Why V/f Ratio is kept Constant in VFD?

VFD is used for speed control of induction motor to save energy and for
better process control. Let us first understand the working of induction motor.
The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

However, one more intermediate stage of conversion before converting the

electrical energy into mechanical energy is the magnetic energy. Thus, the
motor converts the electrical energy into magnetic energy and then the
magnetic energy is again converted into electrical energy and finally to
mechanical energy.

The motor has its rated magnetic energy handling capacity. The magnetic
energy or air gap power depends on the flux. The core of the motor is
designed to carry the rated flux. More than the rated flux should never be
allowed to pass through the core.

V/f Ratio Constant in VFD

Let us see on what factors the magnetic flux of the motor depends.

If AC voltage is applied to stator of the induction motor, the flux is

generated. The flux generated is in phase with the applied voltage.

Φ = Φm Sinωt

According to the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, the self EMF

induced generated in the stator is expressed as;

e = – N (dΦ/dt)

e = – N [(dΦm Sinωt/dt)]

e = – NwΦm Cosωt

e = 2πfN Φm Cosωt
e = Em Cosωt

Here Em = 2πfN Φm

RMS value of voltage induced;

erms = Em/√2

erms = (2πfN Φm) /√2

erms = 4.44 Φm f N

Φ = erms / 4.44 f N

Φ =e/f = v/f

Thus the flux generated in the stator depends on the ratio of the volt/Hz.

In VFD motor, speed is controlled by changing the frequency, as the speed of

the motor is proportional to the frequency.

N = 120f/p

The speed of the motor can be changed by varying the frequency, however
the voltage needs to be increased or decreased in the same proportion of the
frequency to maintain the constant flux in the motor.

The PWM inverter of the VFD maintain the constant V/f ratio in order to
maintain the constant flux in the motor. Suppose an induction motor of rating
440 volts,50 Hz is to be operated through VFD and if the speed is half of its
rated speed, then PWM inverter output 25 Hz AC.

If voltage remains 400 volts then the ratio of v/f = 400/25 =16. The motor
will experience double flux of its rated flux capacity in this case. Therefore
when frequency is 25 Hz, the voltage will be 200 volts and v/f ratio is equal
to 8.
What happens if flux is increased above the
rated capacity?
Higher flux than its rated capacity leads to increased eddy current and
hysteresis losses. The increased losses cause the heating of the core and as a
result of this the insulation of core will get damaged.

Therefore, when motor running through VFD the V/f ratio is kept constant.