How to Correctly Understand the Risk Cost of Using the Frequency Converter？

When we choose the products of suitable frequency converter manufacturers, we need to confirm whether they can help enterprises better manage the risks and costs brought about by potential safety, security and downtime accidents.

Safety

Anti-arc drive can help users meet strict anti-arc standards. These Variable-frequency Drives (VFDs) redirect the harmful energy and gases generated in the arc away from plant personnel. This reduces security risks and protects equipment. The VFD can also use Safe Torque Off (STO) technology, which removes power to the motor without cutting power to the VFD. This is critical to reducing cycle times for batch applications and facilitates faster system restarts after reaching a safe state. Safe Torque Off is designed for variable frequency control and requires no additional electromechanical components, helping to reduce hardware, inventory and installation costs.

Security

Like every aspect of industrial operations, VFDs are increasingly connected. The greater the connectivity, the greater the security risks. If the VFD provides remote monitoring and data collection capabilities, make sure it provides secure connection capabilities such as Secure Sockets Layer over a standard Internet connection.

Downtime

In addition to specifying or purchasing a reliable VFD to prevent downtime, different levels of support can also help monitor and maintain the VFD.

For example, VFD supports remote monitoring, allowing suppliers to monitor their own performance. The supplier will immediately notify the user of any failures, warnings, or performance outside specified tolerances. In terms of predictive analysis and design, if it can provide predictive equipment operating status and proactively schedule maintenance, it will help users identify and respond to any problems, thereby completely reducing or avoiding downtime. It can also eliminate the challenges posed by skills shortages by assigning VFD monitoring to trusted suppliers.

Low and medium voltage VFDs should help facilitate a company’s operating and business goals. When specifying a VFD, investigate factors beyond the sticker price to understand life cycle costs in key areas such as downtime, energy usage, system integration and risk management.

When we choose a variable-frequency drive (VFD), we also need to consider its installation environment, including factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, dust content, corrosive gases, etc. These factors have a great relationship with whether the VFD can operate reliably for a long time. If the operating conditions cannot be met, corresponding protective measures should be taken. Most inverter manufacturers will provide the following common protection structures for users to choose.

• (1) Open type IP00, which protects the human body from contacting the live parts inside the VFD from the front. It is suitable for installation on the screen, panel and rack in the electrical cabinet or electrical room. It is especially suitable for the centralized use of multiple VFDs, but it has higher requirements for the installation environment.
• (2) Enclosed IP20, IP21, this kind of protective structure VFD has coverings around it and can be installed on the wall of the building. It can be used in places with little dust or low temperature and humidity, and is suitable for most indoor installation environments.
• (3) Sealed to IP40 and IP42, suitable for occasions with poor environmental conditions in industrial places.
• (4) Enclosed IP54 and IP55, with dustproof and waterproof protection structure, suitable for industrial places with poor environmental conditions, water showers, dust and certain corrosive gases.

The project site should choose the frequency conversion speed control system according to its actual process requirements and application occasions, weigh the pros and cons, choose reasonably, and consider comprehensively.