What is Variable Frequency Drive?
A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a controlling device that is used to control the motor speed by controlling frequency. Basically, VFD has two other names: Adjustable Frequency Drive (AFD) and Variable Voltage Variable Frequency Drive (VVFD). These three names have the same operation and the same working principle. However, VFD is not only used for motor rotating purposes VFD can provide better protection from short-circuit. If we think about the AC motor, the AC motor speed can be changed in two ways: by changing the number of poles and frequency. VFD is used to change the motor speed by changing frequency. It is noted that we follow this formula to change the AC motor speed.
N = 120f/P
N = Synchronous speed
P = Number of poles
f = frequency
Basically, the number of the pole is a mechanical term that is placed in the AC motor but it is generally not possible to change it. For this reason, we use Variable Frequency Drive to change motor speed based on our requirements.
How Does Variable Frequency Drive Work?
The VFD installation and working process are simple. VFD consists of four main sections, such as inverter, controlling circuit, rectifier, and DC link. Whenever we use a delta connection the motor takes a very high current at the starting of the motor. In this case, we use a star-delta motor starter. Basically, the motor Starter is used by following the star delta procedure, and the motor run in the star and after that converts to the delta.
If we use VFD then we don’t need a star-delta starter and we can easily change our motor speed by varying frequency. Now we are going to show you a simple calculation. Suppose we have 4 poles (p) single phase induction motor and it is rated frequency (f) 50 Hz now we will get a constant synchronous speed.
For example Synchronous speed N = 120f/P
N = 120 * 50/4
N = 1500 rpm
Now if we use 40 Hz frequency instead of 50 then we will get 1200 rpm. So we can change our motor speed as much as we can. That’s why VFD is more reputed. However, we will show you how does variable frequency drive works. VFD consists of two main units:
- Power unit
- Control unit
The power unit has rectifiers that are used to convert AC to DC power. Whenever we apply AC power to this power circuit the rectifier converts AC power to DC power and then the capacitor gets this pulsating DC power. In this case, you can say why the capacitor is used in VFD. Basically, whenever the rectifier converts AC power to DC power then the rectifier does not send constant DC power, the rectifier provides pulsating DC power.
This capacitor makes this DC power constant power. That’s why a capacitor is used in the VFD. However, this capacitor sends DC power to the inverter. It is noted that most VFDs use IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or some VFDs use MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). These transistors are controlled by the control unit and it let us know how much output it allows for a specific frequency. This inverter converts DC power into AC power and we get pure output AC power.
Variable Frequency Drive Operation
We have shown how the Variable Frequency Drive works. We are going to discuss the Variable Frequency Drive operation in this section. However, the operation of VFD and VFD working is almost the same just as we will elaborate on here. We know that an induction motor suitable for VFD operation but a DC motor is not. First of all, whenever we apply AC voltage to the VFD terminal then it converts AC into DC power. In this case, we can say an AC drive or VFD is a converter.
The rectifier receives power from the VFD supply system and allows the current in a single direction because the diode allows current in one direction. Suppose A-phase voltage is more positive than B-and-C-phase voltage. In this case, the A-phase diode will be open and it will pass the current. On the other hand, if B-phase becomes more positive than A-phase and C-phase then the B-phase diode will be open and pass the current and this operation will happen according to the C-phase.
In this way, we get six current pulses whenever six diodes are on and off. For this reason, it is also called six-pulse VFD or six-pulse variable frequency drives and it is the suitable configuration for current. We have shown here an image and we wanted to let you know the full configuration of VFD. However, whenever we close a top switch in the inverter (IGBT, MOSFET) then the motor phase is connected to the DC positive bus and voltage becomes positive.
On the other hand, whenever we close a converter bottom switch that phase is connected to the negative DC bus then this phase voltage becomes negative. In this way, we can make the motor phase positive and negative or zero and we can change frequency to control the motor speed that we want. It is noted that VFD does not produce sinusoidal waves but we have seen the rectangular waveform. Don’t worry this sinusoidal waveform is the perfect choice for an induction motor.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of VFD?
We know that variable frequency drive is used to control the induction motor speed. We should know the convenience and inconvenience of the VFD. It is true everything has convenient and inconvenient and all the machinery is not 100% efficient. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages of VFD
Advantages
- VFD saves energy and it is an energy-saving device.
- It can be used to motor run in the forward and reverse direction.
- It offers motor smooth running and stopping due to acceleration and deceleration time.
- VFD provides better motor protection from overload, short circuits, and other faults.
- Variable frequency Drive offers a switching system to on and off the motor.
Disadvantages
- VFD price is comparatively high.
Can we use VFD for the DC motor?
What should I know about the speed control of a dc motor? A DC motor is a motor that runs on DC power. But can we run the DC motor using VFD? The answer is no. We cannot run DC motors by using Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). It is because there is no frequency in the DC current but VFD can change the motor speed by changing frequency.
For this reason, VFD is not used to run the DC motor. However, the speed of the DC motor is changed by changing the flux and by changing the current through the DC motor field winding. So it is clear that the DC motor is not required VFD to change its speed and VFD is only used for the AC motor.
How Do I Power A 480 VAC Three Phase Chain Hoist (German) From A 240 VAC Single Phase (American) House Supply?
Basically, there are two ways to power a 480 VAC 3-phase chain hoist from a 240 VAC single-phase house supply. Which option is right for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
- Use a variable frequency drive (VFD)
- Rewind the motor
Use A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
A VFD is a device that converts single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. It can convert DC power to AC power. However, VFD can be used to reduce or increase the voltage and frequency of the output power. That allows you to run the hoist on 240 VAC instead of 480 VAC.
Rewind the Motor
If you have the hoist’s motor rewound, it can be converted to run on single-phase power. This is a more expensive option than using a VFD. But it will give you the most reliable performance.
Conclusion
Variable Frequency Drive is a motor controller that is used in all categories of industries to control motor speed. We can change the motor speed direction (forward and reverse) by using VFD. We have referred to how variable frequency works, VFD operation, and others. VFD offers excellent ways to run the motor without any disturbance. So VFD can be the best choice to run your AC motors. However, choose the right VFD for AC motors.