Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Inverterization

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Inverterization is a technology trend that refers to an inverter-based motor drive intended to operate an electric motor at variable speed for the sake of improved efficiency. Main job of the inverter is to control the speed and torque of the motor to match work requirements.

Contents

Crucial advantages are provided by Inverterization

Higher durability through smoothly starting engines, improve efficiency through an increase in power factor, and improves process control. Also energy saving though reducing the speed of the motor while keeping same outcomes; a ventilation system is a good example of this trait. For example, a slowing down a fan motor from 100% to 80% when less airflow is needed can save as much as 50% on energy use. Moreover, reduce loudness and vibration due to non-permanent operation of a motor under full load can be considered as an advantage.

Inverterization has become popular due to low cost volume production of Intelligence Power Modules (IPMs) and availability of easy-to-use design. The trend got strong in some electrical appliance such as fans, mainly in aircon systems, due to energy saving requirements. In Japan for instance, inverterization of washing machines has been reached 100% in 2011.

Principle and basic concept

A fixed speed drive can simply run in two states: either “On” or “Off” moods. However, the energy consumption of this type of system is much high because it run in a full power even when it is not needed. Furthermore, fixed speed drives have to be designed to manage starting at full speed which is a requirement in contradiction to maximizing efficiency. An inverter represents one of the basic components of a variable speed motor (VSD) which also include other components like a rectifier, an intermediate circuit, and a control unit.

Figure 1: Schematic of a variable speed drive

The basic work of an inverter within VSD is simple. A microcontroller integrated within the inverter manages the speed of a motor according to required function of an appliance. For example, in a fridge constantly data such as temperature, humidity and motor speed are gathered through sensors to keep the motor run smoothly and efficiently. Based on the gathered data, a microcontroller optimizes the control commands required. By this way, the speed of motor is steadily optimized and keeps fridge’s temperature constant. This is more efficient instead of keeping the motor to run on and off.

Applications

Inverterization has a wide range of applications in major home appliances and in industrial drives. Most of major home appliances are inverterized such as: fridge, washing machines, fans, vacuum cleaner, and pumps.

References

Inverterization Wikipedia