A Review of Variable Frequency Drives
Variable frequency drives (VFD), which are also known as AC drives, frequency drives, inverters, speed drives, and micro-drives, are motor controllers capable of driving electric motors. The way this is accomplished is that the frequencies and voltages going to electric motors are varied.
Brief Introduction to Variable Frequency Drives
This type of adjustable speed drive is used primarily in electro-mechanical drive systems as a means of controlling torque but also AC motor speed by varying input voltage and frequency of the motor. There are several applications that use these drives to include smaller appliances to massive mine mill compressors.
Today, roughly 25% of electrical energy in the world is consumed by electric motors within various industrial applications. Using a variable frequency drive in centrifugal load service, motors save energy. Although these drives are extremely popular within North America, they hold a very small market in other parts of the world. The bottom line, installation of variable frequency drives could significantly improve energy efficiency.
Throughout the past four years, the cost and size of variable frequency drives has been dramatically reduced thanks to power electronics technology. In addition, overall performance has been improved upon through advances made in semiconductor switching devices, control and simulation techniques, control software and hardware, and different drive topologies.
Contact Us:
Northern Industrial Supply Company Inc. 1730 McPherson Court, Unit #35 Pickering, Ontario Canada, L1W 3E6 Email: [email protected] Phone On: 905-831-8067
