What is frequency regulation?
It is hard to imagine modern technological installations without electric motors operating on alternating current. An electric motor is the driving force that activates both the entire mechanism and its individual elements. It converts electrical energy from the network into mechanical energy, providing movement.
There are several methods for controlling the main parameters of such drives. One of the most common is frequency regulation, which allows for effective management of their operation.
The principle of frequency regulation is based on supplying network voltage to the electric motor through a frequency converter, which sets the amplitude and frequency of the voltage.
- shaft torque;
- rotation speed.
Advantages of frequency-regulated drives
The application of frequency-regulated drives opens new prospects, including the possibilities for:
- reducing electricity costs by 30-50%;
- lowering the load on the power grid;
- extending the service life of electric motors and other elements;
- partial or full automation of control and monitoring systems.
Frequency-regulated drives are often used in areas where it is necessary to ensure:
- variability of shaft rotation speed;
- speed or torque stability;
- synchronous operation of all drives in the installation;
- high level of automation in technological processes;
- energy savings of electricity, gas, water, and raw materials.
Motor adaptation in frequency-regulated drive
To achieve effective operation of a frequency-regulated drive (FRD), it is necessary to ensure harmony between the operation of the electric motor and the frequency converter. The latter automatically determines and adjusts the key parameters of the system.
However, in certain cases, additional adjustments may be needed. For this purpose, the alternating current electric motor is equipped with:
- encoder — a device that fixes the angular position of the shaft;
- additional temperature sensor;
- electrically insulated bearing;
- independent cooling system — liquid or air.
For example, the system may require:
- drive protection class according to IP 54 requirements;
- climate version, according to UZ.
However, sometimes there is a need to comply with higher protection standards, such as IP 55 or UHL1, U2, U1, which requires motor modernization.