Efficiency of the adjustable frequency drive (
η
VLT
)
The load on the adjustable frequency drive has little effect on its efficiency. In general, the efficiency is the same at the rated motor frequency f
M,N
, even
if the motor supplies 100% of the rated shaft torque or only 75%, i.e., in the case of part loads.
This also means that the efficiency of the adjustable frequency drive does not change even if other U/f characteristics are chosen.
However, the U/f characteristics influence the efficiency of the motor.
The efficiency declines a little when the switching frequency is set to a value greater than 5 kHz. The efficiency will also be slightly reduced if the AC line
voltage is 480 V, or if the motor cable is longer than 98.43 ft [30 m].
Efficiency of the motor (
η
MOTOR
)
The efficiency of a motor connected to the adjustable frequency drive depends on magnetizing level. In general, the efficiency is just as good as with
line operation. The efficiency of the motor depends on the type of motor.
In the range of 75–100% of the rated torque, the efficiency of the motor is practically constant, both when it is controlled by the adjustable frequency
drive, and when it runs directly on line power.
In small motors, the influence from the U/f characteristic on efficiency is marginal. However, in motors from 15 hp [11 kW] and up, the advantages are
significant.
In general, the switching frequency does not affect the efficiency of small motors. The efficiency of motors from 15 hp [11 kW] and up improves by 1–
2%. This is because the sine shape of the motor current is almost perfect at high switching frequency.
Efficiency of the system (
η
SYSTEM
)
To calculate the system efficiency, the efficiency of the adjustable frequency drive (
η
VLT
) is multiplied by the efficiency of the motor (
η
MOTOR
):
η
SYSTEM
) =
η
VLT
x
η
MOTOR
Example showing typical trends in the range 0–125 hp [0–90 kW]
Calculate the efficiency of the system at different loads based on the graph below. The factor in this graph must be multiplied with the specific efficiency
factor listed in the specification tables:
Figure 4.1: The above example shows the efficiency of a 75 hp [55 kW], 380–480 V AC adjustable frequency drive at 25% load at 25 Hz.
The graph is showing 0.97 - rated efficiency for a 75 hp [55 kW] adjustable frequency drive is 0.98. The actual efficiency is then:
0.97x0.98=0.95.
FC 300 Design Guide
4 AutomationDrive FC 300 Selection
MG.33.BC.22 - VLT
®
is a registered Danfoss trademark
4-25
4