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Drives Expert Hub

What is a variable frequency drive?

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) and AC motor controllers work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep businesses and societies running smoothly. 
Variable frequency drives work by adjusting electrical power supply frequency and voltage exactly to the load requirements, using pulse width modulation (PWM). By applying variable speed control in this way to motors in industrial applications, a VFD controller provides torque control and improves energy efficiency, since the electric motor no longer runs at constant full speed. At the same time, the VFD also enhances motor overload protection.

Discover how to use VFDs, power converters and soft starters to boost efficiency and productivity gains – as well as promoting electrification and digitalization of global industries.

Discover VFDs here

What is a VFD used for?

You could also ask: What do I need to know, to get the most out of my VFD, soft starter, or power converter? Using a VFD, you can dramatically reduce energy consumption of electric motors in a broad range of industries and driven equipment. When it comes to power converters, similar technology works to enable and optimize electrification applications. Looking for inspiration? You’re welcome.

Condition-based monitoring CBM
Condition-based monitoring

Drives have the potential to be so much more than simple power processors, designed to act as sensors and sensor hubs to process, store and analyze data – in addition to their built-in connectivity capabilities. Activate integrated condition-based monitoring in your drives, to optimize automation systems.

Harmonic distortion
What is harmonic distortion and why does it matter?

Harmonic distortions affect the mains power network, causing poor power quality, unreliability, and potential equipment damage. Danfoss can help you to reduce the effects of harmonics.

Electrification through power conversion
Electrification through power conversion

Danfoss Drives offers an extensive range of power converters and AC drives for use in a wide range of power conversion applications in any industry moving towards decarbonization.

EU energy-efficiency directive
EU energy-efficiency directive

The Ecodesign Directive is the EU legislative framework that sets requirements for all energy-related products sold within domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. Learn more about energy-efficiency legislation and stay on top of any changes that may affect your business.

cyber security
Focus on IT and OT cybersecurity – Secure product development lifecycle

Protect interconnected industrial systems by focusing on cybersecurity for Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Learn about key standards, such as IEC 62443 for OT, and how certification for cybersecure design of drives can mitigate risk.

VLT® FlexMotion™
VLT® FlexMotion™

Meet the requirements of tomorrow’s machine architecture, today. Designed to bring greater flexibility and intelligence to your manufacturing process, VLT® FlexMotion™ is a modular platform that can be applied to a diverse range of machine concepts and power systems.

Facts worth knowing about VFDs

A handbook loved for decades by experts and students alike.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs), which are also known by other names such as variable speed drives (VSD), adjustable frequency drives, AC drives, and frequency converters, are increasingly important devices for saving energy and optimizing process performance.

The fundamentals of variable speed control using pulse-width modulation persist, but many elements are also rapidly changing. Increasingly, software is embedded in today’s products offering new functionalities and enabling the VFD to play a larger role in the system.

Download handbook here

FAQ

By packing our drives with sensors that help to control motor speed , we’re putting condition-based monitoring (CBM) under the spotlight. Using data collected by the sensors, track the condition of your equipment every moment of the day and “predict” when future failures might occur. This will help you maximize uptime, optimize maintenance, improve management of your spare parts inventory, and more.

Explore CBM

Among our many innovations is an alternative to servo control. With Integrated Motion Controllers, we’ve made our AC drives capable of executing high-precision positioning and synchronization operations without the need for additional modules or hardware.

Learn more here

One of many functions we include in our adjustable frequency drives is droop function, whereby one motor controls speed and additional drives follow along and automatically share the motor load. This stops electric motors from being overloaded and, as a result, overheating – so your machines can perform better for longer.

With our motor drive solution VLT® FlexMotion™ we’ve combined state-of-the-art motor technology with the industry’s most advanced drive system – so you can optimize your entire operation using only one platform. Enjoy maximum flexibility from a solution also designed to uphold the highest health and safety regulations, making it ideal for food and beverage production facilities.

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Designed specifically for HVAC systems, EC+ Concept allows you to choose each individual component so you can experience new levels of efficiency and performance compared to using an EC motor. By giving you the flexibility to combine the motor, drive and fan regardless of brand, you’ll also gain more control over your systems.

Learn more about EC+ concept

How exactly have our intelligent drives created value for customers and what can they do for you? Browse our case stories to find out.

Browse case stories

Tap into a wealth of expert knowledge in our library of on-demand webinars. Or join a live webinar, where you can put your questions directly to our experts. Either way, you’ll find topics relevant to a broad range of industries - from energy efficiency and motor-drive systems to electrification, power conversion, and lifecycle services.

Explore the webinar hub

What does optimal AC motor speed control, including managing frequency and voltage, actually mean for your business? And would a low-voltage drive or medium-voltage drive better suit your needs? Read our in-depth articles on AC drives and the drives industry as a whole and build up your expertise.

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Visit our dedicated blog FocusOnDrives for all the latest news – and never lose track of what makes the industry tick.

Visit FocusOnDrives blog

When you need information about your VFD behaviour right now, ask MyDrive® Assistant for fast, AI-guided troubleshooting. No more searching through manuals for answers to warning, fault and alarm codes, or FAQs — simply start describing your problem. The assistant interprets your intent and guides you to the right content.

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