For those of you who are familiar or unfamiliar with Lenze / AC Techs SMVector series drive they have come a long way since their conception. All AC Tech products are manufactured in Uxbridge Massachusettes. Today we discuss how to read the nameplate data off of the drive. It is not as complicated as most […]
It has become common knowledge that the poor economy is causing businesses all over the United States to suffer. As a result of the credit crunch, industrial manufacturing, automation, processing, and other related markets have been seeking alternatives, and found them online. Historically, industrial markets have relied heavily on the local businesses they have been […]
Machinery imported into the United States is often rated at an operating frequency of 50 Hertz.Unless engineered for operation at 60 Hz., this can be problematic for electric motors. This is especially true when operating pump and fan loads.Too often the distributors and purchasers of this machinery assume that the Original Equipment Manufacturer has taken […]
Many electricians applyVariable Frequency Drives (VFDs)toAC Motors that are not inverter rated. Manyare not even aware that inverter rated motors exist.Inverter rated motors are not required for inverter applications, however, when aVFD is applied to an inverter rated motor, the inverter rated motor has less chance of premature winding failure. Inverter rated motors have unique […]
A properly applied VariableFrequency Drive (VFD)will significantly reduce operating costs. This is particularly true for variable torque loads such as:FansBlowersPumpsBlowers, for example, are often used with dampers to control air flow. These dampers may be operated either manually or automatically. When dampers are closed, 50% motor current will drop to approximately 60% of Full Load […]
One of the more common problemsseen in ourVariable Frequency Drive (VFD) repair division is the failure oftheIGBT (Insulated Gate Bi-polar Transistor)power section modules.If theVariable Frequency Drive (VFD) is blowing fuses, or theVFD simply is not turning on, the followingtest may aid you in finding the root of the problem.A digital voltmetertest cantellifa short existsfrom the […]
Engineering technicianshave many nightmare stories when it comes to on-sitetroubleshooting. In this instance, I wascalled to helptroubleshoot a Closed Loop (Sensorless Vector)Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)on a production line that was so large, itseemed to goso far down the plant, it never ended.Afterovercoming theintimidationassociated withthe sheersize of the line, it became a question of focusing on […]
Often times those using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) may find themselvesneedingto connect a higher horsepowerVFD to asingle phase input power source.Since most higher horsepowerVFDsonly acceptthree phaseinput as a power source, they are left with little options or alternatives.Don’t fret, there is a solution.If you are using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)rated forthree phase input […]
An ACVariable Frequency Drive(VFD) is commonly referred to as an Inverter.This is because of the way aVFDworks. The following details the inner workings of aVFD:Alternating Current (AC) power is applied to the input of theVFDand feeds a bridge rectifier.The rectifier converts the Alternating Current (AC) voltage into Direct Current (DC) voltage.The Direct Current (DC) voltage […]
When applying aVariable Frequency Drive (VFD) to a new or existingapplication there are many factors to consider prior to making a firm decision on what type ofVariable Frequency Drive (VFD)should be used. Ifone already has an existingapplication whereVFDs seem to consistently fail,they should look tousing a differentVFD typefor potential success. For a newVFD application one […]
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are electronic devices used to control the speed of an Alternating Current Motor (AC Motor). Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are also commonly known as adjustable frequency drives, adjustable speed drives, AC drives and inverters.Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have a wide range of application use that include, but are not limited too:Variable […]
