Variable frequency drive (inverter), which to choose? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2023, 08:45:23 am
content: I have very little experience with these devices.I need it basically for various motors testing. Mainly consumer fridge motors as of now. It must have possibility to power from 1 phase 230V line. Must include local control panel, PC connectivity too. Compact size is a must. Good support is a must. I prefer it to be rather flexible for various motors and situations.By now I have Delta VFD-EL 2.2kW. I thought it is enough before I bought it. But when I started setting it up I faced already few downsides. Size is ok, controls are ok, power reserve is ok, functionality is poor (Minimum supported rated motor current 3.3A ? Not suitable for smaller motors? No automatic motor setting? No vector mode?).Surely VFD-E is more advanced (is it enough? remains questionable), or even more advanced MS300. Or maybe other manufacturer?

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2023, 09:55:49 am
content: Why do people keep buying those ancient 7-segment operated devices.Go to Danfoss or Vacon and get a unit with nice HMI that you can actually understand and configure.Eg, find a danfoss VLT FC10x, should do what you need.

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2023, 06:53:25 am
content: Price aside, I was unsuccessful to find any Danfoss VLT FC10x (or even any series) which accepts 1 phase 230V supply. Moreover 2.2kW (or even less powerful) Danfoss is MUCH larger in size than ancient 2.2kW Delta.

author: V_King
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2023, 10:04:24 am
content: We use mainly Yaskawa drives only now. GA500 ones are really neat, lots of functionality and good support here in UK. Not all VFDs are the same and that is especially true for industrial ones. It is the internal software, which controls the motors which is important.One thing to keep in mind, the VFDs you are looking at are best to be used as close as possible to their norminal ratings. If you want to have option to preprogram various current/voltage settings, then you need a servo drive (extra zero to the cost!). Just get a few drives to cover the currents you need. The little ones are cheap. And all major manufacturers offer 1ph-3ph drives up to 4kw rating, so again no issues there.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2023, 07:23:01 pm
content: Yeah I see, you need the FC202 series for single phase power input. Sorry. There are just so many of them.Eg: FC-202P1K5

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2023, 07:46:23 am
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on September 13, 2023, 07:23:01 pmUnfortunately even lowest power 1.1kW 1 phase is too bulky (and even smaller size 3 phase 250W is also too bulky)For somewhat reason recent Danfoss drives are still anciently bulky...Actually there is A1 form factor in Danfoss drives with acceptable size, but it is pain in the ass when it comes to choosing the right one.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2023, 02:43:57 pm
content: I used a lot of Yaskawa and Control Techniques drives. The Yaskawa like the GA-550 is very good. I have used them for small motors without problem. The Control Techniques Commander C200 is also a good one and less expensive than the Yaskawa. I am surprised that they use 3 phase motor in the fridge.

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 03:37:30 pm
content: Quote from: BeBuLamar on October 02, 2023, 02:43:57 pmIf fridge motor is controlled by variable frequency drive board it IS 3 phase. It won't work from 1 phase.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 04:37:15 pm
content: Quote from: Finderbinder on October 16, 2023, 03:37:30 pmI know that a VFD output is 3 phase but I am surprised that they use 3 phase in a fridge.

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 04:54:02 pm
content: That is normal practice with more expensive fridges. I find 3 phase inverter motors in 20 years fridges too. Only cheapest simplest ones never uses 3 phase.Quote from: BeBuLamar on October 16, 2023, 04:37:15 pm

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 10:22:29 pm
content: I guess I am cheap. All the fridge I ever have only have single phase motor and doesn't have variable speed at all.

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 02:55:44 pm
content: Here are compressor of consumer grade fridge and it's typical variable frequency board:

author: yfayula
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 27, 2023, 03:59:27 pm
content: Try going on the Automation Direct website, they have the help and support you need.

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2023, 05:20:54 am
content: OP is in Lithuania, Automation Direct isn’t a viable supplier.ABB and Siemens are the largest global brands. The ABB ACS380 is a possibility, not sure about Siemens.An industrial general purpose VFD is always going to be much larger than a purpose built OEM product.https://library.e.abb.com/public/37203278258840d0806872631b0da25a/ACS380_catalog_3AUA0000187460_RevE_EN_lowres.pdf