Variable speed drives also known as Variable frequency drives, are a type of motor drive that are used in electromechanical systems for controlling speed. These are used at different places in different sizes in order to control the speed and torque.
Benefits of Variable speed drives
Variable speed drives have several benefits and some of those are mentioned below.
Energy savings
The best thing about Variable frequency drive is that you can save a lot of energy with its usage.
Adjusts the power
As per your requirement, the variable speed drives adjust the power. While there is no requirement for high power then the machine reduces the power supply.
Adjustable speed
VSD lets you adjust the speed as per the requirement. This full adjusted speed quality makes it much more in demand.
Smooth motion
Through variable speed drive, you can experience the smooth motion of different applications like escalators and elevators.
Ideal for manufacturing different equipment
Variable frequency drives also maintain the speed of different kinds of pieces of equipment and it is ideal for manufacturing several industrial equipments and other types of equipment such as crushers, grinders and mixers.
Reduces the cost
As you start using a Variable speed drive, you will be able to save a lot of energy which means you will be able to automatically save a lot of money for which you have been paying in terms of energy.
Others
There are many other advantages of VSD like it is a dynamic torque control, it is versatile, it relays outputs, it is simple to install, it has advanced overload protection, and it has a high-power factor.
Maintenance of Variable speed drives
Are you aware of the maintenance of Variable speed drives? If not, then here are a few things that you should know.
Keeping it clean
It is very essential to keep your VFD clean all the time. Usually, VFDs are NEMA 1 or sometimes it is NEMA 12, the NEMA 1 VFDs are mend for indoor use and it requires regular cleaning so that the airflow is not affected. The NEMA 12 VFDs are a kind of closed unit that is usually sealed against debris and dust.
Keeping it dry
VFD is an electronic thing so just like other electronic stuff you should avoid moisture in the VFDs. If you compare NEMA 1 and NEMA 12, you will find that NEMA 12 are quite safer with the splashes of water as it is sealed but NEMA 1 are very vulnerable to water. So, while you plan the space for installation, you must keep in mind that the variable speed drive stays dry.
Keeping the connections tight
It is very important to keep your VFDs connection tight for better performance. Because of heat cycles or mechanical vibrations, the VFD connection might get loose but you should keep checking it. One needs to also check that the connection is not overtight or it might create issues.
Others
Over the week you should keep an extra focus on unusual sounds or working of the variable speed drive. Every month you should at least get the filters cleaner and it is very important to get your unit cleaned and inspect the parts annually.
Conclusion
Variable speed drives are motor controllers which need proper maintenance. The VFDs have several advantages in our lives such as it can save energy, adjust the speed, it can also adjust the power and much more.
