When Should You Use Low or High Voltage with VFDs and Dual Wye Motors?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with dual wye motors, specifically addressing when to use low versus high voltage configurations. Key points include the importance of matching VFDs with compatible motors, such as inverter-duty NEMA design B squirrel cage induction motors, to ensure effective operation. The discussion also highlights the benefits of using VFDs, including improved energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced process control. Additionally, it covers the historical development of pole-changing techniques, such as pole-amplitude modulation (PAM) and pole-phase modulation (PPM), which extend the operational capabilities of motors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
  • Knowledge of dual wye motor winding configurations
  • Familiarity with NEMA motor design classifications, particularly design B and D
  • Basic principles of induction motor operation and speed control
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the compatibility requirements between VFDs and NEMA design B motors
  • Explore the principles of pole-amplitude modulation (PAM) and pole-phase modulation (PPM)
  • Learn about the energy efficiency benefits of using VFDs in industrial applications
  • Investigate the impact of VFDs on maintenance costs and equipment longevity
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, automation specialists, and maintenance personnel involved in motor control systems and energy efficiency optimization will benefit from this discussion.

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Can someone please give me some general rules of thumb in dealing with VFDs and 3 phase dual wye motor winding configurations.

I would like to know when you would wire the motor up for a low voltage or high voltage application when using it with a VFD,under what conditions, and why.

Thanx
 
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1-VFD

Induction motors, the workhorses of industry, rotate at a fixed speed that is determined by the frequency of the supply voltage. Alternating current applied to the stator windings produces a magnetic field that rotates at synchronous speed. This speed may be calculated by dividing line frequency by the number of magnetic pole pairs in the motor winding. A four-pole motor, for example, has two pole pairs, and therefore the magnetic field will rotate 50 Hz / 2 = 25 revolutions per second, or 1500 rpm. The rotor of an induction motor will attempt to follow this rotating magnetic field, and, under load, the rotor speed "slips" slightly behind the rotating field. This small slip speed generates an induced current, and the resulting magnetic field in the rotor produces torque.
Since an induction motor rotates near synchronous speed, the most effective and energy-efficient way to change the motor speed is to change the frequency of the applied voltage. VFDs convert the fixed-frequency supply voltage to a continuously variable frequency, thereby allowing adjustable motor speed.
Variable speed drives are used for two main reasons:
- to improve the efficiency of motor-driven equipment by matching speed to changing load requirements; or
- to allow accurate and continuous process control over a wide range of speeds.
In addition to energy savings and better process control, VFDs can provide other benefits:
-A VFD may be used for control of process temperature, pressure or flow without the use of a separate controller. Suitable sensors and electronics are used to interface the driven equipment with the VFD.
-Maintenance costs can be lower, since lower operating speeds result in longer life for bearings and motors.
-Eliminating the throttling valves and dampers also does away with maintaining these devices and all associated controls.
-A soft starter for the motor is no longer required.
-Controlled ramp-up speed in a liquid system can eliminate water hammer problems.
-The ability of a VFD to limit torque to a user-selected level can protect driven equipment that cannot tolerate excessive torque.

2-Pole changing method:

The principle of pole changing windings and the special case of the Dahlander winding were developed at the end of the 19th century. In the 1950s and 60s, the principles were generalizes and the techniques were improved.
The pole-amplitude modulation (PAM) and the pole-phase modulation (PPM) were developed as such generalized pole changing techniques. In their theory, the PPM is considered the most general winding design approach, of which the PAM is a specialization, and again, of which the Dahlander winding is a specialization. Each specialization limits the choice of the pole ratio p1/p2. For example, the Dahlander winding is only capable of generating fields of pole ratio 2:1, a PAM winding however can generate pole ratios of n : (n − 1) with n as an integer. In addition to the improvements, which were achieved in the development of the winding, the pole-changing winding gained new fields of application with upcoming power electronic devices. In the
1990s pole-changing techniques were used together with an inverter supplied induction motor to extend the speed range for traction applications.

3-Type of Motor and VFD

Motors and VFDs must be compatible. Consult the manufacturers of both the VFD and the motor to make sure that they will work together effectively. VFDs are frequently used with inverter-duty National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) design B squirrel cage induction motors. (Design B motors have both locked rotor torque and locked rotor current that are normal.) De-rating may be required for other types of motors. VFDs are not usually recommended for NEMA design D motors because of the potential for high harmonic current losses. (Design D motors are those that have high locked rotor torque and high slip.)


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