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September 16 2021 0Comment
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Variable Frequency Drives: Overhead Cranes Smart Motor Controls

Maybe, you are suffering from some issues due to your old cranes. For instance, you are replacing the couplers and worn-out parts frequently. In that case, a variable frequency drive can help you. They come with numerous benefits such as:

  • It protects from wear to multiple crane components.
  • It improves the performance, safety, and efficiency of the overhead lifts.
  • You can also control the motorized motions if you have variable frequency drives.

Definition

To get a clear idea, we must perceive the definition of variable frequency drives. It is an essential tool to the material industry that came into existence during the eighties and nineties. The primary purpose of this tool was to control the single-speed motor. Besides, it is also capable of controlling 2-speed motors. The precision of the engines will get a boost once you start using variable frequency drives.

Earlier, they were compatible only with high-speed class E cranes and class D cranes. These days, they can control all the motions of a trolley, hoist, bridge, and hook rotation. However, they can control the hook rotation in specific applications.

With time the cost of these systems came down. For that reason, a considerable number of companies are using these tools. They are not only enhancing their efficiency, but they are using it to earn some significant profit. From lower duty to heavy-duty, these systems can serve all the purposes.

Variable frequency drives replace numerous systems

VFD can replace numerous systems. Here we will take a look at the plans to make it easier for you to make the right decision. Here are the systems that it replaces.

  •      Two speed or single speed motor

In a single-speed motor, the operator pushes the button, and the motor gains acceleration as soon as possible. It gives acceleration depending on the load. Once the operator releases the controller, the cream stops as the brakes set.

In the case of a two-speed motor, the operator will get two-speed options. The ratio of the speed will be 3:1. So, if an engine has this speed of 720 RPM, the other motor will gain the speed of 2160 RPM. However, you will not get any speed options in between.

You can use a soft starter technology for low-duty cycle applications. With the help of this technology, you can lower down the voltage in your motor. It will lower down the acceleration and will reduce the torque. However, you should avoid using it during heavy-duty applications as it creates a lot of heat. It may make some unwanted situations during the lifting process.

Wound Rotor Motor Controls and DC Controls

These motors are effective, but they are complicated as well. They will provide you with high performance. They comprise windings on the motor's rotor. This system will give you precise control over the acceleration. It happens by changing the resistance of the rotor.

When it comes to efficiency, these machines will not disappoint you. But due to their wearing complexities, it becomes hard for troubleshooting. To be precise, it will be hard for you to take care of those errors if it witnesses some errors. Other heavy-duty cranes will provide you with more motor control. Even these days, they are popular in mills. They are losing their popularity due to their complicated design.

Advantages of using VFD

VFD provides numerous advantages. We will try to share those advantages with you to don't hesitate to do variable frequency drives. It will be beneficial for your trains in the long run. So here are the benefits of using VFD.

  • One of the best parts of variable frequency drives is that they are compatible with numerous screen applications. Their versatility will be of great help.
  • It comprises a vast number of programmable parameters. To be precise, the number is between 200 and 300. You can use it to control numerous parts of cranes such as trolley, hoist, bridge, and hook.
  • t will provide you with smoother acceleration as well as deceleration. If you want to add additional speed points, you can do that too. So you can understand the efficiency of a VFD.
  • Positioning the loads precisely is one of the imperative advantages of variable frequency drives. If you are dealing with delicate loads, this system is beneficial.
  • You can design it in such a way that it will detect an overload. Seeing the overload as early as possible will help you from numerous unwanted accidents or challenging situations.

So, here we have discussed almost everything that comes with variable frequency drives. Understanding all these points will make it easier for you to make future decisions. It will be beneficial for your company as it will increase efficiency. Overall production and profit of your company will also get a boost.