Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have revolutionized energy savings by eliminating energy waste across diverse sectors. Beyond mere motor controllers, they smartly adjust motor speed in real-time, offering numerous benefits and establishing them as leaders in energy conservation. In this blog, we will explore whether the energy-saving potential maximum with VFD.
Is Energy Saving Potential Maximum with VFD?
Yes, it offers substantial energy savings, ranging from 20% to 65%, depending on the application and operation range. The main reason why the energy saving potential is maximum with VFD in an electrical device is because it uses a VFD pump that offers a cost-saving advantage and saves a lot of energy.
How do VFDs Work?
A variable frequency drive is an adjustable frequency drive, as its name implies, and it changes the frequency of the AC supply. An induction motor’s speed can be adjusted using the VFD because it is dependent on the supply frequency. A VFD is a power converter that changes a fixed frequency and fixed voltage into a variable frequency and variable voltage using electronic circuits. Raising the frequency, even makes it possible for a motor to run faster than it is designed to. To calculate the frequency, a VFD calculator is used.
VFD Energy Savings Calculator
You can calculate the amount of electricity saved using the VFD energy savings calculator. They can reduce the price of electricity by up to 30%. The precise amount of energy saved, however, cannot be calculated because the load may change or the VFD may occasionally cease working. Because of this, many VFD manufacturers have developed their algorithms and formulas to determine how much energy can be saved. These can be calculated with the VFD energy savings formula.
While calculating the energy-saving things. You must consider motor size, efficiency, input voltage, frequency, full load current, speed, VFD cost, and electricity rate.
In the VFD Energy Savings Calculator, you can use this VFD energy saving formula:
Energy Savings in dollars = (Energy required by the motor at Full Load – Energy required by the load at Operating Point) – Drive Losses at Operating Point – Harmonic Losses Operating Point) × Energy Cost ($/kWh)
Total Savings (in dollars) will be the sum of energy savings for each Operating Point.
Now, cost-effectiveness ratio = Total Capital Expense / Total Savings
In general, using this VFD energy savings formula, if the ratio is less than 3.0, the process is not considered a cost-effective one.
Also See: AC Vs DC Coupled: Battery Storage, Oscilloscope, and Termination
What are the Advantages of Using VFD?
The benefits of using VFD are:
- VFD helps in starting the motor at zero frequency and voltage. This would help in increasing motor life.
- Power losses are eliminated while using VFDs.
- To keep the AC motor within limits and from going over the energy-saving range, VFD controls and modifies the voltage and power. This safeguards both the process and the equipment.
- The most useful benefit of VFD is that the energy saving potential with VFD is maximum which reduces the overall cost.
What is the Maximum Frequency of VFD?
With VFD, the motor can run at a frequency of 60-120 Hz. However, 90 Hz is considered the maximum frequency for most motors.
Check out the Most Energy Efficient Electric Space Heaters for Home.
How are Speed Adjustments made in a VFD?
The most frequent use of a variable frequency drive with an AC motor is to adjust speed. The motor speed is directly proportional to the frequency of the supplied power. VFDs enable soft starts and stops, adjusting the minimum and maximum speeds at which an application operates, and compensating for slip-related speed variations. It adjusts the frequency of the alternating current (AC) power supplied to the motor.
Ultimately, energy saving potential is maximum with VFD and its application represents a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future. Their capacity to reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon footprints showcases the maximum energy-saving potential. Moreover, the increasing VFD adoption across industries helps businesses lower environmental impact, resulting in substantial power savings.
Recommended: How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Use?
