Energy Solutions with Frequency-controlled Electric Drives
The main role of numerous frequency-controlled electric drives is to ensure smooth starting of various mechanisms, as well as maintaining the required speeds of their operation, such as winding machines, centrifuges, escalators, etc.
Electric Power Generation During Braking
Electric motors operating in deceleration and stop modes can function as alternating current generators. In this case, the electricity generated during the movement of mechanisms is usually simply dissipated on powerful braking resistors. This leads to significant energy losses, necessitating improved heat dissipation, for example, by increasing the power of fans or installing additional radiators.
Converters with Recovery Function
Today there are devices that allow returning the electricity generated during braking back to the grid or to other devices. This solution reduces the amount of heat emitted, thus the requirements for heat dissipation become less stringent. As a result, the risk of emergencies related to overheating of the technological installation elements is reduced.
Well-known manufacturers of frequency converters offer models with recovery functions, which can significantly save on consumed energy.
Recovery Modules in Converters
Recovery modules connect their output to the power supply network and their input to the direct current links. Sometimes these modules are allocated as a separate unit. Most modules contain a special filter that cleans the generated voltage from unwanted harmonics.
Advantages of Recovery Modules
Incorporating recovery modules into frequency converters allows:
- Reducing electricity consumption: savings can reach 35% for certain installations.
- Decreasing the risk of overheating: this applies to both power electrical components and adjacent devices.
- Effectively utilizing workspace: there is no need for additional units.
Examples of Effective Technologies
Examples of effective integration of converters with recovery capabilities can be mechanisms in which braking and acceleration processes periodically alternate during technological cycles.
Economic Benefits of Using Recovery Drives
In the context of constant rising prices for electricity and energy resources, the use of drives with recovery functions significantly reduces the payback periods of converters.