Frequency converter (Variable-frequency Drive, abbreviated: VFD), also known as frequency conversion drive or drive controller, in Japan’s product name uses the Inverter, and the inverter in English the same. The English name of Variable-frequency Drive is one of the few modern technology derived from Chinese.
Frequency converter is a kind of adjustable speed drive system, is the application of variable frequency drive technology to change the frequency and amplitude of the working voltage of the AC motor, to smooth control the speed and torque of the AC motor [1][2]:p210 — 215[3][4]:p4, the most common is the input and output are AC/AC converter. Before the appearance of the frequency converter, the application of adjusting the motor speed needs to be completed through the DC motor, otherwise it is necessary to use the VS motor of the built-in coupling machine to reduce the actual speed of the motor in operation with the coupling machine. The frequency converter simplifies the above work, reduces the volume of the equipment, and greatly reduces the maintenance rate. However, there is a high frequency switching signal on the power line and motor line of the converter, which will cause electromagnetic interference, and the power factor of the input side of the converter is generally poor, which will produce harmonics at the power end.
Frequency converters are used in a wide range of applications, from small appliances to large field grinders and compressors. About one-third of the world’s energy is consumed in the electric motors that drive constant-speed centrifugal pumps, fans and compressors, while the market penetration of converters remains modest. It is one of the main reasons to use frequency converter to control the speed of motor, which brings significant improvement of energy efficiency. Frequency converter technology is closely related to power electronics, including semiconductor switching components, frequency converter topology, control and simulation technology, and control hardware and firmware advances.