What You Should Know About Variable Frequency Drive? It is crucial to know about the working of variable frequency drives, as they are widely used in AC motor-driven applications. In comparison to traditional motor drives, VFD has greater operational capabilities and functionality. Other names for VFD are
- Adjustable speed drive
- Variable speed drive
- Adjustable frequency drive
- AC drive
- Microdrive
- Inverter
What Is a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)?
AC motor speed is managed in two ways – either by controlling the frequency or voltage. Frequency controlling offers more stability due to continuous flux density than voltage control. This is where the working of VFDs comes into the picture. In simple terms, it is a device that converts the fixed frequency and fixed voltage of the input power to the variable frequency and variable voltage output to control AC induction motors.
It comprises of powerful electronic devices (such as MOSFET, IGBT), high speed central controlling unit (like DSP, a microprocessor) and optional sensing devices depending on the use.
Most of the industrial applications need constant speeds at normal operating conditions and variable speeds at peak load conditions.
Why Do You Need a VFD?
VFDs are used in many different industrial and manufacturing settings; but they are especially valuable for controlling sludge and slurry pumps. Pumping water is comparatively a static process as water doesn’t change weight or density during the procedure. But a slurry will often be unevenly mixed. What’s moving through the pump may transform from a sticky form to a thin liquid within seconds. This can quickly lead to different problems when the pump is as positioned out in the field.
A pump that moves a very thick mixture with many solids needs a different amount of power than one that moves thin liquid. Since VFDs can adjust pump operations; the quick changes in operational load can easily be as compensated without any interruptions. The main advantages of a VFD when working with a slurry pump are:
- Minimizing pump maintenance by reducing total system pressure and keeping the equipment running at its full efficiency
- Controlling energy costs, which is important in many industries with limited margins
- Eliminating the number of control valves that needs maintenance and individual sensor installation
- Gaining control over motor speed without changing to costly DC motors
Pumping abrasive, tough slurries such as sewage or paper pulp is challenging due to the presence of large solids and changes in viscosity. All these problems can damage the pumps because they are as designed to run at a fixed load and speed.
Variable Frequency Drives enable slurry pumps and their motors to alter on the fly to the changes in the material pumped to ensure the system always runs at maximum energy efficiency.
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Source: https://www.dtrs.ca/