A properly maintained variable frequency drive (VFD) can provide decades and cost-effective service. Making VFD inspections and maintenance part of facility oversight can improve outcomes.
The manufacturing industryĀ valuesĀ variable frequency drivesĀ (VFDs)Ā to maximize efficiency and productivity,Ā but that appreciation may slipĀ awayĀ whenĀ a breakdown occurs.Ā A seamlessly functioning VFD delivers tremendous benefits, but it can falter when not adequately maintained. And whenĀ aĀ production line or machinery grinds to a halt as a result, itās essential to troubleshoot the issues andĀ quickly resume operations.
5 essentials ofĀ VFDĀ maintenance
To maximizeĀ VFDĀ life expectancy, itās crucial to support reliability through a proactive maintenance plan. Such programs are tasked with underscoring the two foundational principles ofĀ reliability.
- Enhancing failure-free conditions for the VFD
- Increasing theĀ probabilityĀ the VFD will enjoy uninterrupted function under properĀ conditions.
For these principles to become a daily reality, itās essential to understand the common failures and how they occur. TheseĀ issues includeĀ as reflected harmonics, energy spikes, bearing problems and inadequate temperature controls.
In order to avoid having a VFD falter, it will be necessary to conduct theĀ fiveĀ following maintenance essentials.
Keep the VFD clean
Commercial and industrial environments commonly include airborne dust and debris and can negatively impact a VFD. According to FactoryMation, regardless of the VFD chassis type, āIt is critical that the heat sink and fans are kept clean.ā Itās recommended to periodically wipe, clean and air spray all accumulations from the VFD.
Maintain VFD temperatures
Itās not unusual for VFDs to be housed in enclosures that may experience heat spikes. Include temperature control systems and appropriate air circulation.
Prevent moisture penetrations
Water and electricity do not mix well in industrial settings. Moisture will inevitably cause corrosion, erratic behaviors, and equipment failures. Keep the equipment dry.
Maintain tight connections
Vibrations tend to loosen electrical connections over time. This may result in uneven VFD functions. Check the connections as part of an ongoing maintenance plan.
Conduct visual inspections
The first step to proactive maintenance is to visually inspect VFDs weekly. Have maintenance personnel look for the above-mentioned issues and others that could impact VFD operations. Key elements to visually inspect include the connections, fiber optic cables, emergency circuits, and area cooling systems, among others.
5 VFD troubleshooting tips to consider
While the best way to ensure a VFD does not needlessly falter is proactive maintenance, breakdowns remain an industry reality. These may be caused by not recognizing environmental effects on machinery, hard impacts or other unforeseen circumstances. Industry leaders understand every minuteĀ anĀ operation is not functioning at full capacity results in losses. TheseĀ fiveĀ VFD troubleshooting tipsĀ can helpĀ getĀ companiesĀ back online.
Check diagnostics display
Todayās VFDs routinely come equipped with troubleshooting functions. The display module can indicate issues such as overheating, irregular voltage, or even a popped fuse. This is often the best place to begin troubleshooting.
Check for moisture
Without making physical contact, take a visual inventory of the machinery and look for moisture accumulations. Water can cause shorts and other damage. Take safety precautions, and do not touch any electrical equipment that may have gotten wet.
Check for dust
If the VFD has not been thoroughly cleaned, it may have grit accumulations inside that caused a malfunction. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the unit and replace it until the affected VFD can be cleaned and reinstalled. Organizations are wise to have backups in the event of a significant breakdown or issue.
Check VFD connections
While wearing appropriate safety equipment, visually and physically check for loose connections. If the VFD seemed to be delivering uneven output recently, cable or connection problems may be the culprit.
Resonance testing
When vibrations place undue stress on equipment, they tend to become increasingly unreliable. Issues may include impacted welds, and loose bolts, among others. Consider running a diagnostic test to see if the VFD is operating in what is called an āexcited stateā as a result of resonance. This troubleshooting effort could save you from conducting repeat maintenance and replacement.
A properly maintained VFD can provide decadesĀ ofĀ cost-effective service.Ā Like any piece of equipment,Ā though, that depends onĀ maintenance and care.Ā Making VFD inspections and maintenance part of facility oversightĀ can improve outcomes.
Lori Wade, a journalist from Louisville, submitted the article on behalf ofĀ FactoryMation, an automation distributor. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager,Ā Control Engineering,Ā CFE Media,Ā [email protected].
KEYWORDS: Variable frequency drive, VFD
Keep the VFD cleanĀ and at the correct temperature.
Check connectionsĀ and prevent moisture.
Resonance testĀ can lower maintenance requirements.
CONSIDER THIS
How can better VFD maintenance translate into operations value?
