Common Applications of Variable Speed Drive for Motor Protection
Himel Variable Speed Drives offer consistent, efficient, and economic motor protection.
An electric motor is a device or a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. There are numerous applications of an electric motor and that is why it is one of the most identifiable electrical devices. Be it fan, blower, pump, or turbine—the motor is the central machine for electrical operations in industries, farms, offices, and homes.
Variable Speed Drive (VSD) operates as a motor protection device with the crucial role as a speed controller.
The ubiquitous nature of electrical motor and unparalleled efficiency benefits of VSD makes them a perfect pair—that most industrial processes can’t do without.
VSDs facilitate or provide several complex protective functions—on the lines of safety and efficiency, such as:
Protection against short-circuit, under or overvoltage, thermal issues, ground fault, overcurrent, power supply/output phase failure, and stall prevention.
Increments in energy efficiency, cost-saving, consistent operations, etc. Basically, by aligning the performance of the motor to requirement of the operations, VSDs prevent the wasteful practice of running the motor at full speed.
Applications of Variable Speed Drive
As stated earlier, the motor is probably one of the most identifiable electrical equipment to just everyone. As they are the heart of several critical operations in industries, buildings, or offices—motors need to be efficient. The energy efficiency of electric motors can be optimized in two principal ways—by efficient speed control and by efficient design of the motors. There is an obvious limit to innovation in design and hence the most dynamic way of increasing motor efficiency is ‘speed control’.
VSDs, till now, have been the most effective way of motor speed control. And, therefore they find their application practically anywhere, where motors are used.
Here we have listed some of the most successful applications of Himel VSDs—in terms of energy-saving, cost optimization, equipment life enhancement, and ease of process control.
Variable Speed Drive Application in Booster Pumps
Multistorey buildings such as apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, and educational institutions require booster pumps for providing adequate pressure to terminal dispensing units such as faucets. Booster pumps add necessary pressure to the water supply when the water mains pressure is insufficient.
VSD is added to booster pump as an alternative to pressure control valves—which saves not only energy but also ensures saving in maintenance costs at least by 20%.
Variable Speed Drive Application in Aquaculture
Variable speed pumps have been instrumental in large-scale aquaculture success. When set at a prespecified speed, they deliver the right amount of water needed within a system or process at a predetermined time.
Unlike other applications, in aquaculture, the pumps are in continuous service. By optimizing the pump speed, significant savings can be achieved in the setup.
Himel’s VSDs when integrated with the pump offer an aquaculture-specific set of menus that cater to the unique needs of the application.
Variable Speed Drive Application in Wastewater Management
In a typical wastewater treatment plant, aeration blowers make up the largest energy consumption. VSDs are used to regulate sewage flow through the pumps and facilitate wastewater treatment plants to achieve the required movement. Installation of VSD allows up to 50% energy saving.
Beyond cost optimization, Himel VSDs offer accurate and responsive control leading to consistent and precise regulation of the process.
Himel VSDs are designed to reduce downtime and ensure greater energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants.
Variable Speed Drive Application in Material Handling
Precise control over the rate and quantity of feeding material to and from the conveyor belt is basic to any material handling unit. VSDs ensure that the right feeding rate is always maintained by adapting motor speed. This also leads to minimized damage and inefficiency in case of over-or underload situations. Reliable operations even in highly dynamic conditions allow line feed to be adjusted for optimum efficiency.
Variable Speed Drive Application in Food Processing
Variable Speed Drives are an integral part of the safety system in the food and beverage industry. In a variety of applications, the industry employs a decanter centrifuge which uses very high centrifugal forces to separate solids from liquids. A slight malfunction, for example, a small vibration caused by running the centrifuge above the recommended speed can lead to a larger safety issue—for the machine and the associated personnel. VSDs help the decanter centrifuge manufacturer to ensure the required safety standards.
Final Note
A VSD is an integral device for motor safety and industrial automation. Apart from precise process control and energy efficiency, drives also facilitate OEMs to meet the required safety standards and prolong equipment life.