Frequency converter (FC) rating

When determining the rating of a frequency converter at a given load the

first step is to consider the load characteristics. There are four different
methods for calculating the required output performance and the choice
of method depends on the motor data. However, first let’s start with the
basics of motor load characteristics.

What size of a frequency converter do I need (photo credit: Danfoss)

Load characteristics
Before the frequency converter size can be determined, a distinction
must be made between the two most widely used load characteristics.
Figure 1 shows the four most typical motor loads and their
characteristics.
 Figure
1 – Typical motor load characteristics

Group 1 – Machines for winding material under tension (veneer cutting

machines)
Group 2 – Conveyor belts, cranes, positive displacement pumps as well
as machine tools
Group 3 – Machines such as rollers, smoothing machines and other
processing machines
Group 4 – Machines operating by centrifugal force (centrifuges,
centrifugal pumps and fans)
The reasons for distinguishing between load characteristics are the
following //

When the speed of centrifugal pumps and fans increases, the power
requirement increases by the speed cubed (P = n 3). The normal working
range of centrifugal pumps and fans is the speed range of 50 to 90%.
The load ratio increases by the speed squared, i.e. approx. 30 to 80%.

Figure 2
– Constant and square load torque

These two factors are shown in the torque characteristics of a frequency

converter controlled motor. Figure 3 and Figure 4 show torque
characteristics for two different FC sizes – one of them (Figure 4) is
one power range lower than the other.

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For both torque characteristics  the same load characteristics were entered for a

centrifugal pump.

In Figure 3, the total working range of the pump (0-100%) lies within the
rated values of the motor. Since the normal working range of the pump
is 30-80%, a frequency converter with a lower output can be chosen.

Figures 3 and 4 – Left: “Big” frequency converter; Right: “Smaller” frequency

converter

If the load torque is constant, the motor must be able to generate more
than the load torque as the excess torque is used for acceleration.
An overload torque of 60% generated by the frequency converter for a
short time is enough for acceleration and high starting torque, for
example in connection with conveyor belts.
The overload torque also guarantees that the system is able to cope
with sudden increases of load. A frequency converter that does not allow
any overload torque has to be selected such that the acceleration torque
(TB) lies within the rated torque.

Fi
gure 5 – Overload torque is used for acceleration

4 methods with different sets of

motor data //
When the load characteristics have been determined, there are four
different sets of motor data for deciding the power size of the frequency
converter (FC).

Method #1 (current Im)

The frequency converter can be determined quickly and precisely on
the basis of the current I M which the motor takes up. If the motor is
not fully loaded, the motor current could be measured on a similar
system in full operation.
 Figure 6 – Selection of a frequency
converter on the basis of rated current

Example // A 7.5 kW, 3 x 400 V motor draws 14.73 A.

Referring to the technical data of the frequency converter, a frequency
converter is selected that has a maximum continuous output
current higher than or equal to 14.73 A at constant or square torque
characteristics.

Note // If a frequency converter is selected on the basis of power

(methods 2-4), it is important for the calculated power and the power
stated under the technical data for the FC to be compared at the same
voltage.

This is not necessary if the FC is calculated on the basis of a current

(method 1) since the output current of the FC influences the other data.

Method #2 (apparent power Sm)

The frequency converter can be selected on the basis of the apparent
power SM taken up by the motor and the apparent power delivered by
the frequency converter.

Figure 7 – Selection of a frequency

converter based on apparent power

Example // A 7.5 kW, 3 × 400 V motor draws 14.73 A

Referring to the technical data of the frequency converter, it is selected
whose maximum continuous output is higher than or equal to 10.2
kVA at constant or square torque characteristics.

Method #3 (power Pm)

A frequency converter can also be selected in accordance with
the power PM generated by the motor. However, since cos φ and
efficiency η change with the load, this method is imprecise.

Figure 8 – Selection of
a frequency converter according to shaft output power

Example // A 3 kW motor with an efficiency and cos φ of 0.80 or

0.81 draws as follows //

A frequency converter is selected – referring to the technical data of the

frequency converter – that has a maximum continuous output higher
than or equal to 4.6 kVA at constant or square torque characteristics.

Method #4 (standard series of motors)

For practical reasons, the power rating of most frequency converters
follows the standard series of the asynchronous motors.
Consequently, frequency converters are often selected on this basis but
this can lead to imprecise sizing, in particular if the motor is not
subjected to a full load.
 Figure 9 – Selection of a frequency
converter on the basis of the standard series of motors

About variable speed technology (VIDEO)

Reference // Facts Worth Knowing About Frequency
Converters by Danfoss