Operation characteristics and maintenance methods of variable frequency drive

1. Definition of variable frequency drive

Variable frequency drive is a power control device that controls AC motors by changing the frequency of the motor's working power supply. It integrates frequency conversion technology and microelectronics technology, and is mainly composed of rectification (AC to DC), filtering, inversion (DC to AC), braking unit, drive unit, detection unit and microprocessor unit. The variable frequency drive adjusts the voltage and frequency of the output power supply by opening and closing the internal IGBT to meet the different needs of the motor and achieve the purpose of energy saving and speed regulation.

H110 Series VFD Variable Frequency Drive 10HP 7.5KW 19A Three Phase 380V Motor Inverter for CNC Spindle Motor

2. Basic principles of variable frequency drive

‌1. Rectification process: Convert AC power into pulsating DC power. This process usually uses a bridge rectifier circuit composed of diodes or thyristors, and the output DC voltage is directly related to the amplitude of the input AC voltage.

‌2. DC intermediate link: Smooth the rectified DC power to remove harmonics and pulsation components. This link contains filter capacitors and inductor components to ensure the stability of the output voltage and current.

‌3. Inversion process‌: Convert direct current into frequency-adjustable alternating current. This process is based on pulse width modulation (PWM) technology, which simulates a sine wave by adjusting the pulse width to achieve frequency regulation‌.

3. Operation characteristics of variable frequency drive

1. Speed ​​regulation function‌: The variable frequency drive can adjust the proportional relationship between output voltage and frequency in real time according to the load requirements to achieve precise control of the motor speed. Compared with the traditional mechanical speed regulation method, the inverter has the advantages of wide speed regulation range, high speed regulation accuracy, and fast response speed.

‌2. Energy saving function‌: The variable frequency drive can achieve precise control of the motor, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the motor. When the motor is running at low load, the inverter will automatically reduce the output voltage and frequency, so that the motor works in a lower efficiency range, thereby reducing energy consumption.

‌3. Protection function‌: The variable frequency drive has a complete protection function, which can effectively prevent damage to the motor and the inverter. The protection functions include overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, etc.

‌4. Soft start function‌: The variable frequency drive can realize the soft start of the motor, reduce the impact current during the startup process, and reduce the starting pressure of the equipment.

‌5. Multi-stage speed control function‌: The variable frequency drive can realize multi-stage speed control to meet the operation requirements under different working conditions. Users can set multiple different operating speed points according to actual needs, and the inverter will automatically switch to the corresponding speed point according to the change of load to achieve a smooth speed regulation process‌.

BD600 Series VFD Variable Frequency Drive 2HP 1.5KW 7A Single/Three Phase 220V Frequency Converter VFD Converter

4. Maintenance method of variable frequency drive

‌1. Environmental control‌: The variable frequency drive should be placed in an environment with suitable temperature to avoid overheating. The ambient temperature should be controlled below 40℃ to avoid dust accumulation, and a vacuum cleaner should be used regularly to clean the heat dissipation channel‌.

‌2. Physical cleaning‌: Clean the dust filter of the variable frequency drive cabinet door regularly to ensure that the cooling air path is unobstructed.

‌3. Electrical safety‌: Check all electrical connections to ensure that the plug is not loose and the switch can be closed normally. Check the reliability of the ground wire to ensure that there is no false connection between the equipotential connection and the electrical bolts‌.

‌4. Parameter monitoring‌: Monitor input and output parameters to ensure that voltage and current fluctuations are within the normal range. Record operating data, including fault codes and load rates, for fault tracing and analysis‌.

‌5. Tighten the terminals‌: Check and tighten the terminals regularly to prevent contact resistance from increasing‌.

‌6. Capacitor status check‌: Observe the status of the electrolytic capacitor, and the capacitor life is about 5-8 years. If the capacitor is found to be bulging or leaking, it should be replaced in time‌.

‌7. Fan and cooling system‌: Check the operation of the fan and replace the damaged fan in time. Ensure that the cooling system works properly to prevent overheating‌.

‌8. Maintenance of stock inverters‌: For inverters that have been idle for a long time, use a DC power supply device to charge to restore their status. Avoid sudden application of high voltage to cause capacitor damage‌.

‌9. Fault diagnosis and repair‌: When a fault occurs, first determine whether it is a problem with the frequency conversion drive itself or a problem with the peripheral equipment. Use tools such as a multimeter to perform static tests, such as detection of rectifier circuits and inverter circuits. Dynamic testing needs to be performed after static testing is normal.

Source:https://blogg.alltforforaldrar.se/amyda/2025/05/24/%e2%80%8c%e2%80%8coperation-characteristics-and-maintenance-methods-of-variable-frequency-drive/


Posted May 24 2025, 01:57 AM by Amber16