Understanding VFDs: How Variable Frequency Drives Improve Energy Efficiency
Variable Frequency Drives are transforming the efficient energy utilization in industries by motor speed control optimization. By keeping the power supply to a required level for the motor to work, it reduces the chances of energy loss.
Industries have already welcomed VFDs for applications for HVAC systems, irrigation systems, refrigeration, wastewater treatment plants and more. The impact on the environment is minimized and the operational cost also reduced. For example, if we consider a pump and fan systems, here the VFDs ensure precise speed control. The precise speed control will lead to energy savings through eliminating the energy wastage associated with the working of a constant-speed motors. This capability to match motor speed to load requirements makes VFDs an unavoidable tool for industries that focus on achieving sustainable operations.
Apart from the above mentioned energy efficiency factor, the VFDs are an excellent tool to make the motor work with enhanced performance and hence to improve the motor life span as well. In the HVAC system, VFDs are assembled to control the airflow and heat efficiency. This as a result offers significant energy savings and good control. Industrial processes are also getting benefited by the BFDs adaptability. VFDs are used in the conveyor system to synchronize speed of the motor. The synchronized motor speed will ensure smooth operation and less mechanical stress. The better energy management is achieved in the irrigation system also. This is because of the VFD’s effective adjustment of the flow rate to meet changing demands. In the refrigeration systems also the VFDs work to optimize the cooling cycles then to ensure reduced and minimum energy use. The leading manufacturers developed different VFD series to provide for distinct applications. For example, ABB has ACS880 and ACS580 drives, which offers industrial and general-purpose solutions for energy efficiency. The ACS480 and ACS355 are compact and machinery-focused drives. Siemens’ SINAMICS series, including the modular G120 and the high-performance S120, provide versatile options for demanding industrial environments.
Schneider Electric's Altivar series Altivar 320 is used for industrial machinery and Altivar 212 is used in HVAC systems. The both are focusing on saving energy. Allen Bradley (Rockwell automation) has powerflex series, Mitsubishi Electric has FR-A800 and FR-F800 both are efficient series. Like the above brands, notable series like C2000 and CP 2000from Delta Electronics and FRENIC from Fuji Electric, all these are tailored for specific industrial needs.
By making use of the special capabilities of these advanced VFDs, industrial operations can find significant energy savings and the business can grow with optimized energy usages.
