Posted on 20th Jan 2023
Most motor operating machines advantage from the use of variable frequency drives (VFD). There is energy savings in some applications and in other, it improves control of the application.
According to CM Industry Supply Automation, variable torque loads provides the most energy saving and efficacy advantages. This category contains fans, pumps, & air handling units.
Pumps
Variable Speed Drive controlled pump motors carriage fluids by making sure the right motor speed for maintaining a safe pipe pressure. They profit all types of pumps such as boiler feedwater, HVAC water circulation, wastewater treatment, process cooling, & clean water applications.
Energy efficiency advantages
According to CM Industry Supply Automation pumps are accountable for the release of 2.7 million tons of carbon per year. They signify the highest single use of purpose power in industry and commerce. Meanwhile pumps are variable torque, they carry the biggest energy savings when utilizing speed control.
Productivity improvement advantages
Variable Speed Drive improve reliability of system and simplify pipe systems by cutting down the requirement for control valves and by-pass lines. They also offer soft-start and stop thus cutting down wear and tear on the motors and decreasing leaks from pressure surges. All this results minimum maintenance and life cycle prices and enhances plant availability.
Fans
There are various types of fans utilized to pass air and gases in commercial applications, for instance centrifugal and axial. Whether belt operating, or direct coupled, most advantage from VFD control to save energy, advance procedures and cutting down maintenance costs.
Energy efficiency advantages
Usually, air flow control is through a mechanical damper in the duct operation, either formerly or afterward the fan. The damper type is crucial as dissimilar designs affect the performance and load of fan. Mostly large energy savings are attainable through Variable frequency drive control by removing the requirement for dampers. In condition of no external control, using the energy optimization of drive features enables easier system designs to cut down losses of motor and save energy.
Productivity improvement advantages
Whether belt operating or direct coupled, Variable frequency drive can cut down maintenance costs via soft start control of the fan. Substantial reductions in belt or gearbox deterioration increase system reliability and availability. Where big fans ‘windmill’ while out of service, Variable speed drive can catch, sluggish, and stop them in a controlled way. This avoids big stresses when beginning direct-online and defends against early failure of mechanical and electrical parts.
Air handling units
Air handling unit’s fans are often operating by the motor through a pulley system. Designers oversize the motors for catering the biggest room occupation on hot days and permit for blocked filters. The motors operate at complete speed and in some systems, the air flow control is by mechanical dampers.
Energy efficiency advantages
Installing a Variable Speed Drive on the supply and extract fans permit the Air Handling Unit to operate according to demand, bringing important energy savings. The fan follows the affinity laws, so big savings on power are attainable with even minor reduction in speed.
Installing a variance pressure switch through the filter will permit change of fan speed to offer a continuous airflow even when filters turned blocked. This permit the motor to operate at its most effectual speed.
Productivity improvement advantages
With Variable Speed Drive controlled Air handling unit, the fan drive belts lifetime is longer and there is less deterioration on bearings via soft start/stop. Even, automatic belt checking upsurges intervals between maintenance and provide early warning of breakages. Furthermore, slower motor speeds refer to lower noise levels and lengthier intervals between air filter variation. Lastly, configuring the Variable Speed Drive output offers condition monitoring of filters to offer an indication of when a filter needs replacement or cleaning.
Contact us for help in choose the correct Lenze Drive, KEB Drive, Siemens Drive, Yaskawa Drive, Danfoss Drive, Darwin Motion VFD and more for your motor applications.