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DC vs. AC Drives Checklist
August 17, 2012DC Drives Armature and Field Control
August 30, 2012AC Drives for HVAC Fan and Pump Applications
| Enjoy substantial energy savings in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for fan and pump applications by simply using AC drives in place of dampers, valves and vanes.
AC drives, or variable frequency drives (VFDs), are devices that control electric motors’ speed and torque. They adjust the voltage and frequency of power as it comes into them, influencing how the motor moves. How do AC drives save energy? These are controls for the AC motor and can help tremendously with energy savings if the output required in the application is less than nominal most of the time. |
AC Drive Uses
AC drives are used to control the fan and pump speed by changing the supply of electrical energy instead of damping the air or water flow. The process works similarly to reducing pressure on a car accelerator instead of pressing the brake. AC drives control the electrical supply to the fan, slowing down or speeding up the blade as needed. This change increases airflow control, letting the system blow more or less air through the fans, depending on your goal. In pumps, the AC drive can control the pump’s flow rate, reducing the unit’s power consumption to save more energy.
How Do AC Drives Contribute to Industrial Automation and Control?
AC drives bring durability and efficiency to industrial automation and control. AC drives produce no sparking, minimizing hazards in corrosive and wet environments. Their flexibility and control over your systems with an AC drive are essential for manufacturing automation. AC drives can also easily handle abrupt speed changes, maximizing efficiency.
Key Benefits of AV Drives for HVAC
HVAC drives for pumps and fans are the main players in your system’s efficiency and quietness. AC drives are essential for keeping your fans and pumps working through the season.
Some key benefits of AC drives for your HVAC system include:
- Excellent control: AC drives give you precise control over your motor speed. They make your system highly responsive, ensuring it’s always working effectively.
- Better energy efficiency: Adjusting the motors’ speed reduces your HVAC system’s energy usage, saving you money.
- Reduce wear and tear: Controlling motor speed and adjusting your systems as needed prevents sudden stops and starts. With gradual adjustment, your AC drives can extend your motor system’s life span by reducing stress.
- Quiet operation: Lower motor speeds mean less noise. A quiet space makes working and relaxing much easier.
A Measurable Difference
More good news… you don’t have to guess whether or not your AC drives are indeed saving energy and money. Some AC drive manufacturers provide software that estimates the energy savings for fan and pump applications, compares AC drive usage with conventional motor control methods, and provides payback data. This enables your company to easily calculate and analyze savings.
Energy savings equals dollar savings, and HVAC systems typically account for a large percentage of energy usage in any home or facility. So consider using AC drives to control each HVAC fan and pump, and notice how these save your facility dollars in energy costs year after year!
Choosing the Right AC Drive for Your HVAC System
Choosing the right AC drive is essential for maximizing your system’s efficiency and life span. Consider these factors to pick the best AC drive for the job:
- Application: What are you using your AC drive for? Fans, pumps or compressors can need different options.
- Motor requirements: The drive must match the motor’s voltage, horsepower and current. You must get an AC drive that works with the motor, or you’ll have ineffective HVAC operation.
- Speed control: Different drives have different speed control capabilities. The more precise your speed control, the better your energy efficiency and performance.
- Compatibility: Make sure the drive can integrate with your building management system. This compatibility gives you more seamless control.
- Environment: The environment can impact your AC drive’s effectiveness. Ensure you get a drive with the right enclosure and protection ratings for the installation space.
Stay in Touch with Carotron
If you’re looking for AC drives or more information on motor control products, Carotron can help. Contact a customer representative or engineer at 1-888-286-8614, and let us review your application and offer the right components to do the job.
Resource/Copyright Info: This article about buying AC drives for HVAC fans and pumps is under © Copyright of Carotron, Inc., your source for high quality DC and AC motor drives and other industrial motion control products to keep your operation running smoothly. Read other articles here…