Invertek VFDs

More Information about Invertek Variable Frequency Drives

Invertek Optidrive E3 General Purpose Drives

Invertek Optidrive E3 General Purpose Drives provide sensorless vector control for all motor types including: induction motors, permanent magnet motors, brushless DC motors, synchronous reluctance motors and line start PM motors. Optidrive E3 drives provide simple installation, motor connection and commission. With just 14 basic parameters and application macro functions, set-up and start-up are quick and easy. The Industrial, Pump and Fan modes can be used to suite specific HVAC and pumping applications.

Invertek Optidrive P2 High Performance Drives

Invertek Optidrive P2 High Performance Drives provide 150 percent overload for 60 seconds as standard, ensuring each drive is suitable for Heavy Duty applications. The IP55 enclosed units allow the drive to survive in industrial environments. Optidrive P2 is designed to work with a wide range of motor types and extensive I/O and communications interface capabilities ensure that the drive can be integrated into a variety of control systems.

Invertek Optidrive Eco HVAC Drives

Invertek Optidrive Eco HVAC Drives optimize the performance of pumps and fans used in HVAC applications. They are used with AC induction motors, AC permanent magnet motors, brushless DC motors and synchronous reluctance motors. For simple installation into a building's management system, all Optidrive Eco HVAC drives are provided with both BACnet and Modbus RTU as standard.

FAQs 

Does a variable frequency drive work with both AC motors and DC motors in energy saving applications?

A variable frequency drive is primarily designed to control the speed of AC motors, but there are some VFD models available that can be used with DC motors as well. However, it's important to note that the VFDs used with DC motors are generally different from those used with AC motors, and they are designed to operate with specific types of DC motors.

What is the system maintenance time for a variable frequency drive?

The system maintenance time for a variable frequency drive (VFD) can vary depending on the specific model and the environment in which it is operating. Some common maintenance tasks for VFDs include: cleaning, lubrication, calibration and software updates.

What is the speed range of a variable frequency drive?

The speed range of a variable frequency drive depends on the specific model and the motor it is controlling. In general, variable frequency drives are capable of controlling the speed of motors over a wide range, typically from zero speed to 100% of the motor's rated speed.

Are variable speed drives the same as variable frequency drives?

There is a slight difference between the two. A variable frequency drive is a type of variable speed drive that specifically controls the frequency of the AC power supplied to the motor to adjust its speed. On the other hand, a variable speed drive can control the motor speed by adjusting other factors such as the voltage or current supplied to the motor.

 Motor Starters

Motor starters safely start and stop a motor in industrial applications. They are designed with a contactor, overload and circuit protection. They are used when basic motor control is required, where torque on the motor is not a concern and motor speed control is not needed. The advantages of motor starters include: lower cost, allows for remote operation, allows for monitoring of motor state (with the use of auxiliary contacts) and they are safe and efficient. The disadvantages include: high inrush current that can cause fuses to blow and breakers to trip if the inrush is too high, and the starter will allow a full torque to start the motor which can cause the motor to ramp up to full speed very quickly potentially causing the motor to wear and degrade prematurely.

Soft Starters

Soft starters protect motors from inrush current by gently ramping up the motor to full speed. They provide all of the same functions as a traditional motor starter. The advantages of soft starters include: they are less expensive than a VFD when only startup control is needed, they are a smaller system than a VFD where space is a concern and they prevent unwanted torque upon startup, prolonging the life of the motor. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive than a traditional motor starter and they do not allow for full speed control. 

Variable Frequency Drives

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allow for the slow ramp up of a motor during startup and the slowing down of the motor during shutdown. They also allow for full speed control during the entire run cycle of the motor. VFDs provide the same functions as both the traditional motor starters and soft starters. The advantages of VFDs include: full speed control (start, stop and in-between), more custom control and monitoring, energy savings due to efficient motor usage and less wear and tear on the motors. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive and larger than other motor control options and they generate heat that may require fans or AC units.