Industrial processes depend on reliable Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), also known as Variable Speed Drives, to provide precise control over motor speed that contributes to greater process control, efficiency, and reduced energy usage—all of which translate into longer-lived equipment, reduced operational costs, and improved overall sustainability.
However, VFDs themselves do not last forever, and as technology evolves and standards for energy and cost efficiency rise higher, yesterday’s VFDs may not cut it for today’s needs. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of retrofitting older models of VFD or non-variable drives with ABB VFDs to ensure optimal performance.
An Introduction to ABB VFD Drives
With a history stretching back to the late 1800s, ABB Group has built itself up to become a leader in industrial electrification and automation. ABB engineering expertise has helped countless businesses worldwide accelerate their industrial transformation for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
ABB Drives connects customers and partners to a best-in-class portfolio of reliable low-voltage and medium-voltage AC drives that provide adjustable speed and torque for pumps, fans, industrial HVAC systems, compressors, machine tools, centrifuges, and any other applications where precise control over motor speed matters.
Since nearly 70% of all industrial electrical energy use goes into electric motors, VFDs are essential to reducing your carbon footprint and doing your part to build a more energy-efficient future. By varying the frequency of the input electricity, Variable Frequency Drives bring about process and quality improvements in these industrial applications as well as preventing energy wastage.
Exploring the Benefits of ABB VFDs
The precise control VFDs provide for your industrial processes plays a significant role in reducing wear and tear across your infrastructure. By ensuring that industrial motors run at the speed they need and offering soft start and stop capabilities, VFDs reduce mechanical stress and enable better load balancing. ABB VFD drives also come equipped with extensive integrated functional safety features that not only protect personnel from harm but also minimize the risk of damage to your downstream equipment.
Ultimately, retrofitting your industrial processes with ABB VFD equipment reduces the risk of equipment failure and the need for repairs and downtime, prolonging the lifespan of your industrial infrastructure.
Retrofitting older VFDs with ABB VFD drives has its benefits as well. As technology evolves, your VFD is not only getting older, but also becoming less capable of keeping up with higher and higher standards for process and energy efficiency—no matter how effectively you prolong its lifespan.
In this situation, retrofitting is an often especially cost-effective alternative to replacing and upgrading them to newer and more efficient models. ABB distributors with expertise in VFD repair and installation can retrofit your existing drives to take advantage of modern innovations that were not available when you first installed it.
For example, retrofitting an older model fixed frequency drive or VFD with one of the latest ABB VFDs can integrate remote monitoring and diagnostics capabilities that were not available for your original equipment, making it even easier to monitor electricity usage, diagnose equipment health, and optimize industrial processes.
A retrofit ensures that your motor drives can flexibly keep up with changing load requirements as your industrial processes evolve, improve compliance with the latest industry standards and regulations, and save on operational costs.
The ABB VFD Retrofit Process
Retrofitting your industrial equipment with ABB VFDs carries with it no shortage of benefits, but it can seem like a daunting task to undertake. Depending on the scale of your industrial operations, the upfront cost of a retrofit can be significant. In order to understand whether a retrofit is the right option, you must weigh that significant upfront cost against the long-term cost savings you expect to incur.
ABB distributors play an essential role in assisting their clients and customers in taking on the daunting task of retrofitting. By leveraging a deep knowledge and expertise in ABB engineering, your distributor is well suited to work with you and determine the costs and benefits of a retrofit, design and propose a customized solution that meets your needs, procure reliable and high-quality equipment, and take the reins of implementing your retrofit solution.
With a track record of over 50 years of excellence and over three decades of experience as an ABB partner, Winn-Marion is dedicated to offering VFD repair and retrofitting as well as ABB VFD tech support to help customers maximize the return on their investments of leading industrial electrical equipment.
Our ABB engineering and product experts break down and simplify your VFD retrofit into a step-by-step process:
- Start with an initial consultation in which we discuss your current processes, your goals for retrofitting, and the key parameters for regulatory standards, energy efficiency, and cost efficiency your new system must meet.
- Design and propose a custom solution and outline the scope of work, equipment specifications, and estimated costs compared to estimated benefits.
- Receive client approval for the ABB VFD retrofit and develop a comprehensive project plan.
- Procure and install the necessary equipment and integrate it into existing systems.
- Provide thorough training and documentation in the use and maintenance of the new ABB VFD drives.
- Offer ongoing post-installation support, such as ABB VFD tech support whenever issues arise.
To get started on your ABB VFD retrofit, contact us today.