This is essentially a motor starter panel with motor starting option is by variable frequency drive. VFD is a solid-state device which takes AC / DC power as power input and delivers a voltage and frequency-controlled output to the driven motor. The output could be a frequency modulated output or a Pulse width modulated (PWM) output. The modulation is controlled by a computer programmed to deliver the output according to the application. The controlled power delivery happens by controlling the firing angle on power switching semiconductors such as thyristors.
Following are the advantages of variable frequency drive panels that ordinary motor starters can’t offer
Modern industrial applications need fine control of speed/ torque of the driven motor equipment such as pumps, compressors, fans, rod mills, packaging systems etc.
The VFDs produce little bit of more heat than traditional motor starters and the panel must be designed with proper thermal management.
The motor shall be energy efficient motors with very good magnetic core stamping quality which otherwise would result in lot of heat due to eddy current losses and acoustic noise.
Unwanted harmonics causes lot of performance issues. These harmonics are addressed by using proper line side or load side filter chokes.
The VFD panel will be engineered and built with all the necessary gears for safety, isolation, protection, busbars or sized & insulated conductors, push buttons, selectors switches, speed adjustment potentiometers, panel mount external display pad, control wiring from an internal control equipment or a remote control equipment, harmonic filters, wiring terminations, mounting structure/ accessories, and may be pre-programmed for target application so that it may in an almost ready to install and use.
EXAMPLES OF VFD (VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE) PANELS
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"text": "The main function of the VFD or Variable Frequency Drive is to control the delivery of current to the AC induction motors, including the single-phase and the three-phase motors. However, during the operation, the magnetic flux and impedance of the motor are not affected. The drive can control the speed of the motor and make it more suitable for a particular application (as in the pumping, irrigation, packaging, fans, compressor, and other systems, thereby saving electricity consumption and improving the life of the equipment. The drive also protects from electric surges."
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"text": "VFDs can be of many different types, including the electrical drives (solid-state, DC, Eddy current and multi-speed drives), mechanical drives (traction drives, clutch, and adjustable sheave-belt drives), and hydraulic/fluid VFDs."
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"text": "The VFD displays various statistics and information about the VFD’s performance and functioning aspects. They also have the new controls (based on the microprocessors) and the smart displays make it easy to control the operations or to troubleshoot the problems. The sensors and the other inputs bring to the displays all the information necessary to make your operations cost-effective and error-free."
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"text": "The VFD panels safely house the VFD and other components and offer immense protection to the electrical components from hazards. They also have the interfaces for convenient control and operation and efficient displays to go through all information and stats related to the performance of the VFD drive and system. The circuit breakers of the panels protect the VFDs against power surges and the controls can be used for adjusting the speed of the motor. Specialized VFD panels like the “Submersible” panels can be used when the VFD is exposed to water or marine environments."
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FAQ's
What's the most common concern with using variable frequency drives VFDs? F
The most common concern with VFDs is electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electrical noise affecting nearby equipment due to high-frequency switching.
What is Safe Torque Off in Variable frequency drive?
Safe Torque Off (STO) in a VFD is a safety function that ensures the motor stops generating torque when the drive is turned off, enhancing safety by preventing unintended movement.
What is Dynamic Braking in variable frequency drive?
Dynamic braking in a VFD involves using the motor as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, and dissipating it as heat to stop or slow down the motor quickly.
Is it better to choose VFD instead of Soft Starter?
Choosing between VFD and Soft Starter depends on the application; VFDs offer speed control and energy savings, while Soft Starters are better for applications not requiring variable speed
How do you calculate VFD efficiency?
VFD efficiency is typically calculated by dividing the output power by the input power, considering losses due to heat and other factors during conversion.
