1 – Reduce Energy Consumption and Energy Costs

Electric motor systems are responsible for more than 65% of the power consumption in industry today. Optimizing motor control systems by installing or upgrading to VFDs can reduce energy consumption in your facility by as much as 70%. Additionally, the utilization of VFDs improves product quality and reduces production costs. Combining energy efficiency tax incentives and utility rebates, returns on investment for VFD installations can be as little as 6 months.

2 – Extend Equipment Life and Reduce Maintenance

When an induction motor is started, it draws a much higher current than during normal operation. This inrush current can be three to ten times the full-load operating current for the motor, generating both heat and stress in the motor's windings and other components. In motors that start and stop frequently, this contributes to early motor failures. In contrast, when a motor connected to a VFD is started, the VFD applies a very low frequency and low voltage to the motor. Both the frequency and voltage are gradually ramped up at a controlled rate to normal operating conditions, extending motor life, and eliminating belt, gear and bearing wear. Because of the VFDs optimal control of the motor’s frequency and voltage, the VFD will offer better protection for your motor from issues such as electro thermal overloads, phase protection, under voltage, overvoltage, etc. It is also an excellent way to reduce and/or eliminate water hammer since smooth acceleration and deceleration cycles can be maintained.

3 – More Precise Levels of Control of Applications

Take, for example, a high-rise building and its use of a booster pump system on the domestic water supply to maintain adequate water pressure at all levels within the building. Conventional pump controls in this type of application can maintain the pressure within a certain range, but a VFD-based system can maintain more precise control over a wider range of flow rates, while reducing energy requirements and pump wear.