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Our customer service and sales team members attended the Yaskawa Roadshow 2022. The day long, e-training was a hands-on session that brought our team up-to-date on variable frequency drive programming.

 

Our team members attended the training session to learn the most current features in VFD (variable frequency drive) programming. But just as important, it helps them to better understand the common issues and pitfalls and that our customers may run into.

 

Obviously, all drives come with installation manuals. But many manufacturers also provide e-learning modules, videos, recorded and live training classes to help with installation and adjustments.

 

Beyond purchasing a drive, consider compatibility. It is important that VFDs are selected and programmed correctly. The right size VFD can save your company, or your customer, money and ensure the system will be energy efficient. But, selecting and installing the right VFD can get complicated due to the many variables with different pumping systems.

 

Where do you begin to select a VFD? Your pump motor’s nameplate will contain the basic information necessary to select a compatible drive. Besides the basic motor specifications, it will be important to identify these requirements in your VFD selection:

• Type of application
• Type of load
• Speed range and control method
• Special enclosure or mounting area

 

Pairing the right drive with your motor is important. Franklin drives, for example, are only compatible with Franklin motors. Yaskawa drives are suitable for numerous motor manufacturers. Ask your Webtrol representative for assistance with your VFD selection.

 

Variable Frequency Drives, VFDs, are controllers that drive electric motors. They vary the frequency and voltage that enters the electric pump motor, allowing it to deliver constant pressure.

 

VFDs allow the motor to gradually start and stop, easing the wear and tear on the components. Then, once the pump and motor are running, they operate at a speed necessary to deliver constant pressure at various flows. So, instead of running at full power, it is running at reduced speed, saving energy.

 

To learn more about variable frequency drives, see VFDs: More Than Constant Pressure.