131N0196 Variable Frequency Drive FC-101 18.5kW 3-ф/380

131N0196 — Danfoss FC-101 (VLT HVAC Basic Drive) rated 18.5 kW, three-phase 380 V supply, rated current 37 A, with a built-in EMC filter. It is an HVAC drive for smooth control of a fan, pump or compressor at this power, holding pressure/flow via the built-in PID.

Typical applications:

• Large pumping stations and 2nd-lift waterworks
• Main supply/exhaust ventilation
• Industrial refrigeration compressors

Note: Variant with control panel / mounting kit — easy out-of-the-box commissioning. The model is three-phase (380 V) — this series has no single-phase variant. For heavy torque or a tighter budget consider our Veichi AC310/AC01.

Danfoss FC-101 (VLT HVAC Basic Drive) — a VFD for ventilation, pumps and compressors

FC-101 is Danfoss's basic HVAC series. In short: you choose it where you need to smoothly run a fan, pump or compressor and save energy, and where complex logic or heavy torque are not required. In our range these are three-phase 380 V models from 0.8 to 90 kW, all with a built-in EMC filter. It is a European brand we stock and support — we are honest about where it fits and where our Veichi is the cheaper, more sensible call.

What FC-101 is good for

• Supply/exhaust ventilation (AHU): 1.5–15 kW — pressure or flow hold via the built-in PID.
• Booster and water-supply pumps: 2.2–30 kW — steady pressure with no water hammer at start.
• Refrigeration and ventilation compressors: 4–55 kW — soft ramp-up, less stress on the mains.
• Boiler rooms and building HVAC: integration into BMS over RS485.

What sets FC-101 apart

The series' key point is that it is tuned for HVAC rather than universal industrial duty. It runs both induction and PM motors across the full range, has built-in DC link coils for harmonic reduction, an Automatic Energy Optimizer (AEO) and power-loss ride-through. Communications: built-in RS485 with FC protocol and Modbus RTU; BACnet MS/TP optional for building automation.

Our take: for classic ventilation and pumps the FC-101 is a sound choice. For conveyors, crushers, mixers or anywhere you need to hold 150% overload, we would rather fit the Veichi AC310.

When FC-101 does NOT fit

• Heavy start and high torque (conveyors, extruders) — take the universal Veichi AC310.
• Single-phase 220 V mains — this series has no such models; see single-phase options in our VFD catalogue.
• Simple budget pump/fan drive where the Danfoss premium is unjustified — the Veichi AC01 will do.

Our experience with FC-101

FC-101 is steadily picked for retrofitting ventilation and pump units — customers value the compact housing and European build quality. Common questions: is there Modbus for SCADA (yes, built-in RS485) and will it run a pump without a separate PLC (it will, the PID is built in). If you are unsure between frame sizes, message us and we will advise based on your motor and task.