Variable Frequency Drives | Processing Magazine

Variable Frequency Drives

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Variable Frequency Drives

The critical role of modern variable frequency drives in industrial applications

This article explores why VFDs are a cornerstone of modern engineering and how they deliver value in diverse settings.

April 21, 2025

Figure 1: Even general-purpose VFDs, like the Automation Direct DURApulse GS20 family, include advanced features like sensorless vector control and torque control modes. More capable models, like the WEG CFW500, include these capabilities, and add other features, like encoder support and flux vector control mode which allows 100% torque at zero speed.

Variable Frequency Drives

Torque control: The other VFD operating mode

May 1, 2023

A demonstration of a closed-loop cooling system.

Variable Frequency Drives

How to protect VFDs from overheating

Dec. 15, 2022

Many types of new and retrofit motorized machinery and processing equipment are using intelligent VFDs due to the performance and operating cost advantages. Redundancy at the field network and the controller is now economical and practical even for smaller applications.

Variable Frequency Drives

Improved VFD redundancy increases uptime

Aug. 15, 2022

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Variable Frequency Drives

VFDs: Running to failure

July 15, 2022

Figure 1: Washdown-rated compact VFDs offered by AutomationDirect can provide all the necessary logic, process and motor control for an application, and many times eliminate the need for a separate control enclosure or electrical panel.

Variable Frequency Drives

Reducing complexity and cost with NEMA 4X VFDs

May 16, 2022

While hazardous environments pose challenges to the use of VFD-controlled inverter duty motors, they can be surmounted through careful planning, product selection and installation. The efficiency, productivity and other benefits of these VFD systems will create substantial opportunities for applications in these environments.

Variable Frequency Drives

5 things to consider when installing variable frequency drives in hazardous locations

Dec. 14, 2021

Figure 2: (Opposite) AutomationDirect VFDs include V/Hz control mode standard, which is good for many applications such as centrifugal pumps, fans and material conveyors. Images courtesy of AutomationDirect

Variable Frequency Drives

Choosing VFD control modes

June 29, 2020

Figure 1: The small size and wide operating temperature range of some VFDs, like the models shown here from AutomationDirect, make it convenient to install them in almost any situation. All images courtesy of AutomationDirect

Variable Frequency Drives

Beyond process control with VFDs

May 26, 2020

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