Installation environment: Important factors in successful MV drive installation

Medium Voltage Adjustable Speed Drives [ASDs] are widely applied to reliably provide energy saving and process optimization benefits. To realize these advantages, however, requires careful attention to the requirements of drive installation and environment. Where the term ASD includes mechanical [hydraulic coupling] and electronic adjustable speed drives, this paper will focus on the key installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). These factors include both physical and electrical elements. Drive location and foundations must be carefully reviewed and prepared, including planning for proper equipment grounding. The drive manufacturer's recommendations for reliable power and control supply and connections must be followed. Special attention must be given in planning to meet specific drive requirements for airflow or water cooling. The actual site conditions and potential issues with humidity, atmospheric dust or chemical contamination must be considered, with possible requirements for enclosing the drive in a dedicated electrical house. The purpose of this paper is to provide useful information to those who plan and specify MV ASD installations. It does so as it reviews the areas above, with examples drawn from drive specifications and from a several actual ASD installations in cement and other industries.