What are VFDs & Who Should Use Them?
Posted by Marshall Wolf on Dec 5th 2022
Let’s start with what variable frequency drives are for…
Variable frequency drives are used for electronic speed control of AC induction motors. Simply put, a VFD adjusts your motor speed to closely match output requirements, which can lead to energy savings from 10 to 50%.
This is done by varying the degree of frequency and voltage the application’s motor is running based on current requirements rather than running at full capacity 100% of the time.
You may have also heard these referred to as: adjustable speed drives, variable speed drives, AC drives, microdrives or inverters.
Generally a full VFD system includes an AC motor, a controller and some sort of operator interface.
Beyond speed control, newer VFDs now provide methods of braking, power boost during ramp-up, and a variety of controls during ramp-down.
Not only do these options improve product longevity with controlled acceleration, but they can reduce start-up costs during peak electrical demands.
The second question is who should be using variable frequency drives? We can make this easy to determine by asking you the following questions:
- Do you have AC industrial electric motors in your facility?
- Are you looking to lengthen the life of these motors by running them at speeds that are designed for variable loads?
- Are you trying to save on energy costs?
If you said yes to the above questions, it may be time to consider installing a variable frequency drives to your application. Learn about the different types of VFDs here.
Still not sure if variable frequency drive is right for you?
Here are some of the more commonly seen applications, though we are always learning of new and innovative ways to control motor speeds:
Irrigation and pumping systems, conveyor belts, compressors, blower speeds, pump speeds, machine tool speeds, and other applications that could require variable speed with variable torque.
Want to learn even more benefits of a VFD in your industry?
VFDs.org has a great collection of applications studies going into detail how variable frequency drives can make your application more cost efficient and easier to maintain.
What benefits can a VFD used with a compressor provide in the oil and gas industry?
- Less maintenance means less downtime. While gas turbines may require plenty of upkeep, VFDs and motors generally require very little maintenance.
- Accurate speed control and process control allows optimum plant flow balance to be obtained.
- Lower energy costs due to higher VFD and motor efficiency compared to gas turbines.
- Lowered CO2 NOX and noise emissions.
- Lower capital equipment, spare parts and maintenance cost.
Variable speed AC drives save energy costs, extend the life of your motor and take the burden off other power components.
Many utilities are even offering rebates for using variable frequency drives.
Would you like assistance in finding out which of our high performance AC drives would be best for your application? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to assist you in finding the right VFD for your application.