The technique of variable frequency drive works for anything and everything. From controlling the entire crane system to a simple hoist motion, one needs to use variable frequency drives. One of the most critical aspects of using variable frequency drives is to understand the ambient temperature rating. It also helps to control the temperature within the operating environment of the variable frequency drives.
Heat is known to be the single best enemy of variable frequency drives. Let us know some of the fundamental truths about variable frequency drives.
The purpose of variable frequency drives
One may find various reasons for using a variable frequency drive. One advantage of using the variable frequency drive is that it prevents the machine from getting damaged and saves energy. Any equipment during the HVAC system functions well at a shallow energy requirement. The variable frequency drives help to reduce noise contamination, including the provision of software start and stops. However, the variable frequency drives can control the speed, torque, and direction of the AC induction motor. Supposedly it takes the voltage and frequency of the DC motor and converts it into variable frequency while giving an output voltage of an AC output.
The variable frequency drive helps in the smooth transition of your device. Due to this, the durability and longevity of your unit increases as a whole.
Should the internal enclosed temperature be the same as the ambient temperature rating of the variable frequency drive?
The ambient temperature rating of the variable frequency drive does not equate or match with the internal enclosure temperature. Therefore, variables that one should consider are the heat loss phenomena of the heat-generating components. The other features that one should consider are the equipment's duty cycle and the temperature outside the enclosure.
For instance, type C cranes can easily exchange the most variable frequency drive manufacturer's maximum temperature rating on a sunny and hot day. Therefore, it becomes very critical to protect the variable frequency drives and the other electrical components. One should also put particular emphasis on the other electrical components. Make sure that you save your equipment from excessive heat to ensure longevity and safety.
Should one ventilate the enclosure?
In any industrial environment, it is never a good idea to seal out the inclusion. If one tends to seal out the enclosure, it increases the number of built-up deserts on the controls. It can lead to decreased heat dissipation. The worst case is if the airborne particles have the property of electric conductivity, then it can be one of the causes of short circuits.
Due to this reason, one should not prefer the isolated air conditioning system as it may not be the ideal solution. Regarding the clean environment in case of non-acidic particles in the air, one can use a ventilation kit or a fan to transfer out the enclosure's heat. In simple non-ventilated applications, it is common to add a fan to circulate the enclosure's air; this aids in preventing hot spots.
When should one use the air conditioner to cool down the variable frequency drive enclosure?
When the ventilation on the fan cooling would not cut in, the air conditioning happens to be the next option that ensures your variable frequency drives stay cool. The air conditioners must have the British thermal units per hour rating. The amount of heat energy produced that the system can remove from any enclosed space within a given hour. However, suppliers and manufacturers have a calculator that helps determine the air conditioner's size that requires the control panel. Some factors include the ambient temperature, the enclosure volume, internal heat loss, and the desired temperature. Most air conditioning units have closed loops that do not allow the transformation of interior air to the outside and vice versa.
What happens to the variable frequency drive if the temperature rating shows excessive temperature?
The variable frequency device will not stop immediately if the internal temperature gets above the maximum rating. The variable frequency drive manufacturers recommend the mark of maximum rating. If this happens at any time, one will experience a lower life expectancy from the variable frequency drives. With proper management of ambient temperature, one can ensure that the control system of the device would run reliably and optimally for years.
How can one theme the variable frequency device control panel?
One may have worked with air compressors or have usual eyes and air compressors in cans. However, one should resist the urge to use the air compressor to clean your variable frequency drive control panels. It will cause more harm to the frequency drive control panel than do any good.
Instead, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean your variable frequency drive control panel. It can pull out the debris and dust from the device and elongate the lifespan of the variable frequency drive control panel.
Conclusion
One needs to compare the different variations of the performed output signal drive and the input signals of the variable frequency drives. These signals, however, indicate some early signs of device failure. Moreover, these are known to play an essential role in various systems and devices with the motorized operation, including the HVAC systems.
