A variable frequency drive is a speed control technique employed for regulating the speed of an alternating current electric motor. The speed regulation is effected by varying the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. Variable frequency drives find wide application in ventilation systems for huge buildings, conveyors, pumps, elevator, machine tool drives, and so on.
An alternating existing induction motor draws as much as 6 occasions its rated existing in the time of start up. The current continues to remain high till the motor approaches the full speed. When a variable frequency drive is utilised to start the induction motor, a low frequency and a low voltage are applied to the motor. Normally, the start-up frequency is two Hz or less. As the frequency is low, the current flow at the time of starting will also be low. When the motor is started making use of the variable frequency drive, the applied voltage and frequency are increased at a controlled rate to make sure that the motor doesn’t draw excessive existing. This strategy of starting enables the motor to as considerably as 150% of its rated torque at much less than 50% of its rated current consumption.
The variable frequency drive method consists of an AC motor, a controller and an operator interface. A controller is actually a solid state electronic energy conversion device. AC input power is converted to DC intermediate energy using a three-phase bridge rectifier program. The DC power is then converted to quasi-sinusoidal AC power utilizing an inverter switching circuit.
The advantages of a variable frequency drive are the following:
Saving in electrical energy consumption is by far essentially the most critical benefit of employing variable frequency drives. For example, AC motors used in ventilation systems aren’t required to always run at peak load. Variable frequency drives save energy by controlling the volume of air necessary for a particular program demand.
An induction motor using a variable frequency drive will last longer. The upkeep expenses will also be lower. Although classic starters commence the motors abruptly, variable frequency drives gradually boost the speed to operating speed. This contributes to a reduction mechanical and electrical tension on the motor.
A variable frequency drive enables much better process manage. This is because variable frequency drives can be programmed to run the motor at the needed load, quit as per requirement and apply a specified amount of torque.
You’ll find three types of variable frequency drives. These are continuous voltage, constant present and cycloconverters. Essentially the most important section of a variable frequency drive will be the inverter circuit. These units support increase power factor and minimize harmonic distortion.