You would have come across the numerous benefits of VFD Panels. If you think that these power-saving drives work only on AC supply, then you’re wrong. It’s true that it can also run on solar power. Read on to find the algorithm for connecting Standard VFD drives to solar cells.
The answer is a loud yes. However, before you try to understand the mechanism of connecting a standard VFD to solar panels, it’s time to brush up on your basic knowledge of the workings of VFD Panels.
What is a VFD?
VFD means Variable Frequency Drive. They are also known as variable or adjustable speed drives. Simply speaking, it controls the speed at which a motor runs. The speed of the motor determines the power generated to meet the load requirements of a place. When you can control the speed of the motor, you can meet the load requirements without consuming more energy.
The main purpose of VFDs is to reduce the energy used. Currently, upcoming construction complexes are routinely fitted with Variable Frequency Drives. However, you can also fit a VFD into any old building. When you retrofit a VFD in an existing system, you must ensure that the drive matches exactly with the systems. This will help you gain the highest possible output.
Benefits of Variable Frequency Drive Panels
Huge Savings in Energy – By changing the speed of the motor, you can reduce energy consumption. The reduction in energy is to the cube of the speed of the motor. This means if the motor’s speed is reduced by 25%, there is around 60% decrease in the energy consumed.
Reduction of Demand Charges – By reducing the power your building uses during its peak consumption period, you reduce a significant amount of your energy bill.
Extend the Life of Electrical Components – A VFD helps your motor to start softly and doesn’t put a strain on the components. This reduces wear and tear, thereby increasing the longevity of equipment.
Reduction in Repair Costs – With reduction in wear and tear, the amount spent on repair and replacement is reduced significantly.
Helps in Diagnosis – VFDs help you to compile run-time information about your systems thereby helping in the diagnosis in case of failure of any component.
Why Connect VFDs to Solar Panels
Using solar power to run your electrical systems is highly beneficial. It’s clean, inexpensive and doesn’t cause any harm to the environment.
However, The drawback with solar power is that it’s highly dependent on the sun’s rays. However, you can overcome this by connecting VFD to the solar panel. The principal of operation is that the motor will run at maximum speed when the solar panels give maximum output voltage. When the solar power falls, the VFD will automatically decrease the speed of the pump.
Algorithm for Connecting VFDs to Solar Panels
DC Power from Solar cells is given as input to Variable Frequency Drive Panels. From the rectifier of VFD, the DC power is taken to DC capacitors present in the VFD. Here at the capacitor, the VFD monitors the DC voltage to the drive and adjusts the output accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Contrary to popular misconceptions you can easily connect a VFD to solar panels. Using VFD Panels helps you not only reduce your energy bills but also cut down on repair and maintenance costs of your pumps and other huge inventory.