What is an Inverter Drive, expanded

  • An inverter drive converts fixed-frequency, fixed voltage AC power from the mains supply into variable frequency, voltage and current output waveform, this allows for accurate control of three phase electric motors.

  • Internally, a rectifier turns AC power into DC, which is smoothed by capacitors, and then an inverter (using IGBTs) converts it back to adjustable AC.

  • An inverter commonly uses methods like Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to convert power.

  • An inverter optimizes a motor's power usage to meet demand, often resulting in significant energy savings, especially in fan and pump type applications.

  • Allows accurate speed regulation, torque control, and soft-start capabilities, protecting motors from mechancal stress.

  • By eliminating harsh starts and running at lower speeds, this can decrease wear and tear on epensive  machinery.

  • Used in HVAC (heating ventillation and air conditioning) systems, conveyors, water pumps, fans, mixers, compressors and various other types of industrial machinery

  • Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), Variable Speed Drive (VSD), Frequency Inverter, AC Drive