Danfoss VLT condition-based monitoring allows users to employ their AC drive as a smart sensor. With condition-based monitoring, internal sensors monitor activity beyond the drive, gathering data from multiple sources to generate vital, real-time insights to better understand what is happening in the entire system, enable real-time early detection of issues and minimize unplanned and costly downtime.
Software functionality
This software functionality embeds monitoring functions in the drive
This software functionality embeds monitoring functions in the drive, allowing the drive to perform functions, such as monitoring of motor stator winding conditions, mechanical-vibration monitoring, and load-envelope monitoring with or without a connection to the Cloud.
Users can set various thresholds and automatically or manually determine the baseline for monitoring with different methods, in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines.
Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive’s motor winding condition monitoring
For example, the Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive’s motor winding condition monitoring function allows users to shift from corrective maintenance of faulty motors to detecting motor isolation faults at an early stage when they can be handled during scheduled maintenance.
This eliminates unwanted and potentially costly machine downtime caused by shorted motor windings. Load-envelope monitoring compares the actual load curve to the initial values determined during commissioning.
Detect unexpected operating conditions
The Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive allows users to detect unexpected operating conditions
The Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive allows users to detect unexpected operating conditions, such as leakage in an HVAC system. Other instances of issues in applications include pumps that have become fouled or sanded or fans where the air filters have become clogged.
When a part has worn out, the load curve changes compared to the initial baseline, and a maintenance warning is triggered, allowing the user to quickly and effectively remedy the issue.
Predicting failures in HVAC equipment
Joseph Horn, Product Manager at Danfoss Drives, said “Using variable frequency drives to monitor conditions in real-time allows maintenance personnel to predict failures in HVAC equipment connected to the drive.”
Joseph Horn adds, “This helps to accommodate equipment replacement or repair before the equipment fails to prevent undesirable downtime and interruption of service. With the possibility of cloud-based services and data monitoring of the conditions, it will be easier for building management staff to spot trends in maintenance hot spots and better allocate maintenance staff time.”