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AC Drives, also referred to as AC inverters, Variable Speed Drives or Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), are solid-state devices that are used to control the speed of 3-phase AC motors. Our VFD selection includes high-quality products from FMX, TECO, and WEG. Dynamic Braking Resistors, Dynamic Braking Units, and Line Reactors for both input and output are also available alongside these Variable Frequency Drives. Combined with excellent service and competitive pricing, this allows us to deliver the highest value to our customers
TD200 Sub-micro VFD Drive
• 120V 1 phase input up to 1HP / 4.3 motor/output FLA
• 240V 1 phase input up to 3HP / 10.5 motor/output FLA
• 240V 3 phase input up to 3HP / 10.5 motor/output FLA
• 480V 3 phase input up to 3HP / 5.2 motor/output FLA
TD400
• 240V 1 OR 3 phase input up to 3HP / 10.5 FLA
• 240V 3 phase input up to 40HP / 138 FLA
• 480V 3 phase input up to 75HP / 145 FLA
• 240V 1 or 3 phase input up to 3HP / 10.5 FLA
• 240V 3 phase input up to 20HP / 64 FLA
• 480V 3 phase input up to 25HP / 40 FLA
• 120V 1 phase input up to 1.5HP / 6 FLA
• 240V 1 phase input up to 3HP / 10 FLA
• 240V 3 phase input up to 20HP / 56 FLA
• 480V 3 phase input up to 40HP / 49 FLA
• 575V 3 phase input up to 10HP / 12 FLA
• Braking Resistors
• Braking Units
• Line Reactors
Variable Frequency Drives, also referred to as AC Drives, AC inverters, Variable Voltage Drives, or Variable Speed Drives (VSD), are solid-state devices that are used to control the speed of 3-phase AC motors. Their most common application is the control of 3-phase AC induction motors. An AC induction motor’s speed is dependent upon the motor’s physical construction. Specifically, the number of electromagnetic poles distributed in the motor’s stator and the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the motor determine its speed.
A VFD provides a variable frequency voltage waveform to an AC induction motor. Since the motor’s speed is dependent on the frequency of its AC voltage, the drive provides control over motor speed by changing both the voltage and the frequency of the motor’s AC waveform.
VFDs are used with a large variety of machines due to their ability to reduce system stress on and increase control of motors that otherwise have a fixed speed.
Examples include:
• Extruders
• Conveyor Belts
• Roller Tables
• Fans / Exhausters
• Centrifugal Pumps
• Granulators / Palletizers
• Dryers and Rotary Ovens
• Process Dosing Pumps
• Stirrers / Mixers
• Rotary Filters
• Winding Machines / Uncoiling Machines
VFDs are used in many industries such as:
• Industrial Control
• Material Handling
• Oil and Gas
• Food and Beverage
• Mining
• Power Generation
• Heating and Air
• Cement
It is imperative to know some information about your motor to select the proper AC Drive application. Here are some important factors to determine before making your selection:
Variable Frequency Drive FAQ's
Most AC Drives are designed for 3-phase AC induction motors. Your motor must be a 3-phase, inverter-rated motor. Using a motor that is not inverter-rated can result in motor failure. Inverter-rated means that the motor’s insulation system is adequate for use with an AC Drive.
NOTE: In addition to induction motors, the FMX TD400 is designed to work with some permanent magnet motors.
Know what voltage your motor requires to operate properly. The output voltage will vary and should match the requirements of your motor. Three AC Drive voltage classes are available to match the following motor voltage classes:
The Full Load Amps (FLA) rating of the AC Drive must meet or exceed the FLA of the motor. To properly determine your needs, you must size the drive based on Amps:
• Identify the Full Load Amps (FLA)* of the motor
• Select the AC Drive that meets or exceeds this FLA rating
When sizing your AC Drive, you must know the voltage of your power source. Here are the available power options:
NOTE: Remember that although certain Variable Speed Drive models may accept single phase input, they will always provide three-phase output to the motor.
Ideally, AC Drives will operate in a cooled and clean environment. Failing to keep the AC Drive properly cooled, cleaned, and ventilated can result in failure of the device. We offer three main chassis types with different environmental ratings:
• IP20 – Indoor finger-safe protection against solids over 12.5mm, or about half an inch. No protection against liquids.
• NEMA 1 – Indoor use primarily to provide protection against contact with the enclosed equipment and against a limited amount of falling dirt.
• NEMA 4 – Protection against dust, dirt, and similar small debris and a degree of protection against liquids. Able to be installed outdoors when protected from direct sunlight.
On all AC Drive chassis types, it is critical that the heat sink and fans are kept clean.
There may be other factors to consider depending on your application when sizing your AC Drive.:
• Does your application require derating of the AC Drive?
• Is your application outside of normal use for the AC Drive?
AC Drives may require de-rating to accommodate for::
• Using a 3-phase input drive with single phase input
• Rapid acceleration/deceleration
• Excessive rate of starts and stops
• High altitudes
• Ambient temperatures (including temperature inside enclosure) exceeding 40°C
• Loads that require higher-than-normal starting torques
[Click here for an example on how to de-rate three phase input AC Drives for single phase input using the FMX TD400]
Some applications operate beyond the normal considerations of AC Motor and/or AC Drive design. These applications can include (but are not limited to) applications with excessive start/stop cycles and fast cycle times, higher than normal starting torque, overhauling, highly regenerative loads, DC motor replacement applications, solar applications, and irregular voltage and/or speed patterns. If your application features these or other special considerations, please contact our technical support staff to ensure that you are choosing the right AC Drive for the job.
