Working principle of variable frequency power supply
The core component of variable frequency power supply is the inverter, which controls the speed of the motor by changing the frequency of the power supply. The working principle of variable frequency power supply can be divided into the following steps:
Rectification: The AC input power is first converted into DC by a rectifier. Rectifiers are usually composed of diodes or thyristors, which convert alternating current (AC) into pulsating direct current (DC).
Intermediate circuit: The rectified DC will pass through an intermediate circuit, which can be a capacitor, an inductor, or a combination of both, to smooth the DC and reduce voltage fluctuations.
Inversion: The smoothed DC is converted back to AC through an inverter, but the frequency and voltage of the AC can be controlled at this time. Inverters are usually composed of IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar transistors) or other types of switching devices, which switch at a specific frequency to produce the required AC.
Control: The control part of the variable frequency power supply is responsible for adjusting the switching frequency of the inverter, thereby changing the output voltage and frequency. The control part can be a microprocessor, PLC (programmable logic controller) or other types of electronic controllers.
Output: The AC power after frequency conversion is output to the load, such as the motor, to achieve precise control of the load speed and power.
Difference between variable frequency power supply and ordinary power supply
Adjustability of output frequency:
Variable frequency power supply: It can output AC power of different frequencies to meet different application requirements, such as motor speed regulation, equipment testing, etc.
Ordinary power supply: It can usually only provide AC power of fixed frequency, such as 50Hz or 60Hz, which is suitable for ordinary electrical appliances that do not require speed regulation.
Adjustability of output voltage:
Variable frequency power supply: In addition to adjustable frequency, the voltage can also be adjusted within a certain range to meet different load requirements.
Ordinary power supply: The output voltage is usually fixed, such as 220V or 110V, which is not suitable for equipment that requires different voltages.
Efficiency and energy saving:
Variable frequency power supply: By adjusting the output frequency and voltage, the energy consumption of the motor can be reduced and the energy efficiency of the system can be improved.
Ordinary power supply: The output cannot be adjusted according to load changes, which may lead to energy waste.
Control accuracy:
Variable frequency power supply: It can accurately control the speed and torque of the motor, and is suitable for occasions that require precise control.
Ordinary power supply: It cannot provide precise control and is suitable for occasions that do not require high control accuracy.
Application range:
Variable frequency power supply: It is widely used in industrial automation, power systems, laboratory testing and other fields, and is suitable for occasions that require speed regulation and precise control.
Ordinary power supply: It is mainly used in home and commercial environments to provide power for ordinary electrical appliances.
Cost:
Variable frequency power supply: Due to its complex control and regulation mechanism, the cost is usually higher than that of ordinary power supply.
Ordinary power supply: It has a lower cost and is suitable for large-scale production and popularization.
Maintenance and reliability:
Variable frequency power supply: Due to its complex electronic components, it may require more professional maintenance and higher reliability requirements.
Ordinary power supply: It has a simple structure, easy maintenance and high reliability.
Environmental adaptability:
Variable frequency power supply: It is usually designed with stronger environmental adaptability, such as high and low temperature resistance, humidity resistance, etc., to adapt to various industrial environments.
Ordinary power supply: It has relatively low environmental adaptability and is mainly suitable for indoor environments.
In summary, variable frequency power supplies have replaced ordinary power supplies in many fields due to their advantages such as adjustable frequency and voltage, high efficiency and precise control. However, their cost and maintenance requirements are also relatively high, so when choosing a power supply, you need to decide based on the specific application requirements and budget.