What is a VFD?

A variable frequency drive is also known as a variable speed drive, adjustable speed drive, and as an adjustable frequency drive. It is used to "drive" an electric motor by varying the voltage and frequency to the motor. This is especially helpful when one or more of the applications that you are running does not require the motor to run at full speed. The variable frequency drive can thereby reduce your energy consumption and, in turn, your overall energy costs, simply by matching the speed of the equipment to the load requirement.

Statistics show that you can reduce as much as 70% of the energy consumption in your facility. Combine the savings of having reduced your energy consumption with federal and state tax incentives and you may realize a return on investment in less than a year. That's more money in your pocket with which to purchase more variable speed drives.

There are other advantages to incorporating VFD's in your facility, namely:

• Fewer mistakes are made in production when your application runs at the most efficient speed;
• Equipment lasts longer therefore downtime for maintenance and repairs is reduced; and,
• Acceleration and deceleration is smooth thereby eliminating belt, gear and bearing wear and reducing "water hammer."

Implementing variable frequency drives to your facility means increased production and better profit margins.