Product Description

A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) completely eliminates the large starting inrush current of the compressor by ramping up voltage and frequency in a controlled time period. This allows running on limited dockside power, and also protects the generator from overload.

In addition to eliminating inrush, the VFD will also run a 60Hz rated compressor at 60Hz even when input power is 50Hz, which allows full BTU capacity performance (230V only). The drive also protects the compressor by monitoring input voltage and output current, and will shut down if a problem is detected. On 208/230V systems, the VFD can “convert” single-phase input power to 3-phase output; however, the VFD current capacity must be derated (see table on second page).

The VFD unit produces a modified sine wave output for smooth acceleration and running, with precise frequency resolution. It is designed to operate in extreme environments, such as an engine room. However, the enclosure is ventilated, and must be kept dry. Any direct water contact can
damage the unit.

Built-in noise filters are standard and the VFD is CE approved. The Schneider Electric Altivar 312 VFDs incorporate a class A EMC filter into their design. This helps prevent high frequency noise from affecting the AC power supply to which the drives are connected. If you have an application or a power system that requires even lower noise emission, then we recommend you purchase the class B EMC filters specifically designed to fit with the entire family of Altivar 312 VFDs. To reduce
the harmonic distortion caused by the VFD, we recommend you purchase a line reactor sized appropriately for the particular VFD.

An LED display allows the user to monitor operation and faults. The VFD is pre-programmed from the factory and no further setup is required. Power cables are available through special order.

How to choose the right size Variable Frequency Drive:
• Chiller compressor must be 3 phase and each compressor requires a dedicated VFD.
• Multiply the chiller’s reverse cycle amps by 1.10 (10% safety factor).
• Choose the VFD from the Comp Voltage and Max AMP Rating columns (in the table on the following page) depending on compressor voltage and the phase of the input power supply,
respectively.