Frequency Inverter, also known as a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or an Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD), is an electronic device that controls the speed and torque of electric motors. It’s a key component in energy-saving solutions, especially in industrial settings where motor use is extensive.
Frequency Inverter, also known as a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or an Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD), is an electronic device that controls the speed and torque of electric motors. It’s a key component in energy-saving solutions, especially in industrial settings where motor use is extensive.
Here's how a frequency inverter contributes to energy efficiency:
Speed Control: By adjusting the motor’s operating speed to match the load requirements, frequency inverters reduce energy consumption and improve process control.
Energy Saving: They achieve effective control of power consumption by varying the motor speed. Lowering the motor speed during lighter loads can significantly reduce energy usage.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Operating motors at optimized speeds decreases mechanical stress, leading to less wear and tear on the equipment.
Improved Efficiency: Frequency inverters can increase motor efficiency and extend the lifespan of the machinery.
The basic principle involves converting the incoming AC power to DC through a rectifier, then feeding it into an inverter that generates a variable-frequency AC output. This output adjusts the frequency of the voltage to control the motor speed.
For example, in applications driving pumps and fans, installing a frequency inverter can cut the energy bill significantly, often more than the capital cost of the inverter itself, within a relatively short period.
Considering lifetime costs
It is worth remembering that 90% of the lifetime cost of an electric motor comes from its energy consumption. This can be illustrated by the fact that if just half of a country's electric motors were reduced in speed by 10%, it would have the net effect of mitigating for the carbon emissions of 9.8 million executive saloon cars every year.
So, the energy cost of a system should be the first thing a buying team looks for in a quote as it may well be the single item that most effects the bottom line over time. This is particularly true in process applications, where pumps and fans are widely used for liquid and air movement. Turning their speed down by 20% can translate to a 50% energy saving in a fan controlled by frequency inverter.
Energy consumption is exacerbated by the fact that motors are often over specified in process industries, so they can cope with worst case scenarios. Adding a frequency inverter will not remove this ability to manage in extremes, it will just reduce its cost on a day to day basis.
The cost of energy is important, but its security and continuity is crucial for sectors such as oil, sewage or petrochemicals. Maintaining a reliable energy supply requires both businesses and individuals to consume less and this is exactly what frequency inverters can help process companies achieve.
It must also be borne in mind that frequency inverters are not the panacea to all problems. They are not suitable for all types of motor applications, so engineers should always consult the our website or other specialist resources provided by the supplier when specifying a frequency inverter.
If you are a purchase man, or working at management level for a process company that uses substantial amounts of energy, frequen.
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