VFD Training - Our 12- Hour live online instructor-led course covers the most important aspects related to the proper installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance and operation of Variable Frequency drives in the distribution system.
This course will highlight the proper installation of Variable Frequency Drives. VFDs are being installed more frequently today; however there are still several installations with VFD Issues being ignored or incorrectly being addressed. Examples of improper installations will be discussed to indicate potential problems that can cause damaging consequences.
This course will provide an overview on the Distribution System from the Point of Common Coupling (Incoming Utility Power Connection Point) right down to the connection location of the motor(s). The student will be made aware of all the installation guidelines needed to ensure a successful installation of VFDs.
As a special bonus, several technical papers and information on VFD operation and issues will be provided on a disc for the student to use as a reference source for covered course material.
All issues related to VFD and Motor installations will be presented with recommended solutions. Students will work their way through a typical distribution system and discuss related issues or concerns at various points in the system.
VFD Training Course Outline
DAY ONE
Section 1. Typical Distribution System Overview
This course will discuss the distribution components that make up a typical system and how they relate and impact the VFD and motor selection.
Section 2. Understanding AC Motors
This presentation will provide discussion on motor theory as applied to fixed speed and variable speed operation. The presentation will discuss the different motors’ performance and features available to the user: This presentation will start at the generation of a magnetic field and how to control this field to provide useful work. The following characteristics will be individually discussed to show their impact on the overall performance of the motor. Some of these characteristics will differ with changes in line voltages, line frequencies or both.
This presentation will also provide a short tour a motor plant to show the different manufacturing steps to the assembly of an Above NEMA Squirrel cage Motor.
The torque/current versus speed curve characteristics will be discussed.
Section 3. NEMA Motor Specification Part 30 and Part 31 Differences
This presentation will discuss the differences between the Standard for Part 30 designed Motors and the Standard for Part 31 designed Motors.
We will also review the motor technical ratings for typical NEMA motors built to NEMA Part 30 and 31 designs including: HP, RPM, FL RPM, NL AMPS, FL EFF., FL TORQUE and the equivalent circuit impedances.
Section 4. Evolution of Semiconductors
Semiconductors have evolved with increased performance, efficiency and switching speed over the past few decades. However, we are still waiting for the next new switching device that will provide a significant improvement in efficiency (very little losses) and switching frequency allowing VFDs to be 50% of the present size.
This will provide basic information for the various components that make up the control and power circuitry associated with VFDs. A small HP VFD will be provided for an open display of the complete VFD.
Section 5. Mechanical Fundamentals
The fundamentals of torque, force, speed, inertia, acceleration and Horsepower will be discussed for various common industrial applications such as fans, pumps conveyors etc. With a good understanding of these basic factors, the student will be able to verify the correct selection of motors and VFDs for a given application.
Section 6. Understanding how Voltage and Frequency affect Motor Performance
We will show how the relationship of changing of the voltage and frequency will impact the development of torque and the speed of the motor. We will also discuss the differences in the torque/current versus speed curve for motor a on a fixed speed application versus that for a VFD operation.
Section 7. Understanding VFDs
SThis presentation will discuss the topology of today's low voltage VFDs used with PWM or vector control schemes. The function of the rectifier, pre-charge circuit, DC bus capacitors, chopper circuit and inverter section will be discussed. Discuss when to select PWM Control (V/Hz) or Vector Control operating modes. Discuss the selection of the voltage and current ratings of the VFD and the individual components that make up the complete system to show how the reliability of the VFD is improved. The student will learn how to select the VFD models from various manufacturers that will be more reliable and have longer mean time between failures (MTBF).
DAY TWO
Section 8. VFD Component layout
The topology overview of the typical 3-phase schematic of a VFD will be shown including pictures of the various components that make up the VFD. The following areas will be shown:
Section 9. Benefits of Using Variable Frequency Drives
The many benefits of using variable speed drives will be discussed for several different applications such as fans, pumps, conveyors and process machines. Energy savings as well as increased control performance will be discussed.
Section 10. Power Quality and Upstream Issues
This presentation will look at the line side issues upstream of the VFD and their impact on the distribution system and the VFD. The following issues will be discussed along with the recommended solution(s) for each issue:
Section 11. Motor and Cable Downstream Issues
This presentation will look at the load side issues downstream of the VFD that may create issues in the motor circuit. All the following issues will be discussed along with the recommended solution(s) for each issue:
Section 12. Bearing Currents
The effect of current flowing through the bearings will cause the inner and outer raceways to pit. Over time the pitting will continue to increase the depth of the groves and the bearing will eventually be damaged. The causes and remedies for bearing current issues will be discussed.
Section 13. Temperature, Service Factor & Insulation Class
The above electrical design criteria is necessary to ensure the motor can provide a suitable operating life in a given application. Each of the above criteria can have significant detrimental impact on the motors’ life. An increase of 10 degree Celsius temperature rise in the motor will cause a 50% reduction in the motors’ insulation life.
Section 14. VFD Cables: Why special VFD cables are recommended
Section 15. Radio Frequency and Electro Magnetic interference
How they are produced and steps to mitigate the transmission of these unwanted noise signals.
Section 16. Programming and Testing
The testing of the VFD packaged system is a very important procedure that makes the whole System complete. This verifies the controls and power wiring function as specified. A good testing program enables the VFD to be installed and commissioned on site without any issues. Proposed testing and Commissioning procedures will be discussed.
Section 17. Application Examples
This part of the presentation will look at a few applications where the operating performance characteristics for continuous and intermittent speed and torque ranges are provided. Students will select the motor and VFD based on meeting or exceeding the specified criteria. Students will see the cost impact of their selection for the motor and VFD to the cost of other possible acceptable selections.
Section 18. Review of VFD Specification
A sample of a universal VFD specification will be provided that addresses all the potential issues that may impact the proper operation of the VFD System.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Both days:
Start: 10 a.m. Eastern Time
Finish: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
The registration fee to attend this live online training course is $599 + GST/HST.
Click Here to download a $100 discount coupon that you can apply toward the regular registration fee and pay only $499 + GST/HST
Register 3 delegates at full price $599, and get a 4th registration FREE!
Successful completion of this course qualifies delegates to receive a certificate of course completion with indicated CEUs.
CEUs are granted by the Engineering Institute of Canada. One CEU is equivalent to 10 professional development hours of instruction.
This course earns 1.2 CEUs.