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Classification of AC Drives

Author: Group Nish
by Group Nish
Posted: Sep 19, 2022

The speed, rotational direction, acceleration, torque, as well as deceleration of AC motors are all managed by AC drives or variable frequency drives. To reduce energy waste, AC drives adjust the amount of power supplied based on the current load. In many applications, AC drives are used instead of DC drives, servo-drives, eddy current drives, or mechanical gearboxes and belts. AC drives allow for precise, versatile, and step-less regulation of torque as well as motor speed in a space-saving, low-maintenance, low-heat package. Additionally, AC drives are free of resonance as well as mechanical inertia and have a wide range of useful in-built features, as well as advanced control, networking, and connectivity options. The technology of Pulse Width Modulated is widely accepted as the gold standard for AC drives.

Classification of AC Drives by Size:

Based on their kilowatt and horsepower ratings, Group Nish has divided the market of AC drives into five distinct categories based on size. Micro, low-end, and mid-range drives are included in the research on the global low-power AC drives market, while the mid-, high-, and mega-drive markets are covered in the research on the global high-power AC drives market. Mid-range AC drives have been analysed in both the high as well as low-power markets by Group Nish - the most distinguished service provider of instrumentation and automation of VSD for Chemical Industries in India.

For many AC drive models, the available power input is quite broad. Some manufacturers, for instance, provide a power range of low to high for the same AC Drive model. Many different types of products may be on offer from various suppliers. In order to avoid double counting, Group Nish has allotted sales of models that can fall under many kilowatt categories into the single category that best describes them. In cases when the installation of AC drives is being done on motors, just that part of the drive corresponding to the studied AC drive type is considered. Group Nish offers automation services as well as top-quality AC Drives for Chemical Industries in India.

  • Micro Drives:
The smallest motor controllers are microdrives, which can operate motors with powers ranging from a few hundred milliwatts to five kW. The technology and configurations of many micro-drive models are similarly simplistic to those of low-end drive models. There are, however, vendors who provide microdrives that are merely scaled-down versions of more powerful ones, complete with many of the same bells and whistles.

Microdrives are widely employed in a wide variety of commercial as well as industrial machinery applications, and the market for them is largely commoditized. Usually, microdrives are marketed to major OEMs or distributors. The companies that make microdrives range from solely making drives to producing an enormous variety of goods. Almost all manufacturers of AC drives also produce microdrives.

  • Low-End Drives:
Low-end drives can control motors with a power range of 5 to 40 kW. The technology and configurations of a number of the low-end drive, the models of which are quite similar to those of microdrive models. This is true for many of the drive models. Again, some manufacturers provide low-end drives that are actually the lower power versions of the higher power models that possess many of the same advanced features and capabilities as their higher-powered counterparts. These models are offered by some manufacturers as a low-cost alternative.

Fans, machines, pumps, packaging, conveyors, material handling, cooling systems, as well as compressors are all examples of common applications for low-end drives. Low-end drives are typically distributed through distributors, just like micro drives do.

  • Midrange Drives:
Controlling motors ranging from 41 to 200 kW require midrange drivers. These drives typically include a full complement of functions and are designed for use in more comprehensive systems or standalone applications. In these kinds of applications, fundamental capabilities like programmability are frequently put to good use. Additionally, midrange drives can be provided as a component of the process automation systems. Web handling, pumping, as well as material handling applications are common places to find applications for midrange drives. In comparison to low-end as well as micro drives, drives that are classified into this class are offered by a much smaller number of suppliers. If you are looking for an efficient as well as reliable VSD for Chemical Industries in India, Group Nish can fulfil your requirements.
  • High-End Drives:
Power ranges between 200 and 600 kW for motors that are controlled by high-end drives. Few of the high-end drives are often provided for applications that require a low voltage, while others are provided for applications that require medium voltage. These drives are used in applications that are not incorporated into the schemes of automation control as well as those that are used in standalone applications. When compared to low-end as well as micro and drives, high-end drives are manufactured by a significantly smaller number of suppliers.
  • Mega Drives:
Mega drives have the largest power rating of any AC category and are able to control motors with a capacity of more than 600 kW. Applications requiring either low or medium voltage can be serviced by mega drives. Because different application categories call for different kinds of motors, this size is available with a wide selection of different drives to choose from. Drives belonging to this size typically also get integrated into the control schemes of automated systems. In the same vein as the market for high-end drives, the market for mega drives is dominated by a select group of providers.

About the Author

Electrical and Automation, and is headquartered in India. Group Nish started it's journey in 1999 to become one of the most experienced organizations in the fields of instrumentation, automation, and electrical solutions on Epc basis.

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Author: Group Nish

Group Nish

Member since: Jul 26, 2021
Published articles: 32

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