Use of Frequency Converters on Conveyor Lines
To create competitive products, modern enterprises must meet certain requirements:
- have a maximally automated technological process;
- consume minimal amounts of electricity;
- have reliable equipment that requires low maintenance costs.
These systems consume a large amount of electricity; however, their use is necessary in many industries, such as: machine engineering, metallurgy, extraction of various ores, furniture production, processing of agricultural products, chemical industry, printing, textile manufacturing, and other areas. To optimize electricity consumption, it is necessary to install frequency converters on electric drives. Depending on the load on the conveyor, they change the voltage and frequency of the network, thereby regulating the torque on the drive shaft.
1. Control of Technological Process
Feedback from various sensors that monitor operational parameters is relayed to the converter, which processes the received data and changes the operating mode of the drive. Thus, the electric drive is able to maintain a specified speed while varying the pulling force with high precision.
2. Reduction of Electricity Consumption
The power consumed, and consequently the electricity, can be reduced on conveyors that have several electric drives. Particularly pronounced savings are observed in the mining industry, where the load on drives varies in different locations since the amount of mined material is conveyed in a chaotic manner. Therefore, the frequency converter, by adjusting the operating parameters of individual electric drives, allows for a reduction in the operating time in a mode closest to idle, and accordingly, reduces electricity consumption.
3. Smooth Start and Stop of Loaded Conveyor
In some cases (accidents or faults), there may be a need to start a loaded conveyor, which can lead to mechanical damage and electrical failures due to high currents. Thanks to smooth starting, the current values are reduced, and the starting torque is not hazardous to the mechanisms.
4. Other Advantages of Using Frequency Converters
Frequency converters also provide a number of other advantages, such as increasing the efficiency of equipment operation, improving product quality, reducing emissions into the atmosphere, and ensuring long-term operation of the drive. Their implementation can significantly enhance the overall performance indicators of the enterprise.