Variable Frequency Drives

In Variable Frequency Drives , you'll learn ...

• Some history of VFD’s
• Definitions of applicable electrical terms
• Learn the operation of the solid state devices that are used in inverters
• Learn how the various parts of an Inverter work together to generate a variable frequency, variable voltage signal from a 60 Hertz input voltage

Overview

Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.

Credit: 3 CPD

Length: 40 pages

This course was written with the intention of showing how the various parts of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) work and how they are integrated to make an operating system. It starts with a review of AC and DC theory that is applicable to the way that an Inverter (another name given to VFD's) works. An explanation is given of how the various solid state electronic components work. This course then shows how a three phase constant frequency (60 hertz in the USA) input voltage is turned into a DC voltage, and then the DC voltage is turned into a three phase, variable frequency, variable voltage output. There are many pictures that give a real feeling of how these devices really operate. A historical overview is also presented to show the development of the technology of VFD's.

This course was designed for electrical engineers as well as engineers of other disciplines. Electrical engineers will have a deeper understanding of how basic principles and basic devices are put together to make this versatile machine work. This will help them as they apply it to various projects. Engineers in other disciplines will also find it useful to have an understanding of how variable frequency drives work, as they work with mechanical, chemical, and building systems. The more that we, as engineers, understand how things in other disciplines work, the better that we can do our specific jobs.

There is very little math involved in the doing of this course. It always helps to understand basic algebra. This course is built on understanding the parts of an inverter, and how they work together to make an operating system.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Summarize the historical development of variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Define electrical terms commonly used in VFD applications.
• Explain the operation of solid-state devices used in inverter circuits.
• Analyze how inverter sections combine to convert a 60 Hz input into variable-frequency, variable-voltage output.
• Illustrate how VFD control functions regulate inverter operation.
• Diagnose common VFD application problems and identify appropriate corrective approaches.

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 20 questions. CPD credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.