Variable Frequency Drive: An Effective Source of Energy Consumption and Automation

The enormous use of electrical equipment in every sector is becoming a matter of concern for the better and efficient utilization of energy. Mostly, manufacturing and process operation-based industries have more requirements of energy to run their segments. Variable frequency drive (VFD) is widely used to control and regulate the required amount of energy for efficient power consumption.

VFD is majorly used for commercial purposes such as huge electrical turbines in power plants, compression in water filtration of commercial buildings, pumps in the oil and gas industry, and also in other mechanical operations like controlling the speed, torque, and motion of electrical equipment. Before going deep about the benefits and functionalities of VFD, let’s start with the basics first.

What is a Variable Frequency Drive?

Basically, a variable frequency drive is a type of motor controller that regulates an electric motor by changing the frequency and voltage of its power supply. VFD is also known with other names as variable speed drive, adjustable frequency drive, Microdrive, AC drive, and also an inverter. Furthermore, VFD is also having the capacity to ramp up and ramp down the frequency and voltage as per the requirement of the electric motor’s load. This results in controlling the speed of the electric motor as per the requirement. There are few reasons behind choosing VFD as a controller, which is as follows:

• Saving optimum energy
• Intelligent motor control
• Power of reducing peak-power drawn

What are the Key Benefits of a Variable Frequency Drive?

Though VFD is primarily and precisely used in controlling the speed of electric motors, there are a plethora of advantages of VFD. Some of them are listed below:

• Reduces Power Line Disturbances
• Enhances lower power demand on the start of a motor
• VFD helps in providing a controlled starting current that means to start a motor zero frequency and voltage
• It provides a great range of adjustable operating speed and torque limit
• VFD boosts smooth controlled acceleration and stopping of motors
• It helps in eliminating mechanical drive components such as gearboxes

Some Resourceful Applications of Variable Frequency Drive

Apart from having ample advantages in speed drives controls, such as smooth start and stop of motors, VFD has more applications in different sectors. Some of them are listed below:

• VFDs are being used in smaller systems like filtration system of swimming pool
• These can be used as pressure booster pumps as an alternative to using pressure control valves. Mostly, hotels, apartment complexes, use VFD for water supply in bathrooms and showers, and additionally, VFD helps in eliminating extra cost and maintenance.
• Nowadays, VFDs are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to consume less energy, as lots of electrical appliances like air conditioners, fans, equipment is in use over there.
• VFDs are also used for compressors in the oil and gas industry to enable more production, lower maintenance cost, and higher productivity.
• VFD is used to control the virtual vibration and temperature in railway systems too. By controlling the speed of a motor, applying complete speed changing and speed maintain the process, VFD helps to simulate the real working condition.

The Future Insights of Variable Frequency Drive Market

The increasing demand for efficient energy systems and rising applications of VFDs in industrial areas are going to cause a tremendous growth of the global variable frequency market. It is envisioned that the market is going to grow at a CAGR of 5.2%, by generating revenue of $26,897.3 million in the 2021- 2028 timeframe. Furthermore, after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many manufacturing organizations are paying interest in automation and controlling the operation and production remotely. This may bring a huge upsurge in the usage of VFD all across the globe.

The Bottom Line

In today’s world, many industries are looking for integrating networking and diagnostics capabilities to increase productivity and enhance better control performance. This may cause an inclination in the usage of VFD in every motor-driven system. In near future, it can be expected that VFD can play a significant role in saving energy to meet the future demands of every growing sector.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.