor VFD device repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric, Inc.