What is the difference between VFD and VDS? This article aims to answer one relatively simple question: What is the difference between VFD and VSD? As the question was raised again recently, we would like to deliver an understandable explanation. Let’s start with the abbreviations first to ensure that we Read more…
How to measure VFD efficiency Energy efficiency is high on the agenda. VFDs are enablers on higher efficiency in drive systems, especially in flow control. However, how to deal with VFD efficiency? In particular, how to measure VFD efficiency and verify the figures provided by the manufacturer? There is a Read more…
Abbreviations and Definitions This post summarizes and explains some of the most commonly used abbreviations and definitons from the field of variable frequency drives (VFD), drive systems and associated areas, such as power electronics, harmonics and power quality, monitoring, testing… AFE Active Front End Grid side converter (in drives often Read more…
Which one is your VFD hero? VFDs, together with their rotating partners (motors) perform lot of work behind the scene. As we already know, there are multiple VFD topologies available on the market. While they all fulfill the basic purpose, such as soft starting of the machine and speed or Read more…
Braking capability of VFD fed motors Not every VFD is capable of active braking. And not every application requires active braking either. In today’s post we are going to review the braking capability of most common medium voltage VFDs. Let’s start with the need for braking. In fact, many applications Read more…
VFD versus gas turbine In this post we are going to compare two variable speed drive solutions: an electric drive consisting of a VFD and a motor and a gas turbine. Gas turbine is an internal combustion engine, i.e. an energy conversion device that converts energy stored in the fuel Read more…
To Gear or not to Gear? “To Gear or not to Gear: That is the question!” Dear readers, it is April 1, the Fool Day. However, we are not going to fool you. Instead, we have just allowed ourselves to paraphrase the famous quote by Shakespeare from Hamlet, Act 3 Read more…
It Is Webinar Time! Update: Dear visitors, Thank you for your interest. Please note that the webinars are not available anymore. We will consider making a new webinar series in the future. Feel free to contact us in case of any questions. Thank you for your understanding. With the spring Read more…
4 types of VFD specifications We have already talked a bit about customer specifications and the implication on VFD design. Unfortunately, those who shall primarily receive the message, may not be readers of our blog. Not yet, at least. Anyway, in this post we will introduce 4 types of VFD Read more…
Part 2: Overview of motor starting methods Electric motors as work horses of the industry are extensively used since decades. The topic of motor starting is therefore well known and various starting methods had been developed. This article presents an overview of most common motor starting methods. Which solution to Read more…