Product Review
Variable Automation and Manufacturing Variable Frequency Drives Provide Protection Against Motor Overload

For the past five years, Variable Automation and Manufacturing has supplied variable frequency drives (VFDs) for a number of applications in the grain industry.

According to Owner Chad Wolfensperger, VFDs provide protection against motor overload and overheat, phase loss, and ground fault and are also easy to install with preset parameters.

“Variable frequency drives have been around since the 1970s, and they continue to improve to provide more automation for more applications, including in ag operations,” Wolfensperger says. “VFDs are available in sizes ranging from one-quarter horsepower up to over 7,500 horsepower, so there’s a VFD for virtually any application.”

Extending Motor and Equipment Life

“VFDs ramp to speed which reduces mechanical and electrical stress and extends motor and equipment life,” he explains. “ This also reduces the initial startup current compared to across-the-line motor starters.

From May/June 2017 GRAIN JOURNAL