AC drives are speed regulators for AC motors. They regulate speed by converting DC current into AC current, using a double conversion. They are fed power from the power supply, and convert that power into a frequency and current that the motor can handle. They then feed that power to the motor. AC motors have many applications and benefits that make them an obvious choice in manufacturing operations.
AC Drives Applications
AC drives are utilised whenever mechanical machinery makes use of a motor to generate power. Some of their most popular applications and industries include:
- Manufacturing Industry: AC drives are widely used in the manufacturing industry, as it requires the regulation of rotating equipment. This includes equipment such as pumps, fans, conveyors, machine spindles, and more.
- Process Industry: as AC drives are extremely good at increasing the efficiency of equipment (cutting down energy consumption by as much as 35-40 percent), they are readily used within the process industry.
- Energy Intensive Industry: working with metal, cement, and power can result in high usage of power, which is why AC drives are so popular in energy intensive industries. This allows those industries to save a lot in expenses.
What Are the Advantages of an AC Drive?
AC drives have surpassed DC drives in popularity due to the multitude of advantages that they offer. Some of the most notable advantages include:
- Energy Efficient: an AC drive offers power saving capabilities. They do this by only running the motor at full speed when absolutely needed.
- Less Stress: an AC drive can be used as a soft starter (starting the motor with a lower frequency and current). This results in less mechanical and thermal stress being placed on the motor when it is started.
- Increased Process Control: there is enhanced process control in motors that use an AC drive. This is because of the steady increase and decrease in speed. This allows processes to be controlled smoothly over a wide range of manufacturing operations.
- Compact Build: AC drives are readily available, are compact, and are quite light. This makes them a desirable choice for most manufacturing operations.
- Low Maintenance: due to an AC drive reducing the stress placed upon mechanical systems, less wear occurs, and less maintenance is needed.
- Easy Installation: an AC drive is simple to install and only requires the drive to be connected to the power supply; however, it is advised that the installation guide be followed. This will ensure that an AC drive runs for the intended period of time.
At EP Normand, we have a wide variety of AC drives available, and can assist you in choosing the correct drive for your manufacturing operation. Contact us for more information on AC drives.