An AC drive system is an electromechanical arrangement that utilizes an electric motor to control the motion and processes of various devices. The application of this drive is encompassing across industries, including electric cars, escalators, conveyors, fans, pumps, cranes and so much more. It is a helpful device that regulates a fixed voltage and frequency to control the torque, speed, power and direction of an AC motor. This drive is also commonly known as variable frequency drive (VFD) or adjustable speed drive (ASD). This technology has become so popular because of the high efficiency and the great savings it gives to users.
In addition, electric motors that work with AC drive systems are often much simpler than those using DC drive. AC drives are very appealing in many industrial variable speed applications. The entire drive system is very simple, consisting of only three main components. The first one is the AC motor which drives the device by converting electrical power to mechanical energy. AC motor drives are typical with NEMA design B, 3-phase motor. Another major part is the inverter section or the motor control where all the controlling or regulations occur. It controls the speed of the motor by changing utility power into an adjustable frequency power.
The last critical component of an AC drive is the operator interface which enables the operator to take control of the function of the motor via different control inputs and outputs. In general, VFD is the most frequently used technology for a control system due to its capability to control the torque that a motor supplies to a load, the speed of the motor, as well as the turning direction of the motor shaft. These control parameters are becoming more important as applications requiring them also become more complicated. If you’d like to find out more about your options for this device, don’t hesitate to reach us.
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