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    How To Select A Variable Frequency Drive

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    hasbi fadli
    The document discusses six factors to consider when selecting a variable frequency drive (VFD): 1) Full load amperage of the motor, 2) Overload conditions, 3) Application type as either variable torque or constant torque, 4) Altitude affecting cooling, 5) Temperature and need for enclosure ventilation, and 6) Carrier frequency for noise and heat reduction. It emphasizes properly sizing the VFD based on the motor's current demands and any overload conditions, and accounting for environmental factors like altitude and temperature that impact cooling.

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    How To Select A Variable Frequency Drive

    Uploaded by

    hasbi fadli
    238 views2 pages
    The document discusses six factors to consider when selecting a variable frequency drive (VFD): 1) Full load amperage of the motor, 2) Overload conditions, 3) Application type as either variable torque or constant torque, 4) Altitude affecting cooling, 5) Temperature and need for enclosure ventilation, and 6) Carrier frequency for noise and heat reduction. It emphasizes properly sizing the VFD based on the motor's current demands and any overload conditions, and accounting for environmental factors like altitude and temperature that impact cooling.

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    electrical

    Original Title

    How to Select a Variable Frequency Drive

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    The document discusses six factors to consider when selecting a variable frequency drive (VFD): 1) Full load amperage of the motor, 2) Overload conditions, 3) Application type as either variable torque or constant torque, 4) Altitude affecting cooling, 5) Temperature and need for enclosure ventilation, and 6) Carrier frequency for noise and heat reduction. It emphasizes properly sizing the VFD based on the motor's current demands and any overload conditions, and accounting for environmental factors like altitude and temperature that impact cooling.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    238 views2 pages

    How To Select A Variable Frequency Drive

    Uploaded by

    hasbi fadli
    The document discusses six factors to consider when selecting a variable frequency drive (VFD): 1) Full load amperage of the motor, 2) Overload conditions, 3) Application type as either variable torque or constant torque, 4) Altitude affecting cooling, 5) Temperature and need for enclosure ventilation, and 6) Carrier frequency for noise and heat reduction. It emphasizes properly sizing the VFD based on the motor's current demands and any overload conditions, and accounting for environmental factors like altitude and temperature that impact cooling.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    How to Select a Variable Frequency Drive

    It may be tempting to size a variable frequency drive (VFD) based on horsepower alone. Did you
    know there are six other factors you should take into consideration to ensure that you specify the
    correct AC drive for your application?

    Read below to learn more about the six factors you should be considering when choosing a VFD.

    Full Load Amperage


    The first step in this process is making sure the drive can handle the motors current demands.
    Check the motor nameplate for the Full Load Current requirement, then find a drive that’s rated
    for at least that much current. If you are feeding the drive with single-phase power, be sure to
    use the drive ratings for single-phase. Variable frequency drives are significantly derated for
    single-phase operation. NOTE: All AC motors used with VFDs must be three-phase motors.
    VFDs always create three-phase output for the motor, even when the drive is powered with
    single-phase power.

    Overload
    Be sure the drive can handle any overload conditions you may expect during startup or
    intermittent extra loading. You may need to upsize the drive until you find one that can handle it.
    Many applications experience temporary overload conditions due to starting requirements or
    impact loading. Most AC drives are designed to operate at 150% overload for 60 seconds. If the
    application requires an overload greater than 150% or longer than 60 seconds, the AC drive must
    be oversized. NOTE: Applications that require replacement of existing motor starters with AC
    drives may require up to 600% overload.

    Application Type
    There are two application types: variable torque (VT) and constant torque (CT) and separate
    ratings for each. Use VT ratings for fans and pumps or consult the CT ratings for conveyors and
    general machine control. It is important to know the application type because the drive
    specifications are organized accordingly. If you aren’t sure which one to use it’s recommended
    to go with CT.

    Altitude
    The altitude at which you’re using your VFD also has an effect on cooling. As the altitude
    increases, the air becomes less dense. This decrease in air density decreases the cooling
    properties of the air. Most VFDs are designed to operate at 100% capacity at altitudes of up to
    1000m. If you’re at a higher altitude, the drive must be oversized to compensate for the decrease
    in cooling.
    Temperature
    AC drives generate a significant amount of heat and can cause the internal temperature of an
    enclosure to exceed the temperature rating of the drive. Enclosure ventilation and/or cooling may
    be required. Make measurements/calculations for the maximum expected ambient temperature.
    NOTE: GS4 drives are ‘flange mountable’. This through-the-wall mounting technique puts
    the drive’s heatsink fins on the outside of the enclosure. This drastically reduces the thermal load
    inside the enclosure.

    Carrier Frequency
    Generally, you want to look for the lowest carrier frequency your motor can handle. Most of the
    time the default carrier frequency will work fine, but if you need to reduce the audible noise, the
    heat dissipation or the power consumption, then make sure you are able to modify the carrier
    frequency for the drive.

    For more information, check out the detailed video below on selecting a variable frequency drive
    or visit https://www.automationdirect.com/drives.

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