Variable Frequency Drives VFD Basics

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What is a VFD?
A Variable Frequency Drive is like the throttle on a car It adjusts the speed of an HVAC fan or pump motor, based on demand, to save energy and prolong motor and mechanical component life Without a VFD, an HVAC fan or pump motor is either 100% on or 100% off A VFD eliminates the initial power surge and mechanical shock of switching the motor from off to 100% on A VFD conserves energy when an HVAC control systems senses that a fan or pump motor can meet heating or cooling needs by running at less than 100% power

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Electric Motor Facts

Electric motors account for more than two-thirds of all energy used in industry 63% of the energy consumed is linked to air & liquid flow A typical 50HP industrial motor, with an efficiency of 90%, costs over $25,000 to operate continuously over a year.

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Energy Usage in Office Buildings

More than half the energy consumed by AC motors powers air conditioning equipment. Electrical energy costs are often the largest expenditure for building owners. Other 17% Reducing energy demand and improving the working Ventilation environment of a building are & Cooling Lighting main objectives of facility 52% 31% managers. The principle reason for using VFDs is to reduce energy costs.

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Why Use VFDs for HVAC Applications?

Improved Energy savings Simplified motor control panel design Temperature regulation & comfort Monitoring Reduction in Mechanical component stress Damper commissioning Cabling Main power supply capacity Peak demand System components Noise

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Energy Savings Comparison

Potential energy savings using a VFD vs. modulating flow with a damper
140 130 120 110

Damper SED2 VFD Ideal Fan Control

Input Power (%)

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Energy Saving Potential

Flow Rate (%)

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How Does A VFD Work?

It changes the speed of an AC HVAC fan or pump motor by adjusting or varying the frequency and voltage. For comparison, a DC motor speed is adjusted by only varying voltage. Typical frequency adjustment range in HVAC applications is from 10 - 60Hz AC. A VFD is wired in series between main power and motor. A Bypass is added to Bypass the VFD and run on main line power so HVAC operation is not interrupted if the VFD needs servicing

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How Does A VFD Vary the Frequency?

A VFD, AC inverter, or electronic speed controller for AC motors converts the AC supply to DC using a rectifier (diode), then converts it back to a variable frequency by using a inverter bridge.

VFD Block Diagram

Motor

Main Power

Rectifier

Capacitor

Switches (IGBTs)

Motor

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VFD Specifying
Standard Features vs. The Options Game When specifying VFDs Dont play the "Options Game" make sure you get the most standard features for your money! Make sure VFD installers are certified by the manufacturer to get the most out of the drives capabilities. Make sure the drives are specified with advanced features, such as an integral harmonics reduction capability. Get more. Specify Siemens.

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Siemens SED2 VFD Advantages

Low harmonics design Small enclosure size Many standard features Reduces operating cost Low power losses/high efficiency Minimal effect on customer power Wide power range from to 125 HP

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