AC Drives
Elevate your operations with AC drives, offering precise control over motor speed and torque, leading to signifcant energy savings and extended equipment lifespan. Say goodbye to jolting starts and stops, as AC drives enable smooth acceleration and deceleration, enhancing workplace efficency and minimizing wear and tear. With adaptability across various applications and real-time monitoring capabilities, AC drives empower you to optimize performance, detect anomalies, and maximize productivity. Experience efficiency, reliability, and versatility like never before, revolutionizing the way you power your operations.
Keep Your VFDs Running Strong with Wistex
Why waste time and energy juggling multiple suppliers when you can get everything you need from one trusted source? Whether you need a new AC motor drive, field service, on-site training, or preventative maintenance, Wistex has you covered. We're not just “another” supplier. We’re a one-stop shop for all your VFD needs.
Phone: 1 (800) 726.7307
Email: service@wistexllc.com
Wistex’s repair services are second to none. Our skilled technicians will carefully evaluate your damaged VFD, considering not just the components that need fixing but also the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for the other parts that might need some TLC. This way, when you get your unit back, you can be confident it'll perform at its best. And, if you recently bought a VFD from us, we'll even evaluate your old unit for free – just send it our way!
Want to make sure your team has the knowledge to keep your motor control systems running at their best? Our training services can help. We'll dive deep into all the subjects that matter, from starters and soft starters to VFDs, and even show you how to service and maintain your equipment for optimal performance.
The best part? Whether you want to train at our state-of-the-art facility or have us come to you, we'll tailor the training to your specific needs and the products you use most — so you can be sure you're getting the most relevant and valuable information.
Need a service technician to quickly resolve an AC drive issue? Wistex knows experience matters. Our field service team is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time, minimizing downtime and ensuring your VFDs are back up and running as soon as possible.
Want to keep your AC drives in good shape? Two words: preventative maintenance. Our technicians will work with you to schedule downtime for a comprehensive PM procedure that includes inspecting every electrical connection, cleaning the main heatsink for optimal airflow and cooling, backing up parameters and collecting operating data.
We recommend giving your drives a tune-up at least once a year in standard environments and twice a year for dusty, dirty environments. This is the best way to keep your AC drives in peak condition and avoid the leading causes of failure—heat, connection loss, moisture, vibration, and improper care.
Top AC Drive Series
From compact options for small-scale projects to feature-rich drives for demanding industrial environments, we're proud to offer an unparalleled selection of over 2,000+ VFD series. Browse our full catalog today, or check out some popular choices below.
How to Choose the Right AC Drive for You
First and foremost is Motor Data (assuming your motor was designed correctly) the Motor FLA (full load amps) is what the AC drive needs to control and run to protect the motor and application. The next to consider is your application type and duty cycle, such as constant torque or variable torque load, and is this going to continuously run or does it have intermittent stops. Sizing the VFD to cover your FLA, and even service factor amps too, is ideal and knowing if you're dealing with the normal-duty (variable torque load) or heavy-duty (constant torque load) is critical.
Understanding the Basics of AC Drives
AC drives, also known as variable frequency drives (VFDs), are an essential component in modern industrial control systems. These devices control the speed, torque, and direction of AC motors, which are widely used in a variety of applications such as pumps, fans, and conveyors. The use of AC drives results in energy savings, increased productivity, and improved process control.
How AC Drives Work
AC drives work by converting the incoming AC power into a controlled DC voltage. This DC voltage is then converted back into a controlled AC voltage to drive the motor. The control of the AC voltage results in the control of the motor speed and torque. The speed of an AC motor can be controlled by adjusting the frequency of the AC voltage supplied to the motor. AC drives use pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques to generate a variable frequency AC waveform. This waveform is then applied to the motor, resulting in the control of motor speed.
Brands We Carry
Offering the leading manufacturers in the industry, our AC drives will be the solution you've been looking for.
ABB
ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies, and their VFD offerings are no exception. Their drives are known for their reliability, energy efficiency, and advanced features, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Bardac
Bardac specializes in high-performance VFDs designed for demanding industrial environments, such as oil and gas, mining, and heavy machinery.
Eaton
Eaton AC drives are known for their versatility, ease of use, and advanced protection features, making them a popular choice for applications ranging from conveyor systems and packaging equipment to pumps and fans.
Toshiba
Toshiba drives, thanks to their user-friendly interfaces and energy-saving features, are particularly well-suited for HVAC applications, as well as pumping systems and material handling equipment.
WEG
Weg VFDs are designed to optimize motor performance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance system reliability. They’ve found a niche in applications such as compressors, blowers, and other industrial processes.
Top AC Drive Articles for You
Frequently Asked Questions
The key to choosing the right VFD is to focus on two things: the Full Load amps of your motor and the type of application you're using it for. VFDs come in different ratings - Normal Duty (ND), Light Duty (LD), and Heavy Duty (HD). These ratings tell you how much overload the VFD can handle. For light or normal duty, you're looking at about 110-120% overload capacity. Heavy-duty applications need more, typically 150-180%. So, always match the VFD to your motor's needs and the demands of your specific application.
VFDs are incredibly versatile, here's what they can do for you:
- Control the speed and direction of AC synchronous motors
- Run motors at speeds lower or higher than their rated speed
- Protect motors by operating in a current-limiting mode
- In some cases, they can even convert single-phase input to three-phase output while controlling voltage and frequency
Primarily, it is a Diode Bridge Rectifier setup to convert the AC coming into DC, where it stores the DC in Capacitors and pulls from the capacitors through IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar transistors), converting the DC back to AC in a controlled PWM (pulse width modulated form.)
While it's not always mandatory, it's worth considering. Think of it as an insurance policy for your system, and rest easy knowing your motor and system are set up correctly from the get-go. Wistex does just that, fine-tuning the protection settings to avoid nuisance trips and configuring any auto-reset features to suit your needs. It's all about giving you peace of mind and optimizing your system's performance.
A certified start-up is more than just turning on your VFD. It's a process where an authorized technician sets up your VFD or motor control and completes specific paperwork with the manufacturer. Why does this matter? It extends your warranty! Typically, manufacturers offer a standard warranty of 18 months from shipment or 1 year from installation, whichever comes first. However, with a certified start-up, you could extend that to 2-3 years (depending on the manufacturer.) It's a great way to protect your investment for longer.