AC Drive

The AC drive market is growing at almost 10% per year, and a major credit for this change is due to the development of AC drive technology. It is important to know that the technology used in AC drives is completely different from other simpler control methods. Use of these drives has many cost benefits as well and this fact makes them a sure shot winner in industries as well as home owned products. Let us take a quick look at the main benefits an adjustable speed AC drive can provide industrial users.

Normal motors take on too much current to start the motor, which damages the device over the long run. This also places a tremendous drain on the power distribution system connected to the motor. These sags in voltage can harm other sensitive equipment connected to the distribution system. On the other hand an adjustable speed AC drive starts a motor at zero frequency and voltage. This translates into better longevity of the motor and therefore the machine. Also, these drives curb voltage sags to avoid damage of any other equipment or machines connected to the same distribution system. The controlled starting current also makes a difference in the electricity bill you incur each month.

AC drives have controlled acceleration as well. They start at zero speed and slowly and steadily accelerate on the ramp. This is not the case in other AC motors that start abruptly creating a kind of shock to both, the machine as well as the load and motor. Such rapidity creates more wear and tear on the connected load and motor. Also, many older motors have only a few operating speeds, whereas an adjustable speed AC drive enables adjustable operating speeds by programmable controller or process controller. They also have an adjustable torque limit, which allows the motor to not ever exceed the designated limit. Controlled stopping is also as important as controlled acceleration to ensure minimal mechanical wear and tear. This too is ensured in AC drives.

Centrifugal fan and pump loads operated with an Adjustable Speed AC Drive reduces energy consumption, and this is a crucial aspect since energy savings has become a motto for more and more industries to curb the global warming problems. Plus, in view of the fact that AC drives save energy to a large extent, they pay back the capitalized cost in a matter of just a few years, depending on the size of the motor you have bought.

You can also eliminate the purchase of expensive mechanical drive components such as gearboxes, etc, by using an adjustable speed AC drive, given that the AC drive operates at variable speeds and can deliver low as well as high speeds required by the load.