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Variable frequency drive (VFD): Working principle, Function (http://www.electricalterminology.com/what-is-variable-frequency-drive/)

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Variable frequency drive (VFD):

Working principle, Function Posts List

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Motors are being used worldwide on the industrial or domestic level. AC induction motors
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there is a need to eliminate the problem associated with the AC induction

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it in a very efficient way. For that matter, many devices are used but the best among all the
 quality problems
(http://www.electricaltermino
devices is “Variable Frequency (http://www.electricalterminology.com/frequency- to-power-quality-
amplitude-wavelength-cycle-period/) Drive”. All electricians should know the definition, problems/)
working principle, advantages, and selection parameters of the VFD.

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Table of Contents 
1. What is a variable frequency drive? (VFD)
2. How does a variable frequency drive work?
3. What is the function of a variable frequency drive?
4. Selecting a variable frequency drive
5. How do variable frequency drives save energy?
6. What are the types of variable frequency drive ?
7. Why IGBT is used in variable frequency drive ?
8. How long will a variable frequency drive last?
9. What can cause a variable frequency drive to fail?
10. Variable frequency drive simple connection diagram

What is a variable frequency drive? (VFD)

The variable-frequency (http://www.electricalterminology.com/frequency-amplitude-
wavelength-cycle-period/) drive (VFD) is a device that converts a fixed AC voltage and
frequency (http://www.electricalterminology.com/frequency-amplitude-wavelength-
cycle-period/) into an adjustable AC voltage and frequency
(http://www.electricalterminology.com/frequency-amplitude-wavelength-cycle-
period/). It is used to control the speed of an AC motor. By adjusting the voltage and
frequency the AC induction motor can operate at many different speeds.

A VFD is capable of adjusting both the speed and the torque of an induction motor.
Variable frequency drive may be referred to by a variety of other names, such as:

Frequency converter

AC Drive

Frequency inverter

VFD

Adjustable frequency drive

Inverter

Fixed-speed motors serve the majority of applications. In these applications or systems,

control elements such as dampers and valves are used to regulate flow and pressure. These
devices usually
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However, it is often desirable to have a motor operate at two or more discrete speeds, or to
have a fully variable speed operation. The conventional control elements can often be
replaced by incorporating variable speed operation using a VFD.

How does a variable frequency drive work?

Understanding the basic principles behind VFD operation requires understanding the
three basic sections of the VFD: the rectifier, dc bus, and inverter. 

The voltage on an alternating current (AC) power supply rises and falls in the pattern of a
sine wave. When the voltage is positive, the current flows in one direction; when the
voltage is negative, the current flows in the opposite direction. This type of power system
enables large amounts of energy to be efficiently transmitted over great distances.

The rectifier in a VFD is used to convert incoming ac power into direct current (DC) power.
One rectifier will allow power to pass through only when the voltage is positive. A second
rectifier will allow power to pass through only when the voltage is negative. Two rectifiers
are required for each phase of power.

Since most large power supplies are three-phase, there will be a minimum of 6 rectifiers
used. Appropriately, the term “6 pulse” is used to describe a drive with 6 rectifiers. A VFD
may have multiple rectifier sections, with 6 rectifiers per section, enabling a VFD to be “12
pulse,” “18 pulse,” or “24 pulse.”

After the power flows through the rectifiers it is stored on a dc bus (or dc link). The dc bus
contains capacitors to accept power from the rectifier, store it, and later deliver that power
through the inverter section. The dc bus may also contain inductors, dc links, chokes, or
similar items that add inductance, thereby smoothing the incoming power supply to the dc
bus.

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The final section of the VFD is referred to as an “inverter.” The inverter contains transistors
that deliver power to the motor. The “Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor” (IGBT) is a
common choice in modern VFDs. The IGBT can switch on and off several thousand times
per second and precisely control the power delivered to the motor. The IGBT uses a
method named “pulse width modulation” (PWM) to simulate a current sine wave at the
desired frequency to the motor.

Motor speed (rpm) is dependent upon frequency. Varying the frequency output of the VFD
controls motor speed:

Speed (rpm) = frequency (hertz) x 120 / no. of poles

What is the function of a variable frequency drive?

VFD can help to:

Control the speed of the motor.

Limit demand and electrical consumption of motors by reducing the amount of energy
they consume.

Decrease mechanical stress due to pressure spikes with direct online start & stop.

Reduce the starting current of the motor.

Protect the motor with its internal protection functions.

Control process better

Inherent power-factor correction

Bypass capability in the event of an emergency

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VFDs have many benefits such as:
 Large energy saving at the lower speed.

Increased life of rotating components due to lower operating speed.

Low motor starting current.

Reduces noise and vibration levels.

Reduction of thermal and mechanical stresses.

Simple installation.

High efficiency.

Selecting a variable frequency drive

When selecting the drive, the following criteria must be known:

Type of motor (three-phase asynchronous motor)

Input voltage = rated operating voltage of the motor (for example, 3 AC~400V)

Rated motor current (guide value, dependent on the circuit type and the supply
voltage)

Load torque (quadratic, constant)

Starting torque

Ambient temperature (rated value 122°F [50°C])

How do variable frequency drives save energy?

Electrical savings are important but other factors should be included as part of an
evaluation of the lifecycle costs of the equipment. For example, when pumps or fans are
operated at reduced speeds there are often significant maintenance savings due to
reduced wear on seals, bearings, shafts, etc. The purchase price is typically less than 10% of
the life cycle costs when operating and maintenance costs are considered. Productivity
increases from reduced downtimes and reduced waste from optimized process control
should also be quantified for significant life cycle cost economics.

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What are the types of variable frequency drive ?
Although VFD’s control the speed of an AC induction motor by varying the supply voltage
of the motor and frequency of power, they do not all use the same designs in doing so. The
major VFD designs commonly used are:

1. Pulse Width Modulated (PWM)

2. Current Source Inverter (CSI)

3. Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)

4. Flux Vector Drive

Why IGBT is used in variable frequency drive ?

IGBT is a very fast semiconductor switch that is actuated electronically. By applying a small
positive voltage between the gate and emitter points of the IGBT, the current is allowed to
flow from a collector point to an emitter point. IGBT switching rates in VFDs range from 2
to 15 kHz. Therefore, without the IGBT switching the current on and off so rapidly can not
be created.

How long will a variable frequency drive last?

Based on the experience of both component manufacturers and ABB
(https://library.e.abb.com/public/a2e877890bb9154a85257a8500712cb2/3BUS095659_Drives_Lifecycle.pdf)
it is possible to define the average lifetime of all aging components:

Electrolytic capacitors: 6-15 years.

Batteries: 2-5 years.

­Fan bearings: 3-7 years.

­Capacitor bank unit: 8-12 years.

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What can cause a variable frequency drive to fail?
Wrong product selection.

Wrong parameter set up.

Dust, moisture.

Disturbance or noise from another VFD.

Poor grounding.

Voltage spikes.

Excessive heat.

Loose connections.

Component damage.

Overcurrent.

Variable frequency drive simple connection diagram

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