Acknowledgements

Presentation inspiration and motivation have always played a key role in the success of any
venture.

We would like to express our gratitude towards Dr.M.C.Goudar for guiding me throughout
the project.

We also feel thankful and express my kind gratitude towards our Head of the Department
Dr.V.V.Kuppast for allowing me to conduct Economizing air-conditioning systems in rooms
by using variable frequency drive.

The mentioned project was done under the co-ordinator of Mini Project Prof. S. B.
Wadawadagi. We thank all participants for their positive support and guidance.

We believe we will enrolls in more such events in the coming future. We ensure that this
project was done by me and is not copied.

We would like to express my most profound thanks and gratitude to our family members
and friends for their sustaining love, dedication and support at all their possible levels.

1. Praveen Gudasalamani
2. Basappa Myageri
3. Husenbhasha C M
4. Shameer Zare
Mechanical Engineering

BEC, Bagalkot

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 1

 Abstract

Traditionally, we have to use a fixed speed compressors blowers and fans in air
conditioning system. Now these are simply just turn ON and OFF and that
results to poor control of higher inrush currents. we find them used to control
the things such as pumps, fans, blowers and compressors in AC systems. By
using VFD unit which is connected to the blower. This can be used to vary the
frequency of electricity being supplied to drive the motor and by varying this
rotational speed of the blower can be controlled. it allows to unlock energy
savings and we improve the performance and control air conditioning system.
The VFD unit which is use to control the speed of compressor in AC
system and it allows to closely match to the cooling demand, which results in
significant of energy saving. Building’s air- conditioning (AC) systems are
designed to operate at the peak load, which only occurs in a very short period of
time throughout the year. One of the most effective ways to improve the air
conditioning system’s efficiency is to utilize the variable frequency drives
(VFDs). They are widely used in the AC field, including fans, pumps,
compressors, etc. In a VFD-equipped system, the VFD adjusts the speed of one
or more blowers based on the system load requirements and operation schedule,
resulting in a dramatic change in energy consumption.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 2

 Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 General Introduction

 A VFD is an electrical device used to control the rotation speed of an

alternating current (AC) electric motor by adjusting the frequency of the
electrical power supplied to the motor. It is also called pulse-width-modulated
drive (PWM drive).
 In general, a VFD can be used in a variety of applications where the load is
variable, such as fans, pumps, and blowers etc.
 Electric motor-driven systems (EMDS) are the largest electrical end users and
account for 43-46% of all global electricity consumption.
 Reducing energy consumption is the most direct and effective way to improve
the efficiency of the electric motors and increasing advancement of electronic
and control technology greatly improves the performance of variable speed
drives.
 To overcome this, systematically introduces the application of VFDs in air
conditioning systems, including heating system, ventilation system, cooling
system and refrigeration systems in commercial and industrial buildings.
 Air conditioning systems are also good candidates for VFD applications. The
compressor is the major device where the VFD is installed in a AC loop. The
typical applications include AHUs (Air handling unit), FCUs (Fan coil unit),
and Chillers.
 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) change the speed of motor by changing
voltage and frequency of the power supplied to the motor. In order to maintain
proper power factor and reduce excessive heating of the motor, the name plate
volts/hertz ratio must be maintained. This is the main task of Variable
Frequency Drive.
 It becomes possible to control the speed of electric motors as well as increase
in efficient energy use decrease in energy consumption by air conditioning
system.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 3

1.2 Working principle of VFD

fig 1.1

A variable frequency drive (VFD), also known as an adjustable frequency

drive (AFD), is an electronic device that is used to control the speed of an AC
motor by varying the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor.

The basic working principle of a VFD involves converting the incoming

AC power into DC power using a rectifier, which is then filtered and smoothed
to create a stable DC voltage. This DC voltage is then fed to an inverter that
converts it back into AC power with variable frequency and voltage levels.

The inverter uses a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique to control

the frequency and voltage of the output AC power. By adjusting the width of the
pulses, the VFD can control the amount of power supplied to the motor, and
hence its speed. The VFD continuously monitors the motor's speed and adjusts

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 4

the output frequency and voltage accordingly to maintain the desired speed.
Overall, a VFD provides precise control over the speed of the motor, resulting in
improved efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and increased lifespan of the
motor.

1.3 Operation of VFD

Fig 1.2

1. Rectifier: The first stage of VFD. It converts AC power fed from the
mains to DC power. It mainly utilizes diodes that are connected in parallel
to convert AC power into DC.
2. Filter: A capacitor that is used to smooth the rectified DC power.
3. Inverter: Transistors (IGBTs) used to work to be switched on and off
rapidly to create a pulse-width modulation which creates an AC-like wave
that will allow the VFD to control the speed of the motor.
4. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): In this method, the VFD controls the
width of the pulses in the output voltage waveform to achieve the desired
frequency and voltage level. PWM is widely used in both low and high-
power applications.
5. Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM): This method is a
more advanced version of PWM that provides higher efficiency and lower
harmonic distortion.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 5
 6. Direct Torque Control (DTC): This method uses a special algorithm to
control the motor torque directly, without requiring precise knowledge of
the motor parameters. DTC is commonly used in high-performance
applications.

As we know that the synchronous speed of motor (rpm) is dependent upon

frequency. Therefore by varying the frequency of the power supply through
VFD we can control the synchronous motor speed:

Fig 1.3

Speed (rpm) = Frequency(Hertz)*120/ No. of Poles

Where;

Frequency = Electrical Frequency of the power supply in Hz.

No. of Poles = Number of electrical poles in the motor stator.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 6

Thus we can conveniently adjust the speed of a motor by changing the
frequency applied to the motor. There is also another way to change the speed
of the motor by changing the no. of poles, but this change would be a physical
change of the motor. As the drive provides the frequency and voltage of output
necessary to change the speed of a motor, this is done through Pulse Width
Modulation Drives. Pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter produces pulses of
varying widths which are combined to build the required waveform. As the
frequency can easily variable as compared with the poles of the motor therefore
speed control drive is termed as Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).

1.2 Applications of VFD

 Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are used in a wide range of

applications across various industries to control the speed and torque of
AC motors. Here are some common applications of VFDs:
 Industrial automation: VFDs are used in manufacturing plants and
other industrial settings to control the speed of conveyor belts, pumps,
and other equipment. This helps to optimize the production process and
reduce energy consumption.
 Renewable energy: VFDs are used in wind turbines and solar power
systems to control the speed of the generators and maintain a stable
power output.
 Water treatment: VFDs are used in water treatment plants to control the
speed of pumps and motors that move water through the treatment
process.
 Transportation: VFDs are used in electric trains and other transportation
systems to control the speed and acceleration of the motors that drive the
vehicles.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 7

  Overall, VFDs are versatile and efficient devices that can be used in a
wide range of applications to control the speed and torque of AC motors
while reducing energy consumption and increasing the lifespan of the
equipment.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 8

Chapter 2

Literature Survey

 Luigi Schibuola et. al[1]: Variable speed drive (VSD) technology can be
introduced in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems,
normally sized for peak load conditions, to match actual load requirements.
This paper presents a detailed assessment of the impact of the application
of VSDs to HVAC components in a public building. As regards the
electricity consumption of pumping and fans, the investigation has pointed
out the achievement of a global annual energy saving of 38.9% in
comparison with the alternative of a constant speed HVAC system.

 Annapurna Birdar et. al[2]: This paper describes the volume of air
pumped into the kiln is controlled by air blower motor, which is necessary
for firing of insulators. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are used to
control three phase induction motor which intern controls the output of an
air blower motor. VFDs are used to vary supply frequency to control the
speed of air blower motor and Installation of VFDs offers high efficiency
ease of operation and savings in cost due to less power consumption. VFDs
require less maintenance, improve process control and have become the
drive of choice in the majority of applications.

 Yunha li [3]:This paper presents the principles are introduced for VFDs,
variable speed fans, pumps, and compressors. Next, the control application
of VFDs on each type of system, VFDs play a great role in the optimal
operation of building energy systems. The increased functionality and
reliability along with the reduced cost make them more and more widely
accepted and used in the HVAC industry. These applications will achieve a
tremendous energy savings from motors.

 Tamal Aditya[4]: This paper presents the working principle of Variable

Frequency Drive. The performance of VFD is also described. The Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) in waveforms is also analyzed. The use of
Variable Frequency Drive has been increased dramatically in the field of
HVAC applications. The common applications of VFDs are in air handler,
chiller, pumps and tower fans. A better understanding of Variable
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 9
 Frequency Drives with leads to improve in application and selection of
both equipment and HVAC system. This paper is intended to provide a
basics understanding of VFD terms, VFD operations and Power Factor
improvement, Harmonics mitigation by VFD and a simulation project to
show how VFD is beneficial for energy savings.

 Pravin G. Sanas et. al[5]: A Variable frequency drive (VFD) is the type
of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency
and voltage supplied to electric motor. The AC input given to VFD is used
to drive induction motor. Rectifier diode is used for rectification of AC
output & filter capacitor is used to reduce the ripples in output DC supply.
The inverter circuit drives the IGBT to invert DC to AC as per inverter
frequency to AC induction motor input. Microcontroller is used to
control/monitor/set the output frequency and current of the AC induction
motor.

 Mr. Manoj Nimase et. al[6]: This paper focuses on the study of different
control strategies of Air Handling Unit (AHU) and also the power saving
techniques. As energy performance of the system strongly depends on the
selection of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system
configuration as HVAC systems account for approximately 30 - 60% of
the total energy consumption. Variable frequency drives are nowadays a
key manner for lowering the consumption of the HVAC system in peak
time. In this paper different types of variable frequency drives, their
operations, methods of controlling speed, challenges faced during
implementation of VFD and power saving techniques are discussed.

 Yanfeng Li et. al (7): This paper presents an intelligent control scheme for
fan coil air-conditioning systems has been put forward in order to
overcome the shortcomings of the traditional proportion-integral-derivative
(PID) control scheme. These shortcomings include the inability of anti-
interference and large inertia. A software for data exchange has been
developed to combine the intelligence control system and the building
automation (BA) system. They had experimental tests conducted to
investigate the effectiveness of different control schemes including the
traditional PID control, fuzzy control, and fuzzy-PID control for fan coil
air-conditioning system.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 10

  IP Knight et .al (8) This research paper is provided us the energy
consumption information for 34 air-conditioning systems, “as found” in
UK office accommodation. The results will highlight those areas of design
and operation of air-conditioning systems that were found to be crucial in
terms of energy consumption. This is the 3-year field-monitoring program
researching the energy consumption of air-conditioning (AC) systems in
UK Offices. The premise of the work is that little published data exists
concerning the energy use of AC systems in practice.

2.1 Observation
 After studying various papers it is seen that voltage and frequency (V/F)
control technique is most commonly used than other control techniques.

 This control technique the supply voltage and frequency (V/F) is varied
keeping ratio constant.

 Using VFDs help the motors are starts softly and reduce motor energy
consumption and use to making it energy efficient.

 Air-conditioners use a lot of electricity. This creates both financial

disadvantages for the people who have to pay for the power, and more
generalized environmental disadvantages caused by power production.

 The air-conditioning systems account for approximately 30 - 60% of the

total energy consumption.

 The increasing the functionality and reliability along with the reduced
cost and It can be use in air-conditioning systems.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 11

Chapter 3

Objectives

The main objectives of Economizing air-conditioning systems in rooms by

using variable frequency drive.
 To reduce the motor power consumption significantly with proper control in
AC system.
 To reduce mechanical stress on machines to extend their lifetime.
 To improve the power factor of the AC drive system including VFD units.
 To reduced noise and vibration level.
 To achieve large energy savings in commercial buildings and industries.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 12

Chapter 4

Methodology

4.1Working Principle
1. AC power is supplied to the VFD.
2. The VFD rectifies the AC power to DC power.
3. The DC power is then converted back to AC power, but with a
variable frequency.
4. The variable frequency AC power is then supplied to the motor that
drives the compressor in the AHU.
5. The speed of the motor and the output of the compressor are
controlled by adjusting the frequency of the power supplied by the VFD.
6. The VFD can also monitor the motor's current and voltage, and protect
the motor from damage caused by overloading or overheating.
7. The VFD can be programmed to adjust the frequency of the power
supplied to the motor in response to changing system demands, such as
changes in the load on the compressor.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 13

 4.2 Components required

SL.NO COMPONENTS QUANTITY(in number)

01 VFD UNIT 1

02 Temperature sensor 1

03 Air conditioning zone 1

with AHU unit

TABLE.4.1 List of components

Component details
4.2.1 VFD UNIT

Power supply
VFD BLOWER

Temperature
signal

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 14

  The figure shows, VFD-equipped blower, the blower speed is often
modulated to maintain the supply air temperature set point .

4.2.2 Temperature sensor

Temperature sensors measure the temperature of the room and adjust
air conditioning to raise or lower the air temperature based on the
programmed setpoint preventing wasted energy.

4.2.3 Air conditioning zone with AHU unit

Fig 4.1

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 15

 Fig 4.2
 The AHU unit's blower is turned on at high speed and begins to circulate
the air.
 Starting load of the blower is speed high, after fixing VFD with minimum
load blower starts.
 The temperature of the air is regulated by the unit's thermostat to
maintain a comfortable environment for employees.
 The filters in the unit capture particles such as pollen, dust, and bacteria
that could potentially cause illness.
 The exhaust from the filters is routed through an exhaust system and
released into the environment outside of the plant.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 16

  The unit's control unit monitors the air quality throughout the plant and
makes necessary adjustments to the blower speed, thermostat settings,
and filters as needed.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 17

Chapter 5

EXPECTED OUT COMES

 Saving optimum energy and improves system efficiency.
 Reduction in maintenance costs.
 Match the speed of the drive to the process.
 Enhance the lower power demand on start of AC drives and smooth
operation.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 18

Chapter 6

Future Scope

Chapter 7
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 19
 References

1) Luigi Schibuola et. al [2018] “Variable speed drive (VSD)

technology applied to HVAC systems for energy saving: an
experimental investigation”. Energy Procardia 148 (2018) 806–
813.
2) Annapurna Birdar et. Al [2013] “Energy Conservation Using
Variable Frequency Drive”. International Journal of Emerging
Trends in Electrical and Electronics (IJETEE) Vol. 2, Issue. 1,
April-2013 BEC, Bagalkot.
3) Yunha li “Variable Frequency Drive Applications in HVAC
Systems” Bes-Tech Inc., Omaha, NE, USA.
4) Tamal Aditya “Research to study Variable Frequency Drive and its
Energy Savings” International Journal of Science and Research
(IJSR), India Online ISSN: 2319-7064
5) Pravin G. Sanas et. al “Literature Review on Variable Frequency
Drive” International Journal for Scientific Research &
Development| Vol. 3, Issue 08, 2015
6) Mr. Manoj Nimase et. Al “Review paper on the control system of
the air handling units” International Research Journal of
Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 march
2019.

7) Yanfeng Li et. “al Research Article Experimental Study on

Intelligent Control Scheme for Fan Coil Air-Conditioning System”
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology
Received 3 July 2013; Accepted 5 October 2013.
8) IP Knight et .al “energy consumption of air conditioning systems
in uk office environments” International Research Journal of
Engineering and Technology of Indoor Air 2002

Department of Mechanical Engineering, BEC Bagalkot 20