The primary purpose of a Frequency Converter is precise speed control so that blower motor speeds can be ramped up and ramped down and the connected load can be maintained at the required speeds, which only utilizes the energy required.
The benefits are many:
- Controlled Starting Current. When an AC motor is started “across the line,” it can take up to as much as 7-8 times the motor full-load current to start the motor and load. This current flexes the motor windings and generates heat, which will, over time, reduce the longevity of the motor. A variable frequency drive starts a motor at zero frequency and voltage. As the frequency and voltage “build,” it “magnetizes” the motor windings, which typically takes 50-70% of the motor full-load current. Additional current above this level is dependent upon the connected load, the acceleration rate and the speed being accelerated, too. This extends motor life!
- Reduced Power Line Disturbances. Starting an AC motor across the line, and the subsequent demand for 300-600 % the motor full-load current, places an enormous drain on the power distribution system connected to the motor. When the supply voltage sags, depending on the size of the motor and the capacity of the distribution system, the voltage sags can cause sensitive equipment connected on the same distribution system to trip offline due to the low voltage. Items such as computers, sensors, proximity switches, and contactors are voltage sensitive and, when subjected to a large AC motor line started nearby, can drop out. Using variable frequency eliminates this voltage sag, since the motor is started at zero voltage and ramped up.
- Lower Power Demand on Start. If power is proportional to current-times-voltage, then power needed to start an AC motor across the line is significantly higher than with a variable frequency drive. This will be true only at the start up. The primary issue is that some electrical distribution systems might be at their limit during specific times of day, usually considered “Peak Hours.” When industrial customers start their motors during these peak hours of electrical consumption, it is not uncommon for the customer to be stung with charges for surges in power during peak periods. These demand factors would not be an issue with frequency converter.
- Controlled Acceleration. A blower with FC motor starts at zero speed and accelerates smoothly on a customer-adjustable ramp. Conversely, an AC motor started “across the line” triggers higher mechanical shock loads both for the motor and mechanically connected load. This shock will, over time, increase the wear and tear not only on the connected load but the AC motor as well. Applications that include easy-to-tip product, such as bottling lines, greatly benefit from a slow ramp up in power which allows the conveyor belt to smoothly speed up rather than an abrupt jerk to full power.
- Adjustable Operating Speed. Unlike the traditional stop-and-go motor, the use of a frequency converter allows starting at reduced speed and allows remote adjustment of speed by programmable controller or process controller. Control, in an industrial sense, is always a big bonus for production.
- Adjustable Torque Limit. Use of a frequency converter can protect machinery from damage because the amount of torque being applied can be controlled accurately, ie in case of a conveyor jam.
- Controlled Stopping. Controlled stopping can be important to reduce mechanical wear and tear.
- Energy Savings. Blowers operated with frequency converter will reduces energy consumption. A variable frequency drive controlling a blower motor that usually runs less than full speed can substantially reduce energy consumption over a motor running at constant speed for the same period. Because this benefit varies depending on system variables, it is important to calculate benefits for each application before calculating the shortened payback period. (Source: Wolf Automation).
All manufacturers may potentially reduce their energy consumption by an average of 50%.
To learn more about the potential for energy savings in your pneumatic conveying solution with an FC blower, contact us today!
The below shows the potential for power savings in trim extraction solutions with a MultiAir 4000 blower.
