VFD Drives For Dummies: VFD is an abbreviation that stands for “variable frequency drives”. VFD Drives are also called “variable speed drives”, “adjustable speed drives”, “electric motor speed controllers”, and “inverters”. VFD Drives For Dummies: Every VFD hasits own component characteristics, so how each VFD works is dependent upon components within the VFD. Most VFD Drives for Dummies integrate a solid state electronics controller consisting of a bridge rectifier, a converter, and an inverter module.

Voltage-source inverter drives are the most common VFD Drives For Dummies. These drives convert AC line input to AC inverter output. There are some applications that use common DC bus and solar applications. These type of drives are configured as DC to AC drives. The bridge rectifier converter for volts per hertz drives is configured for 3 phase AC electric motors. The majority of variable frequency drives contain electronic circuitry that converts 60 Hertz Line power into direct current. The variable frequency drive converts this line power into a pulsed output voltage that duplicates varying alternating current to a desired frequency (speed). VFD drives were first introduced in 1983, and the insulated gate bipolar transistor has in the past 20 years become the standard for VFD drives as an inverter switching device.

VFD drives for dummies: Manufacturers will apply variable frequency drives to rotating equipment to reduce amperage spikes upon start up of large electric motors. Choosing the right VFD for an application will benefit 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. Variable frequency drives provide the ability to control the frequency of starting and stopping of an AC electric motor. This ability allows an 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 they need to be.

Approximately one third of the worlds electrical energy is supplied by electric motors in fixed-speed centrifugal pump, fan, and air compressor applications. These fixed-speed applications hardly ever require the full load speed (RPM) of the electric motor in which theyre operating. By installing a VFD 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 variable frequency drives, and has improved performance through advances in technology.

Properlypaired VFD drives with the correct electric motor will significantly reduce operating costs 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 variable frequency drives in blower applications, the current draw of the motor will be reduced 30% for every 10% drop in speed. The same electric motor operating from an AC variable frequency drive at 50% speed, will draw approximately 20% of the full load current.

Please watch our YouTube Video to learn more about VFD Drives For Dummies. For VFD repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric, Inc.

Lenze Americas is the manufacturer of AC Tech VFD drives. AC Tech VFD drives are high-performance products used to optimize new and existing machinery for production. Lenze Americas is one of the leading drive and automation specialists in the field of machine engineering. Rapidly changing times present manufacturers with new and varied challenges. To succeed in the future, manufacturers will need to handle more extensive tasks in even shorter time frames; Lenze Americas aims to reachthis ideal.

SMV Series:The SMV series of AC TechVFD drives offer sophisticated auto-tuning and fast dynamic torque response. The SMV is designed for motor applications where dynamic speed and torque control is demanded. The SMV series isan attractive solution for a broad range of applications including: food processing machinery, packaging machinery, material handling, conveying systems, HVAC systems, and more.The SMV series uses an Electronic Programming Module (EPM) for programming. Maintenance techs can easily use the EPM to reconfigure drive parameters or reset the drive. When a drive reset is necessary on the SMV, customers can reset to factory default or preset settings within seconds. When SMV drives must be replaced, the parameter configuration can besaved by the user by simply plugging in the pre-programmed EPM.

MC1000 Series:The MC1000 Series of AC TechVFD drives are the intelligent, versatile and cost-effective choice for industrial applications. From harsh environments to high torque loads, the MC1000 Series drives meet the toughest requirements with reliability, at a low cost. Customers can easily program the MC1000 Series and integrate extensive I/O with an array of programmable functions. The MC1000 is available in power ranges of 1/4 to 150 HP. The MC1000 offersEnhanced Torque System (ETS). ETS allows maximum starting and accelerating torque and tight speed regulation, even under fluctuating load conditions. MC1000 drives feature manual boost for high starting torque, and auto-boost for high torque acceleration at any speed. The MC1000 features power-up & auto restart modes, sleep mode with adjustable speed threshold and time.The MC1000 also offers anoptional Form C Relay and Dynamic Braking.

MC3000 Series
The MC3000 series of AC TechVFD drives are for process control demands with fast acceleration and response. The MC3000 is rated for constant torque applications but can easily be configured for variable torque applications. Most Process Control drives are designed for variable torque applications where the motor is driving a centrifugal fan or pump. As such, these drives are limited to 110% current for overload situations such as acceleration or responding to a feedback change. The MC3000 is a true Constant Torque drive rated for 180% of rated current for 30 seconds and 150% for one minute. This allows faster response to system changes and the ability to apply the MC3000 to non-centrifugal applications such as compressors, conveyors and other constant torque loads. The MC3000 is available in the same power ranges and voltages as the MC1000.

MCH Series:The MCH series of AC TechVFD drives are manufacturedfrom 1 to 250 HP. Lenze engineers designed theMCH series for the HVAC market and specific requirements of industrial installations. Lenze engineers designed the MCH to operate standard induction motors. MCH series offer simple programming and operation control for maintenance technicians.Technicians use included drive software toadjust the motor to maintain a preset pressure, flow, temperature or other variables using PID setpoint control.The MCH Series include UL and cUL approved motor protection for single motor applications. The MCH Series is used in systems seen in applications such as fans, pumps and cooling towers.

To learn more about AC TechVFD drives, visit the Lenze Website. For AC TechVFD Drives Repair or Replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

Eaton VFD system drives can reduce energy consumption from 10 to 50 percent by reducingthe speed of an electric motor to its needed output speed. With reduced energy consumption, utility expenses are reduced and within a few months, the investment of Eaton VFD system drives canpay forthemselves.

Eaton VFD system drives allow for steady speed error, fast torque rise time, high immunity to resonance vibrations and high starting torque and current. Eaton VFD system drives canbe customized to fit multiple motor drive systems and high-speed applications. Eaton drives can be designed specifically for high-performance applications with highprocessing power, and the ability to use information from an encoder or resolver to provide precise motor feedback control. Eaton drives also offer a uniquemicroprocessor to provide high dynamic performance for applications where precise motor handling and reliability are required.

The DG1 general-purpose Eaton VFD system drives are part of the Eaton next-generation PowerXL series. The DG1 general-purpose drive is specifically engineered for todays moredemanding commercial and industrial applications. EatonDG1 drives offer an industry-leading energy efficiency algorithm, high short-circuit current ratingand robust design, safety and reliability. The LCX9000 drive is liquid-cooled to utilize potable water or a water-glycol mixture as a cooling medium. The LCX9000 drive has a compactsize and low heat transfer rates to allow the enclosure size to be greatly reduced, which is especially beneficial in UL Type 4X applications.

The PowerXL of Eaton VFD system drives is the next generation enclosed drive platform that packages Cutler Hammer’s PowerXL DG1 and SVX drive families in a fast and reliable designsolution. The CFX9000 clean power of Eaton drives use tuned passive filters to significantly reduce line harmonics at the drive input terminals. These drives are anexcellent choice for small and midsize applications where harmonics are a concern. The CPX9000 drives are used for water, waste water, HVAC,industrial and process industries where harmonics are present. They offer one of the purest sinusoidal waveforms available.

The SVX9000 of Eaton VFD system drives offer sensorless vector control technology coupled with an adaptive motor model and sophisticated ASIC circuit features. This technologyallows for steady speed error, fast torque rise time, high immunity to resonance vibrations and high starting torque and current. The SVX9000 is suitable for multiple motor drivesystems and high-speed applications.

Obsolete Eaton VFD System Drives

The MVX9000 Micro of Eaton drives are sensorless vector variable frequency drives that are designed to provide adjustable speed control of three-phase motors. EatonSLX9000 are compact, powerful and are based on the more robust SVX9000. The SVX9000 is a newer version of the obsolete SLX9000. It is designed to be the next generation of drives specifically engineered for moderncommercial and light industrial applications.The MVX9000 series of Eaton VFD system drives are obsolete and replaced by Cutler Hammer VFD Eaton M-MAX drives. The M-Max drive is a compact micro drive with a broad power range.The M-Max series features board coating, unique mounting characteristics, simple programming, and 50C Rating to make the M-Max perfectly suited for machinery applications in manyindustries. Typical applications for the M-Max drives include Food and Beverage, HVAC, Packaging, Pumping, Textile, OEM, and more.

The HVX series of Cutler Hammer VFD drives are currently replaced by the Eaton H-MAX drives. The H-MAX series of HVAC VFDsystem drives are designed to the HVAC market for fan, pump, and fluid control applications. The patented energy savings algorithm, high short-circuit current rating and intuitiveuser interface provide customers an energy efficient, safe, and easy to use solution for variable frequency drive needs. The H-MAX drive supports the increasing demand for energysavings in buildings, systems and facilities. Built in capabilities and unique features provide a competitive solution that can add value to any end user.

For more information on Eaton VFD system drives, visit the Eaton Website. For Eaton VFD system drives repair and replacement quotes, Contact Precision Electric.

Adjustable frequency drives arealso known as adjustable speed drives, variable frequency drives, variable speed drives, VFDs andinverters.

Adjustable frequency drives are solid state electric motor control systems designed to control the speed of an electric motor. Adjustable frequency drives can reduce energy costsup to 50% by speed reduction on electric motorswhere the full speed of the electric motor is not needed. Drivefunctions allow an AC electric motor to only operate when neededwhich allows an electric motor to last longer.Technology has allowed adjustable frequency drives to reduce in cost and physical size and has improved performance through advances in semiconductor switching devices, simulation, control techniques, control hardware, and software.

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 do not usually require full load speed of the electric motor theyre operating. By installing adjustable frequency drives to these applications, electric motor speeds are reduced and power costs can be reduced by 50% or more.Properly applied adjustable frequency drives withelectric motorswill significantly reduce energycosts for variable torque loads such as fans, blowers, and pumps.Blowers are often used with dampers to control air flow that 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 adjustable frequency drivesin blower applications, the current draw of the motor will be reduced 30% for every 10% drop in speed. Electric motors controlled byadjustable frequency drives at 50% speed will draw approximately 20% of the electric motor full load current.

Adjustable frequency drives are also used on rotating equipment toreduce amperage spikes upon start up of large electric motors.Adjusting the acceleration and deceleration time of electric motors can extend the lifespan of an electric motor. Using a drive on an electric motor provides the ability to increase or decrease the frequent starting and stopping of an AC electric motor. Limiting the starting and stopping of a motor and controlling the ramp up and ramp down speed of amotor allows for decreased wear on an electric motor.Choosing the right drive for an application can helprotating equipment by providing less wear on the electric motors where applied.Adjustable frequency drivesare used in AC servo systems, air compressors, conveyor systems, lathes, mills, plastic extrusion, slitter lines, bottlers, packaging lines, pharmaceutical production, food processing, HVAC systems, waste water treatment systems, submersible pumps, fans, blowers, and many more electric motor applications.

To learn more about adjustable frequency drives or for drive repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric, Inc.

VFD Controllersare also known as motor drives,variable frequency drives, VFD’s, variable speed drives, adjustable frequency drives, AFD’s, adjustable speed drives and ASD’s. Motordrives are solid state motor control systems used to regulatethe speed of alternating (AC) electric motors. Motordrives are mainly used to reduce energy consumption on electric motors for industrial manufacturers.

VFDcontrollers operate as load controls within applications that may accomplish up to 50% reduction in energy costsby speed reduction on applications where the full speed (RPM) of the electric motor is not required. VFD controllersare 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 and Blowers, and many more AC motor applications.

Many manufacturers apply VFD controllerswithrotating equipment toreduce amperage spikes upon start up of large electric motors.Choosing the right VFD controllersfor applications will benefit rotating equipment by providing less wear on the electric motors where applied. This is accomplished by adjusting the acceleration and deceleration time of electric motors. Adjusting the acceleration and deceleration time of an electric motor will greatly increase the lifespan of an electric motor. VFD controllersprovide the ability to control the frequency of starting and stopping of an AC electric motor.This ability provides a means by which an AC electric motor is only operating when needed for the equipment it’s rotating, and electric motors have a longer lifespan if they are not continuously operating when they don’t need to be.

Approximately one third of the world’s electrical energy is supplied by electric motors in fixed-speed centrifugal pump, fan, and air compressor applications. These fixed-speed applications do not usuallyrequire the full load speed (RPM) of the electric motor they’re operating. By integrating VFD controllersto these applications, the motor speeds are reduced, and power costs can be reduced by 50% or more. Technology has reduced cost and physical size of VFD controllers, and has improved performance through advances in semiconductor switching devices, simulation, control techniques, and control hardware and software.

Power Savings WithVFD Controllers

The majority of VFD controllersin the market today contain electronic circuitry that converts 60 Hertz Line power into direct current. The VFD controller converts this line power into a pulsed output voltage that duplicates varying alternating current to a desired frequency (speed).A properly applied VFD controllerpaired with an AC electric motor, will significantly reduce operating costs. This is particularly true for variable torque loads such asFans,Blowers, andPumps.Blowers, for example, 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 motor drive in this application, current draw in the motor will be reduced 30% for every 10% drop in speed. The same electric motor operating froma motor drive at 50% speed, will draw approximately 20% of the full load current.

Types Of VFD Controllers

Volts Per Hertz VFD controllersare the most common type of VFD and they’re known as a V/Hz drives, or volts by hertz drives. V/Hz VFD controllersare used inapplications such as fans, pumps, air compressors, and other related applications wherehigh starting torque is not required. V/Hz drive applications typically do not require full torque when the AC motor is operating at less than the base speed (RPM) of the electric motor. V/Hz VFD controllersare the most inexpensive type of motor drive. V/Hz VFD controllersdo not provide full motor torque at low RPM.

Open-Loop vector VFD controllersare also known as “sensorless vector” drives. Open loop vector VFD controllersadapted the name “sensorless vector” because they do not use an external encoder for speed feedback to the motor.Open loop vector VFD controllersare used in applications where high starting torque and full torque at low speed (RPM) is required. Open-Loop vector VFD controllers operating a motor a zero RPM should not be used on crane or hoist applications. Most open-loop vector VFD controllersare used on CNC machines, mixers, mills, lathes, and other applications where high starting torque or full torque at low RPM is needed.Open loop vector VFD controllersare usually more expensive than V/Hz.

Closed-Loop vector VFD controllersare used in applications where precise speed control (0.01%) is needed, or in applications where extensive programming is needed. Closed-Loop vector VFD controllersuse an encoder on the motor to provide constant shaft position indication to the drive’s microprocessor. The encoder feedback allows the drive microprocessor to constantly control torque no matter how many RPM the motor is operating at. Closed-Loop vector VFD controllers are used to provide the motor to operate at full torque even at zero RPM. Closed-Loop vector VFD controllersare commonly used on hoist and crane applications because crane and hoist motors must produce full torque prior to it’s brake being released, or the load will drop and it will not be able to stop.

To learn more about VFD controllersor for VFDrepairs and VFD replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric, Inc.