A U T O M A T I O N Konecranes’ VFD capacitor reforming service reforms the electrolytic capacitors in the DC-bus of a VFD to make it safe, reliable and in top condition for use EN212 www.engineeringnews.co.nz 45 VFD CAPACITOR REFORMING SERVICE, IDENTIFIES FAULTS Konecranes is introducing to Australasia a new Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Capacitor Reforming service that utilises a proprietary, portable, fully automatic DC power source to reform stored VFDs at a customer site, ensuring that they are in top condition when they are needed in service. “Companies that use VFDs almost always keep spare units on-site in case one breaks down. These spares can remain dormant for years before being put into service,” says Mr Joseph Cefai, consultation services manager, Konecranes Australia and New Zealand. “These dormant VFD’s require reforming at least once a year to ensure their capacitors stay charged and in top condition. Failing to do so creates a risk of a catastrophic failure during a time when the spare VFD is needed the most,” he says. Konecranes’ VFD capacitor reforming service is designed to reform spare drives without ever removing them from the facility. A certified/qualified electrician will reform the capacitors in the DC-bus of a VFD using a fully automated portable DC power source. As an additional part of the service, VFD capacitor reforming also includes a visual inspection to identify faulty devices and recommendations for corrective actions. “After the drive has been reformed, the electrician will issue a certificate of inspection and label the VFD. The certificate includes the date of the next recommended reform, should the VFD remain idle for another year,” says Mr Cefai. “Spare VFD’s are there to minimise downtime, when the main VFD isn’t working. The last thing you want is for your spare part to also fail, causing additional unnecessary downtime,” he says. VFDs are an energy-efficient and productive way to power industrial machinery and plant, particularly in applications that demand high torque on start-up and then a much lower level of power for operations after that point. Also known as variable speed drives or inverters, VFDs vary the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor, allowing for different speeds, torque or power to be used at different times (a high torque upon startup, and a lower torque during operation, for example). They are frequently used on the smallest manufacturing and materials handling technologies right through to the largest mining and bulk materials handling equipment and everything in between. Customised Medium Voltage Solutions built to last • Air Insulated De-mountable Switchgear • Cast Resin Transformers • MiCOM Agile Protection Relays • Outdoor Kiosk Solutions • Engineering Support & Site Services NHP ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS 0800 NHP NHP | nhp-nz.com NNZADV-38967 .indd 2 19/05/2017 12:08 PM
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