Top 10 Uses Of AC/DC Variable Frequency Drives

Variable frequency drive (VFD) is a critical component in any machine. It is a motor controller responsible for driving an electric motor by varying the voltage and frequency applied to the same. A VFD is also called variable speed drive, adjustable frequency drive, inverter, AC drive or an adjustable speed drive.

It is extremely important to maintain a VFD to ensure the smooth functioning of your machine. In case there is any sign of defect in the drive, it is advisable to seek reliable AC drive repair services without any delay.

Based on VFD fundamentals, the term variable frequency drive and AC drive are synonymous. However, there are also DC drives that convert alternating current into direct current for running a DC motor.

AC and DC variable frequency drives have a myriad of uses in several industries. 10 of these applications are mentioned in this blog:

1. Irrigation Pumping

VFD use in irrigation pumping has several benefits for the sector, including cutting costs of pumping applications. Here, VFD is used in a motor in connection with the curve of the irrigation pump.

The curve is plotted into a simulation program that shows how the varying speed influences the nature of the pump. This change, along with the change in the kilowatts power consumed by the pump at different duty points allows you to make a well-informed decision.

2. Crane And Hoist Applications

The VFD use in crane and other hoist applications results in an efficiency up to 90% due to the precision provided by the device. Here, VFDs are used in asynchronous motors in overhead hoist and crane applications for lifting significant amount of weight with ease and efficiency.

3. Treadmill

VFD is also beneficial for all the fitness lovers as it finds its way in treadmills. Here, they are used along with an AC motor as a replacement to previously-used DC motors.

Earlier, DC brush motors were used in treadmills for cost-saving purposes, but did not sustain because of high failure ratio (of carbon brush and commutator device), low-speed torque and high maintenance cost. These weaknesses were overcome by VFDs used with AC motors.

4. Air-conditioning System

This is a highly common use of variable frequency drive for controlling temperatures. This VFD use has larger environmental implications as it reduces the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and saves energy.

Especially in the sub-tropical regions where the use of air-conditioners is fairly high, VFDs help in manufacturers in coming up with new designs with intelligent technology and energy-saving mechanisms to tackle major environmental issues.

5. Paper And Pulp machines

In the paper and pulp machines, VFDs allow the drive points of each machine to start and stop separately, making provision for adjusting their speeds. They help in increasing and decreasing the sync speeds of the machined effectively.

With the use of VFD, the speed of a paper machine would be automatically recovered as the original operating speed after paper tensioning. You can adjust the maximum design speed according to specific production requirements with an emergency stop function in the machine.

6. Wire And Cable Industry

The use of VFD in wire and cable industry has aided in solving the electric control problem of pay-off wire rack and take-up wheel. Here, instead of using A/D, D/A modules and PLC, variable frequency drive uses PID and close-loop control to function in the machines.

This way, VFD results in reforming the old cable and wire systems, allowing any common electric maintainer is able to operate the machines.

7. Oil Industry

Oil industry has been using a constant speed motor drive in the oil pumps. However, as the power consumption varies with varying load size, it resulted in wasting a lot of energy.

The use of VFDs along with AC motors has revolutionised the industry with increased frequency range, dynamic response, increased accuracy and limited energy consumption.

Also Read:  PowerOne V6 Variable Frequency Drive

8. Textile Machines

VFDs have been widely used in textile machines, aiding technical advancement in the industry. Textile mills can hardly function without air-conditioners and VFD control helps in reducing power consumption and electricity expenses.

VFDs are used along with an AC motor in AC induction motor and AC variable speed induction motor for increasing its precision and speed range.

9. Thermal Power Plant

Medium voltage VFDs are commonly used in thermal plants in large asynchronous motors. They are largely used in the restructuring of water supply pumps for better precision and saving of energy.

VFDs decrease the speed of motors in case less water is require for an operation and vice versa, controlling the amount of energy used in the power plant.

10. Submersible Motor

VFDs are also used in submersible motors for controlling the speed at which the motors operate. They also increase the overall efficiency of the submersible pumping system, providing better and more sustainable results.