Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) play a major role when it comes to boosting the efficiency and durability of motors. VFDs have very quickly become one of the most ideal ways to conserve energy, especially motor motor-related applications. Even though the upfront cost may be high, looking after it will save you money in the long run.
After investing in a single phase Variable Frequency Drive, you should not overlook its maintenance. Focusing on it will eliminate the requirement to replace the drive sooner than you want while also ensuring smooth operations. There won’t be any expensive downtime and the drive will stay reliable. Here is how to extend the lifespan of your VFD.
- Maintain a Clean VFD
It goes without saying that something as valuable and as expensive as a VFD should be kept clean. Firstly, keep it in a cabinet for longevity. Mounting it in the open will decrease its life almost by a decade while the one will cabinet will last you for a very long time. Of course, some other factors will contribute to the overall lifespan.
It is recommended to open the cabinet regularly to inspect your VFD and get rid of any visible dirt or dust. When it comes to the cabinet, it is ideal to utilize compressed air to eliminate dust and debris.
For the sensitive spots, it would be better to make use of a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber cloth. If you can spot any oil in those areas, use a combination of microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to eliminate it. This way, you will be able to keep your single phase frequency drive clean.
- Ensure the VFD is Cool
In a lot of cases, VFDs end up failing and one of the major reasons behind it is overheating. However, you can avoid it by being proactive. Firstly, pay attention to the heat sinks and fans during the cabinet and VFD cleaning procedure. Accumulation of dirt in such areas can easily become the reason behind the VFD getting heated.
As for the ambiance temperature, keep it at the levels recommended by the manufacturer. It will make sure that the fans are not overworking themselves so that your VFD stays cool. Overworking can result in fan failure which if not dealt with promptly can make your single phase Variable Frequency Drive overheats.
- Keep the VFD Dry
Keeping the VFD dry is another important aspect of its maintenance. Consider your VFD as a very costly computer that lets you control other costly equipment. Similar to how you would not your laptop to get wet; you should not want your VFD to stay even moist for an extended period.
It is worth noting that moisture and electrical equipment do not go well together. They are enemies because moisture can lead to short-circuiting of your VFD’s most fragile parts. In case moisture enters your VFD, failure will be inevitable. So, keeping it dry is essential.
- Proactively Check Your VFD
Maintaining your VFD will be way easier if you just stay proactive and check the vital elements frequently. It is best to let a professional who is well-trained and experienced carry out the regular inspection on your single phase variable frequency drive. This way, you will be able to treat any minor issues before they become worse, resulting in smoother operations and no downtime.
Conclusion
Frequent Variable Frequency Drive maintenance will ensure that your investment works well and stays reliable. Keeping an eye on the drive will be very helpful for preventing unwanted downtime. Follow the maintenance tips from this article to ensure your VFD lasts for years.