6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Home Forum Tool Contact Us   

We'd like to show you notifications for the latest

AutomationForum.co
news and updates.

Cancel Allow

   

Home  Electrical  What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD

Electrical

What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a

VFD
by Ashlin  June 18, 2020  0  350

SHARE  0         

What is a variable frequency drive

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 1/7
6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering
A variable frequency drive is a device that is used to control the power consumption of the motors. If we use
We'd
VFD then we can like to show
decrease you notifications
the amount forthe
of energy that themotor
latestused for its operation. A variable frequency

drive can varynews and updates.
the speed and torque of a motor and it is done by controlling the frequency of the power to the
motor. If we need to get variable output from a motor then we can use VFD rather than any other mechanical
device. Basically VFD is a motor drive that is used to control the speed, torque, direction, and the horsepower of
a motor. There are many speed drives inCancel Allow
the market that can be used to control the motor, but none of them
have all the features of the VFD. So by using VFD we can control the voltage and frequency which is supplied to
the motor. A VFD is also called as variable speed drives, or adjustable speed drives, etc. It is also called
inverters because the variable frequency drives are capable to vary the frequency of the output voltage and
current. Due to all these features VFDs are widely used in HVAC systems.

Why do we need to use VFD and what is the purpose of VFD

The energy consumed by the motor can be decreased so energy saving can be done
We could achieve the required power factor
It can give protection against high inrush currents
It can increase or decrease the processing speed so better process control
Power supply problems will be limited
The efficiency of the motor can be improved and it also decreases the stress of the motor
It would only use the energy that is required
By using VFD soft start can be achieved

How to install a VFD

The variable-frequency drive must be installed properly otherwise the drive could malfunction. So the
installation of the VFD must be done by an experienced person. Certain precautions must be taken while
installing a VFD they are the vibration level of the place must not be high where the VFD is installed and the
temperature should be very low. The drive would heat up during the operation so it must be installed in a non-
flammable place. It must be installed in a place where it won’t be bothered by moisture and sunlight. If the drive
is installed vertically then it would be helpful to dissipate heat. If more than one VFD is installed then a cooling
fan can be used. The VFD mounting must be done with the help of nuts and screws so we can ensure proper
installation. The drive must be isolated from dust, water, and oil.

How to do the VFD commissioning

While commissioning the VFD make sure the starter panel installation is complete and make sure that there is
no damage in the starter panel. If any component is damaged then it must be repaired. Check the details of the
insulation resistance values of the incoming and outgoing power wiring. Make sure that all the BMS wiring is
finished. We must also check the cable dressing inside the starter panel. Make sure all the control wiring is
done properly. Make sure the ratings of MCB, MCCB, and fuses are correct. All the wiring termination must be
checked. We must check all the earthing connections and supporting insulators. The phase sequence and
incoming voltage must be checked. The operations of the selector switch and pushbuttons must be checked.
Check the speed limit and direction of rotation of the motor.

Before switching the incomer on we must check the incoming voltage and phase sequence. Control supply
must be checked and also check the bypass starter operation with the motor disconnected. The operation of
VFD must be checked after disconnecting the motor.

How to select VFD

In order to select a VFD to control the motor, we must first know about the motor and the system. The motor
details can be known by checking the motor nameplate and then we could know certain details about motor
such as the horsepower, voltage, RPM, etc. We must also gather some details about the system such as the

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 2/7
6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering
load type, like if it has a constant torque or variable torque. The range of speed and control method. So by
We'd details
gathering all these like to we
show
canyou notifications
easily forThe
select a VFD. theload
latest
horsepower must be known so that .we can

newsis and
select VFD which updates.
compatible with it. By using VFD we could vary the speed so the operation is done at
different speeds and it can cause mechanical resonance in the driven equipment. Sometimes VFD can generate
harmonic currents and this could baldly affect the electrical distribution system and equipment operation. So
we can use a filtering device to solve thisCancel
problem. Allow

We should compare the full load amps (FLA) of the motor to the VFD that we have chosen for the installation.
We must select the VFD according to the voltage of the motor ad this is really a difficult task to achieve. We
must also consider the load while selecting a VFD the load could be of variable torque or constant torque. By
using VFD we can vary the motor speed so while doing this the motor must not run less than 20 percent of its
allowed maximum speed.

What are the major components of VFD

Mostly the VFD contains three sections the input section, rectifier section, and the inverter section. The electric
power from the source is drawn by the input section. The power is converted from AC to DC by the rectifier
section and the inverter section converts the DC power to AC.

How to troubleshoot a VFD

If the operation of VFD goes wrong, then we must check the basics such as the connections, temperature,
controller, etc. Mostly when an error happens the proper way to troubleshoot is by the visual inspection. If there
is dirt or corrosion in the drive it must be removed first. After that, the wiring connection must be checked.
Make sure all the connections are proper and check the incoming supply. All of the troubleshooting processes
must be done by a qualified person. At last, the drive output voltage and current should be checked.

How does a variable frequency drive work

Usually, a motor draws more current than its rated current when it is connected to a supply. The motor rotates
in a synchronous speed, so VFD is used to change this speed and it is done by changing the frequency of the
applied voltage to the motor. So when a VFD is connected to the supply of the motor it will start the motor with
low frequency and gradually it will increase the frequency. A VFD can convert the electrical power to a required
form for controlling speed, torque, and direction of rotation of AC motor. The rectifier section of the VFD would
convert the AC power to DC power. This rectified DC power is then transferred to the intermediate circuit which
consists of inductors and capacitors. After that, it is transferred to the inverter section which will convert the DC
power to AC power of variable frequency and voltage. This is done with the help of a pulse width modulated
signal. The required output is produced by the help of semiconductor switches and the most commonly used
semiconductor switch in VFD is IGBT.

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 3/7
6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering

What are the applications of VFD

We'd like to show you notifications for the latest

It is usednews
in marine, for power generation and dynamic positioning
and updates.
It is used in industries like paper mills, steel mills, and cement plants
Used in the oil and gas industry to control the pumps, compressors, turbines…
Used in HVAC systems Cancel Allow
It can be used for all variable torque applications
Metallurgy – dusting fans, furnace fans…
It is also used in power generation sections like condensate pumps, forced draft fans…

What are the advantages of VFD

If VFD is used in a system then it would reduce the maintenance of the system thereby improves the
efficiency
It can decrease the heat, wear and stress on motors and other components
The system will perform better
Energy saving
For a complex process, it can run special operating patterns
The smooth operation can be achieved
Harmonic current is less
With the help of PLC, its control logic can be changed easily

What are the disadvantages of VFD

Reflected
wave voltages
In
order to limit the noise cable runs, must be short
Noise
is produced because of the PWM and it can also affect the other circuit
Drive
over current and circuit malfunction could happen because of the noise

SHARE  0         

 PREVIOUS POST NEXT POST 

What is a capillary tube and why do we need How to troubleshoot a control valve and
it How to do the preventive maintenance of
the control valve

Ashlin
post-graduate in Electronics & communication.

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 4/7
6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering

We'd like to show you notifications for the latest


news and updates.

Cancel Allow
RELATED POSTS

Which conductor is used in the working principle of limit switch Capacitor Banks design in control
transmission power line and panel
which conductor is best for
power transmission?

RECENT POSTS

What is industrial automation?

What are the types of real-time systems used in industrial process control?

What is an event-based controller?

What is controller tuning

What is the importance of a controller in process control?

SEARCH

Enter keyword... 

CATEGORIES

Analytical Instrumentation

Android Tools

Animation

Automation

Calibration

Communication

Control System

control valve

DCS

Displacement Measurement

ebooks

Electrical

Field Instrumentation

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 5/7
6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering
Flow Measurement

How to We'd like to show you notifications for the latest


Humidity measurement news and updates.

Instrumentation

Instrumentation Questions Cancel Allow

Instrumentation Tools

interview questions

Level Measurement

P&ID

PLC

pressure

Pressure Measurement

Process Control

Temperature Measurement

temprature

Tools

Uncategorized

Valves

Vibration Measurement

whatis

ARCHIVES

Select Month

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 6/7
6/13/2021 What is a variable frequency drive and how to install a VFD | Instrumentation and Control Engineering

We'd like to show you notifications for the latest


news and updates.

Cancel Allow

AutomationForum.co
  

@2020 - automationforum.co. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by AutomationForum

https://automationforum.co/what-is-a-variable-frequency-drive-and-how-to-install-a-vfd/ 7/7