Types of Yaskawa VFDs
Yaskawa variable frequency drives can be classified into several types of drives depending on the application at hand. While some are designed for general operations, others incorporate advanced control techniques suitable for about any industry. The main types include:
Macro Drive VFDs
These drives are designed with high-performance applications in mind. They are capable of high torque and possess the capacity for large power.
Inverter VFDs
This drive is made with precision speed control in mind. Generally, it is suitable for centrifugal pumps, compressors, and fans.
Servo Drive VFDs
This drive is well-known for its high-accuracy position, speed, and torque control. In many instances, it is employed in robotics, CNC machines, and material handling devices.
Gearing VFDs
These are special-purpose drives for high-performance motors with a power requirement of more than 1000 HP. They include low-speed high-torque and high-speed low-torque motors.
Works VFDs
These VFDs are specific to the electrical steel production industry. They are designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve process control in the production of electrical steel.
Industrial Applications of Yaskawa VFDs
Yaskawa VFDs drive are used in various industrial domains. Below are some industries that use them:
Water Treatment Plants
Yaskawa VFDs help control pump speeds, reduce energy costs, and prevent water hammering effects on pipelines.
Cement Manufacturing
In this scenario, Yaskawa VFDs are used to drive crushers, mills, and conveyors, ensuring precise control of heavy equipment, which is crucial for the plant's overall efficiency.
Steel and Metal Processing
During this processing, large machines and conveyors are driven by Yaskawa VFDs that provide needed torque and speed for milling, rolling, and other operations.
Textile Manufacturing
Spinning, weaving, and dyeing equipment have variable drives that provide consistent speed control for intricate fabric production.
Pharmaceutical Production
In this controlled environment, mixing, pumping, and conveying processes utilize Yaskawa drives to ensure accurate motor control and compliance with necessary industry regulations.
Mining Operations
Fans, pumps, and conveyors used in mining applications are controlled by Yaskawa VFDs that offer reliability and robustness in harsh operating environments.
Renewable Energy Systems
Yaskawa VFDs are used to optimize the energy capture of solar inverters and wind turbines, enhancing the efficiency of these green energy technologies.
Marine Engineering
These drives control thrusters, winches, and other essential equipment, providing reliable power management in challenging marine environments.
Food Processing Facilities
Agitation, pumping, and conveyor systems in food processing use VFDs to maintain necessary speeds during mixing, pumping, and transporting ingredients.
HVAC Systems
Yaskawa VFDs regulate fan and pump speeds in large commercial HVAC systems. This regulation provides energy savings and improved temperature control for all system users.
Product Specifications and Features of Yaskawa Inverter VFDs
Technical Specifications
Because the technical features of the Yaskawa VFD may determine its variable drive application, it is important to highlight some of its prominent features:
- Power Rating: These VFDs operate on varying power ratings depending on the model, but generally, they should be from 0.1 to over 100 kW, thus making them good for small and large industrial applications.
- Input/Output Range: Yaskawa VFDs have a wide input/output range, with the typical voltage being 200-240V single or three-phase and 380-480V three-phase, though there are models for other voltages.
- Control Modes: Many Yaskawa VFDs can operate under several control modes, such as sensorless vector control (SVC), which improves torque control, and open loop and closed loop, which are ideal for different applications.
- Communications: These VFDs have numerous communication options. These may include Modbus, Ethernet-based protocols, and CANopen for easy integration into complex control systems.
How to Install and Use
The installation and usage of Yaskawa VFDs involve several steps that will align with general best practices in VFD drive application.
- Mounting: Yaskawa VFDs should be mounted on a clean, vibration-free surface with adequate ventilation for cooling. In addition, installation in a control cabinet or on an industrial panel is usually recommended.
- Electrical Connections: For electrical connections, the main should be connected to the input power supply, and the motor and feedback devices should be connected to the output terminals. To avoid electrical hazards, proper grounding is mandatory.
- Programming: Before use, Yaskawa VFD parameters are set correctly based on individual motor and application requirements. Key parameters include operation mode, motor type, and acceleration/deceleration time.
- Testing: The initial testing of the Yaskawa VFD is done at low speeds to confirm proper operations. After that, gradually increase the speed while observing for any abnormal vibrations, overheating, or error codes.
Maintenance and Repair
Routine maintenance helps to keep Yaskawa VFDs in good working condition for a longer period:
- Regular Inspections: For regular inspection, check for signs of overheating, loose connections, or physical damage. Environmental factors, such as dust or moisture, should also be assessed for possible effects on the drive.
- Cooling System Check: Because proper VFD cooling system maintenance is important, ensure its cooling system adequately works and is free of obstructions.
- Vibration Monitoring: Like any mechanical part, excessive vibration in the Yaskawa VFD can cause damage. Thus, monitoring for vibrations and rectifying their causes will increase the VFD's durability.
- Error Codes: Yaskawa VFDs give error codes for diagnosis; thus, refer to the user manual to understand what each code means and any needed repairs.
- Professional Servicing: For major repairs or component replacements, services from certified professionals should be sought. For optimal performance and longevity, installation of original Yaskawa parts is recommended.
Quality and Safety Considerations of Yaskawa VFDs
Quality Considerations
Yaskawa ac drives are designed to offer reliable performance in diverse applications, which are rigorously tested and monitored during production. Quality checks may include:
- Surge Testing: As part of quality control, surge testing is done to check Yaskawa VFDs withstand voltage spikes and electrical transients.
- Thermal Analysis: Other than performance testing, thermal analysis is also done to evaluate potential overheating issues and ensure effective drive.
- Compliance with International Standards: Yaskawa VFDs conform to various international standards, such as IEC and NEMA, which is a good quality indicator.
Safety Considerations
When operating and maintaining Yaskawa VFDs, safety should be prioritized. Below are some common practices that can come in handy:
- Proper Grounding: Proper grounding of these VFDs is essential in preventing electrical hazards. Make sure the VFD is grounded properly before starting any operating processes.
- Emergency Stop Implementation: One way to secure personnel in hazardous areas is by having an emergency stop control readily available for stopping the VFD in emergencies.
- Cover Terminal Protection: Terminals covering on Yaskawa VFDs should not be removed by personnel while the drive is in use to avoid electrical shock.
Q&A
Q1. What is the application of Yaskawa VFD in HVAC systems?
A1. The Yaskawa VPDs in HVAC systems control fan and pump speeds, thus improving energy efficiency and system performance.
Q2. What maintenance procedure helps increase Yaskawa VFD lifespan?
A2. Routine environmental checks and cooling system maintenance of the drive help increase the Yaskawa VFD lifespan.
Q3. Are Yaskawa VFDs resistant to dust and moisture?
A3. While Yaskawa VFDs have limited resistance to dust and moisture, proper ventilation will help them operate better.
Q4. Can Error codes in Yaskawa VFDs be diagnosed by users?
A4. Users can refer to the user manuals to understand the meaning of error codes in the Yaskawa VFDs and what the applicable corrective acts for each of them are.
Q5. Do Yaskawa VFDs meet the requirements of any international standards?
A5. Yaskawa VFDs adhere to several international standards, like the IEC and NEMA. This makes them a good quality indicator for their uses in various applications.
