Today’s market sees businesses offering faster turnarounds, faster decisions and 24/7 service, so to move slower makes us think we’ll get left behind, that we’ll be losing customers while our competitors power forwards and as a result we’ll lose money. So the idea of slowing down to save money is something we don’t consider, however using an inverter to slow down fan systems can be the ideal money saving option.
In simple terms, an inverter is used to vary the speed of the motor to match the required load. An inverter can vary the motor speed with no loss of efficiency (98% efficiency at full load), the resulting energy savings usually pay for the inverter in a relatively short period of time. In addition, the motor only works as hard as it needs to, so helping to prolong the life of the motor. We know that installing an inverter to an older, struggling system may even help to extend its service life.
In most cases, fans are sized and installed to match the maximum ventilation requirements. Installing an inverter allows the user to control the speed of the fan motor to match the actual ventilation needs of the system. Reducing the speed of the motor will reduce the amount of energy needed to power it, sometimes by as much as eight times the reduction in speed.
In certain situations, the required fan must suit the electrical supply on site. Imagine the installer has turned up on site, installed the fan and left. The electrical contractor later then runs the fan and finds that the supply is different, for example, the fan is 400/3 and the supply is 230/1. An inverter serves as the perfect solution in this situation, by running off the 230/1 and subject to bridging bars, this can then power a 3phase fan.
Many companies have started to address the issue of efficiency in line with improving their green credentials and energy consumption and recognise that inverters can play a key role. Reducing the amount of time that a motor runs at full speed will not only save energy, it will also reduce the strain on the motor and any related components. This means lower maintenance while the improved control provided also makes it easier to stop the system; another factor that can impact on the wear and tear of the mechanical components.
To learn more about our range of inverters click here or contact one of our sales engineers on 01782 349430.
