10 benefits of adjustable speed AC drive

May 12, 2016 3:19 pm

A review on few benefits of adjustable speed AC drive and the companies that manufactures and provides it
  An AC drive is a device used to control the speed of an electrical motor in order to enhance process control, reduce energy usage and generate energy efficiently, decrease mechanical stress on motor control applications, optimise the operation of various applications relying on electric motors.
“AC drives are also known by various other names such as adjustable speed drives, adjustable frequency drives, variable frequency drives, variable speed drives, frequency converters, inverters and power converters,” said a spokesperson from Danfoss Drives India Ltd.
Drives can also be utilised to convert energy from natural and renewable resources like the sun, wind or tides, and transmit it to the electrical network or use it for local consumption. In hybrid technologies, AC drives are used to combine conventional energy sources and energy storages to create total energy management solutions.
Murali Srinivasan, Managing Director, Techno Drives and Controls says, “AC variable frequency drive is an electronic device varies the output AC voltage and frequency when fed with the standard voltage/ frequency and by which varies the speed of the motor.”
Using an adjustable speed AC drive, the amount of torque being applied by the motor to the load can be controlled accurately. This can protect machinery from damage, and protect the process or product. An adjustable speed AC drive, can be set to limit the amount of torque so the AC motor never exceeds the limit.
Benefits of AC variable frequency drive1. For AC Variable Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology is employed. It uses power electronics devices like thyristors, IGBTs to accomplish this task.2. Drive reduces the starting current drastically. Current can be limited as low as the full load current of motor.3. Main use of the drive is to save power by reducing the speed of the motor. It is by taking advantage of the additional capacity available in the applications.4. Drives are also used for process stabilisation. Like if there is a requirement of constant flow/ pressure, it can be achieved by using the drive.5. By saving power, drives plays a major role in reducing the CO2.6. Drives are made with specific application software, which serves the needs of specific functionality of the application like HVAC, crane, etc.7. Drives are integral part of automation where high end accuracy is required. Drive responds to PLC and controls the application. 8. Controlling the process output to match the need; synchronising different parts of the main process to secure smooth flow between sub-processes; easily changing the setup when the process requirements change.9. Saving electrical energy compared to traditional methods of process control. 10. Using an adjustable speed AC drive eliminates the need for a reversing starter, since the output phases to the motor can be electronically changed without any mechanical devices. The elimination of a reversing starter eliminates its maintenance cost and reduces panel space.
An adjustable speed drive can control benefits as acceleration control, different operating speed for each process, allow slow operation for setup purposes, smoother operation, adjust the rate of production.

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