11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…

Variable-frequency drive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A variable-frequency drive (VFD) is a system for

controlling the rotational speed of an alternating current
(AC) electric motor by controlling the frequency of the
electrical power supplied to the motor.[1][2][3] A variable
frequency drive is a specific type of adjustable-speed drive.
Variable-frequency drives are also known as adjustable-
frequency drives (AFD), variable-speed drives (VSD), AC
drives, microdrives or inverter drives. Since the voltage is
varied along with frequency, these are sometimes also called
VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) drives.

Variable-frequency drives are widely used. For example, in

ventilations systems for large buildings, variable-frequency
motors on fans save energy by allowing the volume of air
moved to match the system demand. Variable frequency
drives are also used on pumps, conveyor and machine tool
drives.

Small variable frequency drive

Contents
1 VFD types
2 VFD system description
2.1 VFD motor
2.2 VFD controller
2.3 VFD operator interface
3 VFD Operation
4 Power line harmonics
5 Applications considerations
6 Available VFD power ratings
7 Brushless DC motor drives
8 See also
9 References
10 External links

VFD types
All VFDs use their output devices (IGBTs, transistors, thyristors) only as switches, turning them only on or off.
Attempting to use a linear device such as transistor in its linear mode would be impractical, since power dissipated
…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 1/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…
in the output devices would be about as much as power delivered to the load.

Drives can be classified as:

Constant voltage
Constant current
Cycloconverter

In a constant voltage converter, the intermediate DC link voltage remains approximately constant during each output
cycle. In constant current drives, a large inductor is placed between the input rectifier and the output bridge, so the
current delivered is nearly constant. A cycloconverter has no input rectifier or DC link and instead connects each
output terminal to the appropriate input phase.

The most common type of packaged VF drive is the constant-voltage type, using pulse width modulation to control
both the frequency and effective voltage applied to the motor load.

VFD system description

A variable frequency drive system generally consists of
an AC motor, a controller and an operator
interface.[4][5]

VFD motor

The motor used in a VFD system is usually a three-

phase induction motor. Some types of single-phase
motors can be used, but three-phase motors are usually
preferred. Various types of synchronous motors offer VFD system
advantages in some situations, but induction motors are
suitable for most purposes and are generally the most
economical choice. Motors that are designed for fixed-speed mains voltage operation are often used, but certain
enhancements to the standard motor designs offer higher reliability and better VFD performance.[6]

VFD controller
Variable frequency drive controllers are solid state electronic power conversion devices. The usual design first
converts AC input power to DC intermediate power using a rectifier bridge. The DC intermediate power is then
converted to quasi-sinusoidal AC power using an inverter switching circuit. The rectifier is usually a three-phase
diode bridge, but controlled rectifier circuits are also used. Since incoming power is converted to DC, many units
will accept single-phase as well as three-phase input power (acting as a phase converter as well as a speed
controller); however the unit must be derated when using single phase input as only part of the rectifier bridge is
carrying the connected load.[7]

As new types of semiconductor switches have been

introduced, these have promptly been applied to inverter
circuits at all voltage and current ratings for which
suitable devices are available. Introduced in the 1980s,
the insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) became the
…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 2/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…
device used in most VFD inverter circuits in the first
decade of the 21st century.[8][9][10]

AC motor characteristics require the applied voltage to

be proportionally adjusted whenever the frequency is
PWM VFD Diagram
changed in order to deliver the rated torque. For
example, if a motor is designed to operate at 460 volts at
60 Hz, the applied voltage must be reduced to 230 volts when the frequency is reduced to 30 Hz. Thus the ratio of
volts per hertz must be regulated to a constant value (460/60 = 7.67 V/Hz in this case). For optimum performance,
some further voltage adjustment may be necessary especially at low speeds, but constant volts per hertz is the
general rule. This ratio can be changed in order to change the torque delivered by the motor.[11] page 3.

In addition to this simple volts per hertz control more advanced control methods such as vector control and direct
torque control (DTC) exist. These methods adjust the motor voltage in such a way that the magnetic flux and
mechanical torque of the motor can be precisely controlled.

The usual method used to achieve variable motor voltage is pulse-width modulation (PWM). With PWM voltage
control, the inverter switches are used to construct a quasi-sinusoidal output waveform by a series of narrow
voltage pulses with sinusoidally varying pulse durations.[1][8] pp82–85.

Operation of the motors above rated name plate speed (base speed) is possible, but is limited to conditions that do
not require more power than nameplate rating of the motor. This is sometimes called "field weakening" and, for AC
motors, means operating at less than rated volts/hertz and above rated name plate speed. Permanent magnet
synchronous motors have quite limited field weakening speed range due to the constant magnet flux linkage. Wound
rotor synchronous motors and induction motors have much wider speed range. For example, a 100 hp, 460 V, 60
Hz, 1775 RPM (4 pole) induction motor supplied with 460 V, 75 Hz (6.134 V/Hz), would be limited to 60/75 =
80% torque at 125% speed (2218.75 RPM) = 100% power.[12] At higher speeds the induction motor torque has
to be limited further due to the lowering of the breakaway torque of the motor. Thus rated power can be typically
produced only up to 130...150 % of the rated name plate speed. Wound rotor synchronous motors can be run
even higher speeds. In rolling mill drives often 200...300 % of the base speed is used. Naturally the mechanical
strength of the rotor and lifetime of the bearings is also limiting the maximum speed of the motor. It is recommended
to consult the motor manufacturer if more than 150 % speed is required by the application.

An embedded microprocessor governs the overall operation of the

VFD controller. The main microprocessor programming is in firmware
that is inaccessible to the VFD user. However, some degree of
configuration programming and parameter adjustment is usually
provided so that the user can customize the VFD controller to suit
specific motor and driven equipment requirements.[8]

VFD operator interface

The operator interface, also commonly known as an Human Machine PWM VFD Output Voltage Waveform
Interface (HMI), provides a means for an operator to start and stop
the motor and adjust the operating speed. Additional operator control
functions might include reversing and switching between manual speed
adjustment and automatic control from an external process control
signal. The operator interface often includes an alphanumeric display
…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 3/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…
and/or indication lights and meters to provide information about the
operation of the drive. An operator interface keypad and display unit
is often provided on the front of the VFD controller as shown in the
photograph above. The keypad display can often be cable-connected
and mounted a short distance from the VFD controller. Most are also
provided with input and output (I/O) terminals for connecting
pushbuttons, switches and other operator interface devices or control
signals. A serial communications port is also often available to allow
the VFD to be configured, adjusted, monitored and controlled using a
computer.[8][13][14]

VFD Operation PWM AC variable speed drive

When an induction motor is connected to a full voltage supply, it

draws several times ( up to about 6 times) its rated current. As the load accelerates, the available torque usually
drops a little and then rises to a peak while the current remains very high until the motor approaches full speed.

By contrast, when a VFD starts a motor, it initially applies a low frequency and voltage to the motor. The starting
frequency is typically 2 Hz or less. Thus starting at such a low frequency avoids the high inrush current that occurs
when a motor is started by simply applying the utility (mains) voltage by turning on a switch. After the start of the
VFD, the applied frequency and voltage are increased at a controlled rate or ramped up to accelerate the load
without drawing excessive current. This starting method typically allows a motor to develop 150% of its rated
torque while the VFD is drawing less than 50% of its rated current from the mains in the low speed range. A VFD
can be adjusted to produce a steady 150% starting torque from standstill right up to full speed.[15] Note, however,
that cooling of the motor is usually not good in the low speed range. Thus running at low speeds even with rated
torque for long periods is not possible due to overheating of the motor. If continuous operation with high torque is
required in low speeds an external fan is needed. Please consult the manufacturer of the motor and/or the VFD.

In principle, the current on the motor side is in direct proportion of the torque that is generated and the voltage on
the motor is in direct proportion of the actual speed, while on the network side, the voltage is constant, thus the
current on line side is in direct proportion of the power drawn by the motor, that is U.I or C.N where C is torque
and N the speed of the motor (we shall consider losses as well, neglected in this explanation).

(1) n stands for network (grid) and m for motor

(2) C stands for torque [Nm] and U for voltage [V] and I for current [A] and N for speed [rad/s]
We neglect losses for the moment :
Un.In = Um.Im (same power drawn from network and from motor)
Um.Im = Cm.Nm (motor mechanical power = motor electrical power)
Given Un is a constant (network voltage) we conclude : In = Cm.Nm/Un That is "line current (network) is in direct
proportion of motor power".

With a VFD, the stopping sequence is just the opposite as the starting sequence. The frequency and voltage applied
to the motor are ramped down at a controlled rate. When the frequency approaches zero, the motor is shut off. A
small amount of braking torque is available to help decelerate the load a little faster than it would stop if the motor
were simply switched off and allowed to coast. Additional braking torque can be obtained by adding a braking
circuit (resistor controlled by a transistor) to dissipate the braking energy. With 4-quadrants recifiers (active-front-
end), the VFD is able to brake the load by applying a reverse torque and reverting the energy back to the network.

…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 4/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…

Power line harmonics

While PWM allows for nearly sinusoidal currents to be applied to a motor load, the diode rectifier of the VFD
takes roughly square-wave current pulses out of the AC grid, creating harmonic distortion in the power line voltage.
When the VFD load size is small and the available utility power is large, the effects of VFD systems slicing small
chunks out of AC grid generally go unnoticed. Further, in low voltage networks the harmonics caused by single
phase equipment such as computers and TVs are such that they are partially cancelled by three-phase diode bridge
harmonics.

However, when either a large number of low-amperage VFDs, or just a few very large-load VFDs are used, they
can have a cumulative negative impact on the AC voltages available to other utility customers in the same grid.

When the utility voltage becomes misshapen and distorted the losses in other loads such as normal AC motors are
increased. This may in the worst case lead to overheating and shorter operation life. Also substation transformers
and compensation capacitors are affected, the latter especially if resonances are aroused by the harmonics.

In order to limit the voltage distortion the owner of the VFDs may be required to install filtering equipment to
smooth out the irregular waveform. Alternately, the utility may choose to install filtering equipment of its own at
substations affected by the large amount of VFD equipment being used. In high power installations decrease of the
harmonics can be obtained by supplying the VSDs from transformers that have different phase shift.[16]

Further, it is possible to use instead of the diode rectifier a similar transistor circuit that is used to control the motor.
This kind of rectifier is called active infeed converter in IEC standards. However, manufacturers call it by several
names such as active rectifier, ISU (IGBT Supply Unit), AFE (Active Front End) or four quadrant rectifier. With
PWM control of the transistors and filter inductors in the supply lines the AC current can be made nearly sinusoidal.
Even better attenuation of the harmonics can be obtained by using an LCL (inductor-capacitor-inductor) filter
instead of single three-phase filter inductor.

Additional advantage of the active infeed converter over the diode bridge is its ability to feed back the energy from
the DC side to the AC grid. Thus no braking resistor is needed and the efficiency of the drive is improved if the
drive is frequently required to brake the motor.

Applications considerations
The output voltage of a PWM VFD consists of a train of pulses switched at the carrier frequency. Because of the
rapid rise time of these pulses, transmission line effects of the cable between the drive and motor must be
considered. Since the transmission-line impedance of the cable and motor are different, pulses tend to reflect back
from the motor terminals into the cable. If the cable is long enough, the resulting voltages can produce up to twice
the rated line voltage, putting high stress on the cable and motor winding and eventual insulation failure. Because of
the standard ratings of cables and windings, this phenomenon is of little concern for modern 230 V motors, may be
a consideration for long runs and 480 V motors, and frequently a concern for 600 V motors. At 460 V, the
maximum recommended cable distances between VFDs and motors can vary by a factor of 2.5:1. The longer
cables distances are allowed at the lower Carrier Switching Frequencies (CSF) of 2.5 kHz. The lower CSF can
produce audible noise at the motors. For applications requiring long motor cables VSD manufacturers usually offer
du/dt filters that decrease the steepness of the pulses. For very long cables or old motors with insufficient winding
insulation more efficient sinus filter is recommended.

Further, the rapid rise time of the pulses may cause trouble with the motor bearings. The stray capacitance of the
…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 5/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…
windings provide paths for high frequency currents that close through the bearings. If the voltage between the shaft
and the shield of the motor exceeds few volts the stored charge is discharged as a small spark. Repeated sparking
causes erosion in the bearing surface that can be seen as fluting pattern. In order to prevent sparking the motor
cable should provide a low impedance return path from the motor frame back to the inverter. Thus it is essential to
use a cable designed to be used with VSDs.[17]

In big motors a slip ring with brush can be used to provide a bypass path for the bearing currents. Alternatively
isolated bearings can be used.

The 2.5 kHz and 5 kHz CSFs cause less motor bearing problems than caused by CSFs at 20 kHz.[18] Shorter
cables are recommended at the higher CSF of 20 kHz. The minimum CSF for synchronize tracking of multiple
conveyors is 8 kHz.

The high frequency current ripple in the motor cables may also cause interference with other cabling in the building.
This is another reason to use a motor cable designed for VSDs that has a symmetrical three-phase structure and
good shielding. Further, it is highly recommended to route the motor cables as far away from signal cables as
possible.[19]

Available VFD power ratings

Variable frequency drives are available with voltage and current ratings to match the majority of 3-phase motors
that are manufactured for operation from utility (mains) power. VFD controllers designed to operate at 110 V to
690 V are often classified as low voltage units. Low voltage units are typically designed for use with motors rated to
deliver 0.2 kW or 1/4 horsepower (hp) up to several megawatts. For example, the largest ABB ACS800 single
drives are rated for 5.6 MW[20] . Medium voltage VFD controllers are designed to operate at 2,400/4,162 V (60
Hz), 3,000 V (50 Hz) or up to 10 kV. In some applications a step up transformer is placed between a low voltage
drive and a medium voltage load. Medium voltage units are typically designed for use with motors rated to deliver
375 kW or 500 hp and above. Medium voltage drives rated above 7 kV and 5,000 or 10,000 hp should probably
be considered to be one-of-a-kind (one-off) designs.[21]

Medium voltage drives are generally rated amongst the following voltages : 2,3 KV - 3,3 Kv - 4 Kv - 6 Kv - 11
Kv
The in-between voltages are generally possible as well. The power of MV drives is generally in the range of 0,3 to
100 MW however involving a range a several different type of drives with different technologies.

Brushless DC motor drives

Much of the same logic contained in large, powerful VFDs is also embedded in small brushless DC motors such as
those commonly used in computer fans. In this case, the chopper usually converts a low DC voltage (such as 12
volts) to the three-phase current used to drive the electromagnets that turn the permanent magnet rotor.

See also
Direct torque control
Frequency changer
Space Vector Modulation
Variable speed air compressor
…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 6/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…
Vector control (motor)

References
1. ^ a b Campbell, Sylvester J. (1987). Solid-State AC Motor Controls. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.. pp. 79–189.
ISBN 0-8247-7728-X.
2. ^ Jaeschke, Ralph L. (1978). Controlling Power Transmission Systems. Cleveland, OH: Penton/IPC. pp. 210–215.
3. ^ Siskind, Charles S. (1963). Electrical Control Systems in Industry. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.. p. 224. ISBN
0070577463.
4. ^ name=Jaeschke pp210-211
5. ^ NEMA Standards Publication (2001). Application Guide for AC Adjustable Speed Drive Systems
(http://www.nema.org/stds/acadjustable.cfm) . Rosslyn, VA USA: National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
p. 3. http://www.nema.org/stds/acadjustable.cfm. Retrieved 2008-03-27.
6. ^ name=NEMA-Guide| pages=pp. 9-12
7. ^ name=Campbell pages= pp79-83
8. ^ a b c d Bartos, Frank J. (2004-09-01). "AC Drives Stay Vital for the 21st Century"
(http://www.controleng.com/article/CA450388.html) . Control Engineering (Reed Business Information).
http://www.controleng.com/article/CA450388.html. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
9. ^ Eisenbrown, Robert E. (2008-05-18). "AC Drives, Historical and Future Perspective of Innovation and Growth"
(http://www.wempec.wisc.edu/keynotes.htm) . Keynote Presentation for the 25th Anniversary of The Wisconsin
Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC). University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA:
WEMPEC. pp. 6–10. http://www.wempec.wisc.edu/keynotes.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
10. ^ Jahn, Thomas M.; Owen, Edward L. (January 2001). "AC Adjustable-Speed Drives at the Millennium: How Did
We Get Here?". IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics (IEEE) 16 (1): 17–25.
11. ^ Bose, Bimal K. (1980). Adjustable Speed AC Drive Systems. New York: IEEE Press. ISBN 0-87942-146-0.
12. ^ name=Bose p3
13. ^ Cleaveland, Peter (2007-11-01). "AC Adjustable Speed Drives"
(http://www.controleng.com/article/ca6498622.html) . Control Engineering (Reed Business Information).
http://www.controleng.com/article/ca6498622.html. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
14. ^ name=Campbell pp107-129
15. ^ name=Campbell pp95-102
16. ^ "Guide to Harmonics with AC Drives - Technical Guide No. 6"
(http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/518a84b65bb2ff40c1256d280083acbd/$File/Technical
_Guide6_EN.pdf) . Technical Guides (ABB). 2002-05-17.
http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/518a84b65bb2ff40c1256d280083acbd/$File/Technical_
Guide6_EN.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
17. ^ "Bearing Currents in Modern AC Drive Systems - Technical Guide No. 5"
(http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/21ffaa7522ebdf98c1256d280040db60/$File/ABB_Tech
nical_Guide_5.pdf) . Technical Guides (ABB). 1999-12-01.
http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/21ffaa7522ebdf98c1256d280040db60/$File/ABB_Tech
nical_Guide_5.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
18. ^ PLANT SERVICE magazine - Causes of and solutions for shaft currents
(http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2007/022.html?page=2)
^
19. "EMC compliant installation and configuration for a power drive system - Technical Guide No. 3"
(http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/a8dc0a0e66d66118c12575d6002fd22d/$File/Tg3_EM
C_CompliantInstallation_61348280_Rev_D.pdf) . Technical Guides (ABB). 2008-04-11.
http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/a8dc0a0e66d66118c12575d6002fd22d/$File/Tg3_EMC
_CompliantInstallation_61348280_Rev_D.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
20. ^ "ACS800 Single drives flyers"
(http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/133e3ffb6c57af54c12574f0004bfb30/$File/ACS800_si
ngledrivesflyer_EN_REVC.pdf) . Advertisements (ABB). 2009-07-19.

…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 7/8
11/02/2010 Variable-frequency drive - Wikipedia, t…
http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot201.nsf/veritydisplay/133e3ffb6c57af54c12574f0004bfb30/$File/ACS800_sin
gledrivesflyer_EN_REVC.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
21. ^ Bartos, Frank J. (2000-02-01). "Medium-Voltage AC Drives Shed Custom Image"
(http://www.controleng.com/article/CA191379.html) . Control Engineering (Reed Business Information).
http://www.controleng.com/article/CA191379.html. Retrieved 2008-03-28.

External links
Links to drive system engineering guides for harmonics, emc, safety and fieldbus
(http://www.controltechniques.com/guides)
Link to the IET Control Techniques Drives and Controls Handbook (http://www.driveshandbook.com)
What is a Variable Frequency Drive (http://www.joliettech.com/what_is_a_variable_frequency_drive.htm)
EC&M - Understanding Variable Speed Drives
(http://www.ecmweb.com/mag/electric_understanding_variable_speed_3/index.html)
Links to AC Drives Manufacturers (http://www.motorcontrol.com/2007HomePageLinks/acdrives.htm)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-frequency_drive"
Categories: Automation | Electric motors | Electronics terms | Electric power systems components | Electrical power
conversion | Mechanical power transmission | Mechanical power control | Electrical power control

This page was last modified on 2 February 2010 at 20:13.

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.
See Terms of Use for details.
Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

…wikipedia.org/…/Variable-frequency_… 8/8