B V V SANGHA’S

BASAVESHWAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) BAGALKOT

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
2022 - 2023

ECONOMISING AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM IN ROOMS BY

USING VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE
Project Guide Project Coordinator HOD
Dr. M C Goudar Prof.(Smt). S. B. Wadawadgi Dr. V V Kuppast

Project Associates
Name USN
1) Praveen Gudasalamani 2BA20ME416
2) Basappa Myageri 2BA20ME402
3) Shameer Zare 2BA20ME419
4) Husenbhasha 2BA20ME405
 ABSTRACT
Traditionally, we have to use a fixed speed compressor in air conditioning system. Now
these are simply just turn ON and OFF and that results to poor control of higher inrush
currents. we find them used to control the things such as pumps, fans, blowers and
compressors in AC systems. By using VFD unit which is connected to the blower. This can
be used to vary the frequency of electricity being supplied to drive the motor and by
varying this rotational speed of the blower can be controlled. it allows to unlock energy
savings and we improve the performance and control air conditioning system.
The VFD unit which is use to control the speed of compressor in AC system and it
allows to closely match to the cooling demand, which results in significant of energy
saving. Building’s air- conditioning (AC) systems are designed to operate at the peak load,
which only occurs in a very short period of time throughout the year. One of the most
effective ways to improve the air conditioning system’s efficiency is to utilize the variable
frequency drives (VFDs). They are widely used in the AC field, including fans, pumps,
compressors, etc. In a VFD-equipped system, the VFD adjusts the speed of one or more
blowers based on the system load requirements and operation schedule, resulting in a
dramatic change in energy consumption.
 INTRODUCTION
 A VFD is an electrical device used to control the rotation speed of an alternating
current (AC) electric motor by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied
to the motor. It is also called pulse-width-modulated drive (PWM drive).
 In general, a VFD can be used in a variety of applications where the load is variable,
such as fans, pumps, and blowers etc.
 Electric motor-driven systems (EMDS) are the largest electrical end users and account
for 43-46% of all global electricity consumption.
 Reducing energy consumption is the most direct and effective way to improve the
efficiency of the electric motors and increasing advancement of electronic and control
technology greatly improves the performance of variable speed drives.
 To overcome this, systematically introduces the application of VFDs in air conditioning
systems, including heating system, ventilation system, cooling system and refrigeration
systems in commercial and industrial buildings.
 INTRODUCTION
 Air conditioning systems are also good candidates for VFD applications. The
compressor is the major device where the VFD is installed in a AC loop. The typical
applications include AHUs (Air handling unit), FCUs (Fan coil unit), and Chillers.
 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) change the speed of motor by changing voltage and
frequency of the power supplied to the motor. In order to maintain proper power factor
and reduce excessive heating of the motor, the name plate volts/hertz ratio must be
maintained. This is the main task of Variable Frequency Drive.
 It becomes possible to control the speed of electric motors as well as increase in
efficient energy use decrease in energy consumption by air conditioning system.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 Luigi Schibuola et. al[1]: Variable speed drive (VSD) technology can be introduced
in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, normally sized for peak
load conditions, to match actual load requirements. This paper presents a detailed
assessment of the impact of the application of VSDs to HVAC components in a public
building. As regards the electricity consumption of pumping and fans, the
investigation has pointed out the achievement of a global annual energy saving of
38.9% in comparison with the alternative of a constant speed HVAC system.
 Annapurna Birdar et. al[2]: This paper describes the volume of air pumped into the
kiln is controlled by air blower motor, which is necessary for firing of insulators.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are used to control three phase induction motor
which intern controls the output of an air blower motor. VFDs are used to vary supply
frequency to control the speed of air blower motor and Installation of VFDs offers
high efficiency ease of operation and savings in cost due to less power consumption.
VFDs require less maintenance, improve process control and have become the drive
of choice in the majority of applications.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 Yunha li [3]:This paper presents the principles are introduced for VFDs, variable speed
fans, pumps, and compressors. Next, the control application of VFDs on each type of
system, VFDs play a great role in the optimal operation of building energy systems. The
increased functionality and reliability along with the reduced cost make them more and
more widely accepted and used in the HVAC industry. These applications will achieve a
tremendous energy savings from motors.
 Tamal Aditya[4]: This paper presents the working principle of Variable Frequency
Drive. The performance of VFD is also described. The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
in waveforms is also analyzed. The use of Variable Frequency Drive has been increased
dramatically in the field of HVAC applications. The common applications of VFDs are
in air handler, chiller, pumps and tower fans. A better understanding of Variable
Frequency Drives with leads to improve in application and selection of both equipment
and HVAC system. This paper is intended to provide a basics understanding of VFD
terms, VFD operations and Power Factor improvement, Harmonics mitigation by VFD
and a simulation project to show how VFD is beneficial for energy savings.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 Pravin G. Sanas et. al[5]: A Variable frequency drive (VFD) is the type of motor
controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to
electric motor. The AC input given to VFD is used to drive induction motor. Rectifier
diode is used for rectification of AC output & filter capacitor is used to reduce the
ripples in output DC supply. The inverter circuit drives the IGBT to invert DC to AC as
per inverter frequency to AC induction motor input. Microcontroller is used to
control/monitor/set the output frequency and current of the AC induction motor.
 Mr. Manoj Nimase et. al[6]: This paper focuses on the study of different control
strategies of Air Handling Unit (AHU) and also the power saving techniques. As energy
performance of the system strongly depends on the selection of heating, ventilation, and
air-conditioning (HVAC) system configuration as HVAC systems account for
approximately 30 - 60% of the total energy consumption. Variable frequency drives are
nowadays a key manner for lowering the consumption of the HVAC system in peak
time. In this paper different types of variable frequency drives, their operations, methods
of controlling speed, challenges faced during implementation of VFD and power saving
techniques are discussed.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 Yanfeng Li et. al (7): This paper presents an intelligent control scheme for fan coil air-
conditioning systems has been put forward in order to overcome the shortcomings of the
traditional proportion-integral-derivative (PID) control scheme. These shortcomings include
the inability of anti-interference and large inertia. A software for data exchange has been
developed to combine the intelligence control system and the building automation (BA)
system. They had experimental tests conducted to investigate the effectiveness of different
control schemes including the traditional PID control, fuzzy control, and fuzzy-PID control
for fan coil air-conditioning system.
 IP Knight et .al (8) This research paper is provided us the energy consumption information
for 34 air-conditioning systems, “as found” in UK office accommodation. The results will
highlight those areas of design and operation of air-conditioning systems that were found to
be crucial in terms of energy consumption. This is the 3-year field-monitoring program
researching the energy consumption of air-conditioning (A/C) systems in UK Offices. The
premise of the work is that little published data exists concerning the energy use of A/C
systems in practice.
 OBSERVATION
 After studying various papers it is seen that voltage and frequency (V/F) control
technique is most commonly used than other control techniques.
 This control technique the supply voltage and frequency (V/F) is varied keeping ratio
constant.
 Using VFDs help the motors are starts softly and reduces motor energy consumption
and use to making it energy efficient.
 Air-conditioners use a lot of electricity. This creates both financial disadvantages for
the people who have to pay for the power, and more generalized environmental
disadvantages caused by power production.
 The air-conditioning systems account for approximately 30 - 60% of the total energy
consumption.
 The increasing the functionality and reliability along with the reduced cost and It can
be use in air-conditioning systems.
 OBJECTIVES
 To save the energy and improve the system efficiency.
 To match the speed of the drive to the process.
 To reduce the motor power consumption significantly with proper control in AC
system.
 To reduce mechanical stress on machines to extend their lifetime.
 To improve the power factor of the AC drive system including VFD units.
 To reduced noise and vibration level.
 To achieve large energy savings in commercial buildings and industries.
METHODOLOGY
 METHODOLOGY
 The AHU unit's blower is turned on at high speed and begins to circulate the air.
 Starting load of the blower if it is high, after fixing VFD with minimum load blower
starts.
Ex: Initially if it takes 20 volt without VFD
 The temperature of the air is regulated by the unit's thermostat to maintain a
comfortable environment for employees.
 The filters in the unit capture particles such as pollen, dust, and bacteria that could
potentially cause illness.
 The exhaust from the filters is routed through an exhaust system and released into the
environment outside of the plant.
 The unit's control unit monitors the air quality throughout the plant and makes
necessary adjustments to the blower speed, thermostat settings, and filters as needed.
 EXPECTED OUT COMES
 To save the energy and improve system efficiency.
 To match the speed of the drive to the process.
 To reduce mechanical stress on machines to extend their lifetime.
 REFERENCES
 [1]Luigi Schibuola et. al [2018] “Variable speed drive (VSD) technology applied to
HVAC systems for energy saving: an experimental investigation”. Energy Procardia
148 (2018) 806–813.
 [2]Annapurna Birdar et. Al [2013] “Energy Conservation Using Variable Frequency
Drive”. International Journal of Emerging Trends in Electrical and Electronics
(IJETEE) Vol. 2, Issue. 1, April-2013 BEC, Bagalkot.
 [3] Yunha li “Variable Frequency Drive Applications in HVAC Systems” Bes-Tech Inc.,
Omaha, NE, USA.
 [4] Tamal Aditya “Research to study Variable Frequency Drive and its Energy Savings”
International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), India Online ISSN: 2319-7064
 [5] Pravin G. Sanas et. al “Literature Review on Variable Frequency Drive”
International Journal for Scientific Research & Development| Vol. 3, Issue 08, 2015
 REFERENCES
 [6]Mr. Manoj Nimase et. Al “Review paper on the control system of the air handling
units” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN:
2395-0056 march 2019.
 [7] Yanfeng Li et. “al Research Article Experimental Study on Intelligent Control
Scheme for Fan Coil Air-Conditioning System” International Research Journal of
Engineering and Technology Received 3 July 2013; Accepted 5 October 2013.
 [8]IP Knight et .al “energy consumption of air conditioning systems in uk office
environments” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology of
Indoor Air 2002
METHODOLOGY
 Expected out comes
• To save the energy and improve system efficiency.
• To match the speed of the drive to the process.
• To reduce mechanical stress on machines to extend
their lifetime.