Variable Frequency Drives
Available in both virtual and in-person, instructor-led formats, this two-day hands-on Variable Frequency Drives course introduces the student to the world of variable frequency drives and their applications in industrial plants and commercial buildings.
Description
Students will learn how to improve VFD control and efficiency, troubleshoot and fix VFDs, reduce equipment downtime, and eliminate chronic VFD problems. Students will perform hands-on activities with a real-life variable frequency drive. Students will input motor data into the variable frequency drive, set parameters for speed control and overcurrent protection, and check fault codes. Students will complete this VFD training course with the ability to lower the cost of VFD operation, thus alleviating the need for hiring costly outside service contractors, all while establishing a culture of safe work practices among employees.
Course Outline
Day One - Discussion Topics
VFD Safety Review
- Electrical Hazards
- Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition
- Personal Protective Equipment & Insulated Tools
Electrical Basics Review
- Multimeter, Clamp-On, Megohmmeter
- Single Phase and Three Phase Motors
- Motor Troubleshooting and Replacement
- Basic Control Circuits & Troubleshooting
What VFDs Do
- Motion Control / Motor Speed
- Air Flow / Liquid Flow / Pressure Control
- Eliminates the need for:
- Variable Transmission or Sheave
- Variable Vanes or Dampers on Fans
- Variable Valves on Pumps
Benefits of Using a VFD
- Energy Savings
- Easier Maintenance
- Enhanced System Monitoring
Load Types
- Constant Torque – Conveyors, Positive Displacement Pumps, Superchargers
- Variable Torque – Centrifugal Fans or Pumps, Saws, Routers, Planers
VFD Options
- Bypass – Two or Three Contactor Style, Disconnect Switch Style, Soft Starter
- Fusing – VFD or Bypass Protection
- Input / Output Reactors
- Motor Overload Device
- Transient Protection
- Auxiliary Relays
- Power Line Phase Reversal Detection
Day Two - Discussion Topics
Installation of a VFD
- Environmental Concerns
- Clearances
- Conduit Entry
Customer Connections
- Safety Circuit
- Start / Stop
- Jog
- Status Indication
- Fault Indication
- Remote Speed Reference
- Monitoring of Motor Parameters
Wiring & Grounding VFDs
- Induced Signals
- Inductive, capacitive
- Incoming Power (line) Wiring
- Motor (load) Wiring
- Control Wiring
- Proper Grounding Methods
Controlling a VFD
- Keypad Controls
- Terminal Strip Control – Automatic, Manual
- Bus Communication Control
- Open Loop Control
- Manual Operation
- Automatic Operation
- Sensorless Flux Vector
- Closed Loop Control
- PI Loop Configuration
- Sensor or Transducer Feedback
- Motor Shaft Encoder Feedback
VFD Setup, Programming, & Troubleshooting
- Language & Display
- Control Modes
- Open Loop, Closed Loop
- Motor Data
- Power (kW) and RPM
- Voltage, FLA Current
- Service Factor, Power Factor
- References & Limits
- Motor Speeds – Min, Max and Preset
- Ramp Times
- Speed Reference
- Skip Frequencies
- Limits for Alarms or Faults
- Inputs / Outputs – Analog, Digital, and Relay
- Application Functions
- Reset
- Flying Start
- Sleep Mode
- Switching Frequency
- No Load
- Phase Loss
- Closed Loop Functions
- Normal / Inverse
- Anti Windup
- Start-up Frequency
- Lowpass Filter