Variable Frequency

Drive
Donald Kaulukukui
What is a VFD?
 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
 A VFD can be used to control both the speed and
torque of a standard induction AC electric motor.
 It varies both the frequency and amps of the AC
waveform being delivered to the motor saving
money in electricity.
 Basic components of a VFD:
 Input section, draws AC electric power from the
utility, Rectifier section, converts the AC into DC
power.
 Inverter section, converts DC back into a
controllable AC waveform.
Purpose of the VFD
 VFDs help to limit demand and electrical
consumption of motors by reducing the
amount of energy they consume.
 Standard motors are constant speed and
when they are energized they run at a 100%
no matter the load.
 Soft Start
 Only use energy you need
 Ohana Malia - Booster Pump Amps

20.00

18.00 New Booster Pumping System

Installed
16.00
Booster Pump Amps

14.00
12.00
10.00
8.00

6.00
4.00

2.00
0.00
5:00 PM

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

5:00 PM

5:00 PM
Time
Potential Problems
 Improper Circuit Design
 Harmonic Distortion
 Safety
 3 phase generation
 Microcontroller programming
Expectations
 Learn pulse width modulation techniques
 Learn application of microcontroller
features
 Learn advanced circuit design
 Learn AC motor theory
 Learn energy conservation methods
Goals
 Single phase 120V 60 Hz AC generation

 Three phase 220V 60 Hz AC generation

 Three phase 220V Variable Frequency AC

generation

 Temperature controlled VFD

 VFD
Start
Done
Circuit Design
Duration

Programming

AC - DC converter

DC - DC converter

DC - AC inverter

8/26/2007 9/15/2007 10/5/2007 10/25/2007 11/14/2007 12/4/2007 12/24/2007 1/13/2008 2/2/2008