As with all electro-mechanical equipment, a variable-speed
drive (VSD) needs to be looked after properly to ensure you get the best
performance and longest service life from it. Here are five top tips for
effective drives maintenance:
Check your motors
first
It’s always a good idea to have your electric motors checked
before installing a VSD. That way you can be assured that the motor is the right
size and operating efficiently. Some old motor models may not be compatible with
VSDs, although Gibbons offers a retrofit
service which in most cases offers a solution.
Clear away the dust
Ensure your VSDs are dust free as particles not only absorb
moisture but can also cause a lack of airflow, leading to poor performance from
heat sinks and circulating fans. In some cases VSDs can be cleaned by discharging
compressed air into them.
Keep it dry
VSDs should be treated the same as any electrical equipment
and stored in a dry area with no equipment (e.g. dehumidifiers) above that may
drip water onto them. Make sure drives can be well ventilated as humidity and
overheating will lead to premature failure.
Maintain tight
connections
Heat cycles and normal mechanical vibration can loosen
connections, leading to arcing at the drive output. This can result in
over-current faults or even damage to the power components. Poor connections may
also cause a drive’s speed to fluctuate which in some applications can have serious
safety implications.
Train your staff
Anyone operating a VSD should have been properly trained
with all instructional paperwork stored safely for future reference. You’ll
receive comprehensive training with a Gibbons installation, plus on-going
support throughout the lifecycle of your equipment.
These tips should help you keep your variable-speed drives
in top working order, but for a full, bespoke service programme including
preventive maintenance, reconditioning, on-site repair and technical support,
Gibbons is here for you. Just give us a call on 01621 868138 or email info@gibbonsgroup.co.uk and one of
our expert engineers will be happy to help.
0 comments:
Post a Comment