Fundamentals of Medium Voltage

Adjustable Speed Drives

Manish Verma
TMEIC
Manish Verma bio
Senior Sales Application Engineer
TMEIC
Manish Verma is a senior sales application engineer with TMEIC. He
graduated in 2006 from Virginia Tech with BSEE. He began his career
with TMEIC in 2006 while continuing his professional education. In 2009
he completed his MSEE with concentration in power. After a broad
exposure and education in the various TMEIC business units, he joined
the global drives division, with concentration on sales and application
engineering. His responsibilities include providing solutions-based
engineered adjustable speed drives and motors, reviewing specifications,
and technical and sales training for a wide variety of industrial clients and
channel partners. He is a senior member of IEEE and has authored and
presented more than 20 technical papers and tutorials for several
nationally recognized conferences and seminars.
Agenda
• Basic Electrical fundamentals & Mechanical Equivalents
• Starting strategies for large capacity motor / compressors
• What is an ASD, how does it work & its benefits for compression/pumping
• ASD application overview & installation considerations
• ASD cooling methods and standards
PART II PART I
Applicable dimension of today’s tutorial

Parameter Description

Rotating machinery such as pumps, compressors,

Service types
extruders, fans, blowers, etc.

Power Level (HP) 500HP – 130,000HP

Voltage range(kV) Medium Voltage, > 1.0 kV

Electrical Equivalents
Electrical Equivalents

Power Factor = cos (Ф) = kW / kVA

1000hp = 746kW
1hp = 746 watts
Typical Motor Starting Characteristics
7.00

3.50
6.00

3.00
MOTOR CURRENT
5.00
MOTOR CURRENT - PU

2.50

TORQUE -PU
4.00

2.00
3.00

1.50
2.00

1.00
MOTOR TORQUE
1.00

0.50 0.00
0.00

0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00

MOTOR SPEED – PER UNIT

Motor starting strategies
Available Motor Starting Methods

Direct-On-Line Other Adj. Speed

Reduced Voltage
(DOL) Mech. Methods Drives
ASD

Large
Motor

Constant Utility Frequency Adj. Freq.

(50 or 60Hz)
Good Reference: Larabee, J.; Pellegrino, B.; Flick, B., "Induction motor starting methods and issues," Petroleum and
Chemical Industry Conference, 2005. Industry Applications Society 52nd Annual , vol., no., pp.217,222, 12-14 Sept. 2005

Nevelsteen, J.; Aragon, H., "Starting of large motors-methods and economics," Petroleum and Chemical Industry Conference,
1988, Record of Conference Papers., Industrial Applications Society 35th Annual , vol., no., pp.91,96, 12-14 Sep 1988
Direct-on-line Starting
System Configuration Motor Speed – Torque Curve

Motor In rush
Current (650% FLA)

Circuit AC Utility
Line Amps
breaker
Starting
Torque Motor Full
Load Current
Aux
ct
Motor
Full Load

MPR

0 Frequency, RPM
Reduced Voltage Starting
Method of operation (applicable to all RV starting methods):
• Motor voltage is reduced
• With reduced voltage
• Motor current is reduced by a proportional factor
• BUT, available motor torque is also reduced
Remember
(Vmotor)2∝ Tmotor Vmotor∝ Imotor
• For Eg:
• At 80% Motor Voltage only 64% Torque is available (0.8 x 0.8 = 0.64).
• At 80% Motor Voltage 480% inrush amps (assume 600% Start Current).

Reduce Voltage starters DO NOT change the motor frequency

Pony Motor Starting (Mech.)
System Configuration

Utility Voltage
Up to 13.8kV

Motor Speed – Torque Curve

• Dependent on starting conditions, mechanical configuration

Reduced Voltage Starting
System Configuration Motor Speed – Torque Curve

Starting
Torque

Motor Full
Load Current

Full Load

Motor In rush
Current

Motor In rush
Current (650% FLA)
Circuit
breaker AC Utility
Line Amps
Utility Voltage
Up to 13.8kV

Starting
Aux
ct
Motor Torque Motor Full
Load Current

MPR Full Load

0 Frequency, RPM
General application considerations
• Evaluate load speed torque curve
• Process requirements and need for variable speed
• Based on power decide whether air or liquid cooled VFD
• Cost benefit analysis
• Review details with OEM, motor and VFD vendor

Motor
Manufacturer

Utility Engineering Driven Equip.

Firm Manufacturer
Minimum system data
required for motor starting
studies
How are drives sized for starting duty?
• Virtually all VFDs have a short term (min 60 seconds) overload (OL) rating

• Common OL ratings are 110%, 115%, 150%, 200%, 300%

• Most variable loads require 110% or 115% OL rating

• Most constant torque loads require 150% OL rating

Driven Equip. ST
End User / curve
OEM to supply
Acceleration VFD rating for
time Starting duty

VFD OL
capacity
How are drives sized for starting duty?

~ 70%
Difference
in Torque
Per Unit Torque

Loaded

Unloaded

VFD expected
Actual to=be
VFD size 25.5%
sized for 30%
of compressor full
Compressor
rating Full Load
Rating
Per Unit Speed
Using 115% VFD OL
Operating Sequence

VFD accelerates the Operator requests

VFD Ready motor & load up to VFD to transfer
speed set-point motor to the line

The grid and VFD

VFD accelerates the VFD control
output: Voltage
motor to the exact activates the closing
Frequency and
power grid voltage of the bypass
Phase angle are
and frequency contactor
matched

VFD monitors the

VFD opens the
current flowing
output contactor &
through the bypass
stops
contactor
Motor Sync-to-line video demonstration
Single VFD / single motor
Simple Electrical One-line Voltage Level
Scenario
Bypass $
VFD Compressor

Utility = VFD
Motor VFD = Motor

Bypass

VFD Compressor

Utility > VFD

Motor VFD = Motor

Bypass

VFD Compressor
XFMR Utility = VFD
Motor VFD ≠ Motor
$$
Redundant Starter – Representative configuration
Redundant Starter – Representative configuration
Redundant Starter – with Tie Contactor
Representation starter – with tie breakers
Representation starter – with two starting bus

VFD A VFD A
Sync Ready Sync Ready
Motor protection guidance - Sync-transfer systems

• Primary protection for the motor is contained within • Initial protection for the motor is contained within the
the drive itself drive itself

• No need of Motor protection relays (MPR) for motor • MPR’s needed for bypass circuit
or ASD
• MPR operation is inhibited when motor is running on
• MPR protection may be added in addition for:- ASD
• Differential Current Protection
• RTD • Thermal Overload relay can also be used as
Considerations:- inexpensive option
• Check if MPR can work at all freq.
• MPR protection is inhibited
Typically very little added benefit &
Philosophical decision
Procurement guidance

• VFD Vendor (minimum)

• VFD
• PLC Co-ordination
VFD A
Sync Ready
VFD A
Sync Ready
• Switchgear specification
guidance

• Others
• Switchgear
• Motors
• Installation, etc
How to select motor starting strategy??
START

YES
Does driven equipment 
benefit / require variable  Variable Speed 
Use fully rated VFD to start
speed? is required
NO
YES YES
Direct‐on‐line start  Is Direct‐on‐line (DOL) start  Is Direct‐on‐line (DOL) start  Direct‐on‐line start 
with loaded drive possible with loaded drive? possible with unloaded drive? with unloaded drive

NO NO

Is reduced voltage start  YES Reduced Voltage 

Use fully rated VFD to start start with unloaded 
possible with unloaded drive?
drive
OR NO
Re‐evaluate drive train to 
Use smaller VFD to soft start 
unload

   Key Considerations:‐
 ‐ Available Short Circuit Amps
 ‐ Allowable Voltage drop on Utility
 ‐ Motor vs. Compressor ST Capabilities
 ‐ Max allowable Motor Starts / Hour
 ‐ Torstional effect on drive train
 ‐ Cost of DOL motor vs. VFD motor
   ‐ Motor power factor as seen by utility
What is an ASD?
Transformation Power Conversion
Utilization
Load
AC TO DC DC TO AC
Fixed Voltage Var. Voltage
Fixed Frequency AC
OR OR Var. Frequency
MOTOR
OR OR
4.16kV 0 – 4.16kV
60Hz 0 – 60Hz
Utility CONVERTER ENERGY INVERTER
Supply RECTIFICATION STORAGE SWITCHING
What is an ASD? – Other common terminology

Transformation Power Conversion

Utilization
Load
Pulses (DFE) AC TO DC DC TO AC
AC Output Voltage
Harmonic OR OR MOTOR Levels / Steps
performance OR OR
equivalent (higher the
(AFE) better, min 5-
Utility CONVERTER ENERGY INVERTER level from 0-
Supply RECTIFICATION STORAGE SWITCHING Peak)
What is an ASD?

• Typical air cooled ASD

• 4.16kV, 60 Hz
• ~2,200 HP
What is an ASD? A look inside

• Typical air cooled

ASD
• 4.16kV, 60 Hz
• ~2,200 HP
What is an ASD?
What is an ASD?

• Large Water cooled ASD

• 7.2kV Output
• ~38,000 HP
• Outdoor Transformer and cooling apparatus
not shown
Typical Range of ASDs
ASD Output Voltage (V)

14,000

12,000

10,000 Air Cooled

8,000
Water Cooled
6,000

4,000

2,000

0
100 10,000 50,000 100,000

Motor Horsepower (HP)

Historical Overview of power semiconductor devices
Low Voltage Insulated Medium Voltage Insulated Injection Enhanced
Gate Bipolar Gate Bipolar Transistor Gate Transistor
Transistor Bipolar Power
Transistor Transistor(LV IGBT) (MV IGBT) (IEGT)
Family (BPT)

1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005

Diode(D)
Silicon Gate Turnoff Integrated Gate Symmetrical Gate
Controlled Thyristor Commutated Thyristor Commut. Thyristor
Thyristor Rectifier(SCR) (IGCT) (SGCT)
GTO
Family

Time Line of Adjustable Speed Drives

DC Motor Synchronous Induction Motor Ind/Synch Motor
Drives Motor drives Drives Drives
1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005
Major ASD Topologies

Voltage Source Inverters Current Source Inverters

(VSI) (CSI)

Load Commutated Pulse Width

• Energy storage/DC Inverters (LCI) Modulated (PWM)
Link is Capacitor
• Energy storage/DC
Link is Inductor
• Maintains constant Voltage at DC
Link • Maintains constant current at DC Link
• Converter (AC/DC) is either Passive
(using diodes) or Active (using • Converter (AC/DC) is Active (using
PWM) phase control or PWM)
Major VFD Topologies
Voltage Source Inverter
Utility Voltage

Load Commutated Inverter

Drive Topologies: How does it matter??
• They affect:-
• Efficiency & reliability of the VFD

• Line-side voltage & current performance

• Motor-side insulation and thermal rating

• Cable sizing

• Auxiliary equipment needed to support the VFD

• Safety

• Total Cost of Ownership

• For drives with lots more parts, they must be very conservatively applied if reliability
is to be achieved.

• In-service reliability is the best indicator of real reliability.

What does an ASD mean for the motor and the process?
Motor Process Motor
Starting Control Running

Reduced inrush Power factor

Energy Savings
current improvement

High Torque Unstable

Speed Control
Loads voltage supply

Close to unity Quick stopping

Torque Control
power factor (Regeneration)

Optimized
motor size (eg. Reduced Mech.
large inertial Wear / Tear
applications)
ASD System Considerations
Must consider the whole system in which the ASD will work
• From Utility to finished product or process

• Consider environment

• Consider effects on utility

• Consider the needs of the load

• Consider the effect of ASD on the motor and drive train

Utility Mains
Electrical/Power Application Factors
• Continuous kW or HP & duty cycle
• Torque & Power Overload requirements
• Load factors: CT, VT, CHP, regenerative, non-regenerative.
• Drive and Motor Voltage
• Power system compatibility
Utility Mains

#2 - Define the #3 – Determine #1 - Define the

power system best drive process loads
requirements solution! and duty cycle
Keep In Mind
Drives are sized & priced based on Motor Full Load Current,
Operating Envelope & driven equipment Overload

Example:
1. 7000 HP, 1800 rpm, 4000V, FLA 910A
ASD Rating = 6300 kVA
2. 7000 HP, 450 rpm, 4000V, FLA 1240A
ASD Rating = 8600 kVA

~37 % difference in rating

Power system compatibility - Keep In Mind
• Always provide and electrical one-line diagram
• Some tips for ASD voltage level selection

Motor Power ASD Input Voltage Motor Voltage

• 250HP – 5000HP 2.3, 4.16, 3.3, 6.6, 10, 11, 13.8 2.3, 4.16, 3.3, 6.6, 10,
kV 11 kV
• 5000HP – 10,000HP 4.16, 6.6, 10, 11, 13.8, 25, 34, Matched to ASD
66 kV output voltage
10, 11, 13.8, 25, 34, 66, 110, Matched to ASD
• >10,000HP
138 kV output voltage

Note: if ASD is used for starting ONLY, then

Motor Voltage = Utility Voltage (Max 13.8kV)
Medium Voltage versus Low Voltage – Which to use?

• MV drive $ / HP decreases with

HP
• Harmonic content can be
important:
• Installed cost must be considered
• Reliability & cable cost
• Cost of Special VFD rated cables
• Additional cost for harmonic filters to
meet IEEE 219 Requirements

Recent Trend: Some users select MV >250 HP

Many users select MV > 500 HP.
Power Line Harmonics IEEE 519-2014 Table 10.3 ITDD Limits
Maximum Harmonic Curent Distortion in % of I-Load
PCC Isc Available
Isc to I-load h = 11 h = 17 h = 23 h = 35 TDD Vpcc
h < 11
Ratio to <17 to <23 to <35 & up %
< 20 4.0 2.0 1.5 0.6 0.3 5.0
I-Load I-harm
20 < 50 7.0 3.5 2.5 1.0 0.5 8.0 [fund]
50 < 100 10.0 4.5 4.0 1.5 0.7 12.0
100 < 1000 12.0 5.5 5.0 2.0 1.0 15.0
D
>1000 15.0 7.0 6.0 2.5 1.4 20.0
M
Notes: Even Harmonics limited to 25% of the harmonic level
TDD = Total Demand Disortion %, based on maximum demand current
at the point of common coupling [PCC].
Isc = Maximum Short Circuit current or kVA at the PCC
I-load = Fundamental freqency load current or kVA at the PCC

Specifying a min. 24-Pulse VSI VFDs or Active Front End VFD is safest option
for harmonic mitigation. Best to ask for V & I harmonic spectrum
Specifying ASDs to avoid harmonics nightmare

• ASD shall be IEEE 519 – 2014 compliant and the I(TDD) shall NOT Exceed 5%

• A minimum of 24-pulse or higher input converter shall be supplied

• Harmonic mitigation shall be accomplished without the use of external filters

(active/passive)

• Vendor shall provide the harmonic spectrum and line side voltage and current
waveform of the ASD

• Active front end ASDs shall be provided with an input transformer

Line Side Performance – Voltage & Current

Voltage Current
Operator Control and Communication
• Interface with larger process
- Controls for operator –

• Simple start-stop contacts

• More complex HMI
- Process equipment controls – system PLC

• LAN communication of drive status if/as needed

to plant PLC or DCS

• Plan for remote diagnostics capability

Power System & Drive Efficiency
• Drive itself is typically 98% or more efficient
• With all fans, transformers, pumps, efficiencies of 96-97% are common

• Efficiency impact of drive varies with speed

• Efficiency effect of the drive can be eliminated at full speed by synchronous

bypass.

For Air-cooled vs. Water-cooled Overall system efficiency some tips:

92% for air-cooled (Includes VFD and E-house HVAC)

96% for water-cooled (Includes VFD and E-House HVAC)
Drive Installation
• Kept clean from dust, dirt & atmospheric contaminants
• Free from damaging moisture
• Operate within they rated ambient temperature & altitude ratings
• Properly connected & integrated into a reliable electrical system
• Integrated into the overall plant facility including proper site, equipment rooms,
equipment handling
• Properly stored BEFORE being installed
Enclosures for VFDs

NEMA 1 (IP 20/21) NEMA 3R (IP 23/33) NEMA 12 (IP 51/52)

• Indoor Use • Outdoor use • Indoor use

• Protect from • Protect from the • Protect against dust

contact & falling elements & dripping liquids
dust
• Convection or • Non ventilated
• Force ventilated passive cooling
• VFD control section
• Gasketed typically hosted
Enclosures for VFDs
NEMA 1 Gasketed enclosure NEMA 3R Enclosure

Convection Passive
NEMA 1 cooling cooling
NEMA 12
Gasketed
Enclosure
• NEMA 1 air-cooled VFD’s MUST be placed in
climate controlled E-houses

• Special attention MUST be paid:

• Air-cooled VFD’s in dusty environments like
rubber & cement plants.
• Water cooled might be better option >4000HP
• Corrosive environments where H2S might be
present like water / chemical plants

• Cost basis of NEMA 1: NEMA 3R = 1 : 2.5.

• Follow manufacturer guidelines for air quality

control requirements
Enclosure

Filtered,
pressurized
room, caulking,
extra filters…

Extra filters
with
Velcro…

Slid
Enclosure

Dust!

Some time
later!

There are lots of ways to run from

dust, but you can’t hide!

Slid
Storage & running

Drip Shield – just

in case!
Space heaters for
storage
ASD Operational / Environmental limitations
• Altitude: De-rate current rating 2-3% per 1000 ft above 3000 feet. May have to
de-rate voltage for very high altitudes.
• Temperature De-rate: 1.5% per degree C above base rating (usually 40C) up to
max (usually 50 C).

• Drives put out heat – must be removed or vented to outside

• ASDs are designed to be installed in a relatively clean, dry environment

Operation
• 0 to 40 or 50 C with a relative humidity of 95% maximum, non-condensing.

Storage
• Equipment is generally designed for a non-operating (storage) temperature
range of –25 C to 70 C.
Specifying E-houses – Key to reliability
• Good standard to use is PIP ELSSG11, Electrical power center specification
ASD Vendor to supply:-
Heat Dissipation in kW
Max. ASD Operating Temp.
ASD Humidity & Air Quality Req.
If End User / EPC
/ OEM is Weights & Dimensions
supplying the Air flow requirement
ASD building
Outline ultimate responsibility of the
entire system

If End User / EPC

/ OEM splits the ASD Vendor Building Vendor
scope of building
and ASD Heat Dissipation in kW
Max. ASD Operating Temp.
ASD Humidity & Air Quality Req.
Weights & Dimensions
Air flow requirements
Clarify responsibility ASD hook-up, plumbing, wiring, check-out
E-house requirements
• Minimum requirements for ASD E-houses are:-
• E-House NEMA rating, Typically 3R
• Fire/Smoke detection
• Note: Fire suppression is usually not provided and is optional (like FM200
waterless suppression)
• N+1 HVAC based on ASD heat loss
• 480V, 120V Panel boards for lights, control, ASD Aux
• Bus Ducts or cable trays
• PE stamp, certifications (if any), access restrictions
• Local codes. Default is NEC
• Location of E-house final destination – For E-house estimating shipping splits
Sample E-house layouts
Sample E-house layouts

VFD# 1 VFD# 2
8,000HP 33,000HP

Switchgear Room ASD Room ASD Aux/LV Room

Preferable for ASD vendor to take responsibility of E-house

specially for large ASDs
ASD Solutions

ICB / PCR for 5000 HP VFD

Redundant ACU

ICB / PCR for Starting Duty VFD

Low Capacity ACU
Temp. Controlled E-house versus ducting air out
• Many clients ask if they can duct-out hot air from the ASD to save on HVAC building
• YES, but:-
• Make-up air must be provided: ~4500CFM to 17,000CFM
• Air must be scrubbed off moisture content, fine dust, hazardous gases and other
contaminants
• Air must be heated if temperature gets to sub-zero. Big air heaters required
• ASD might need to be de-rated for hot ambient conditions
• Warranty might not be honored.
• Installer / End user assumes all risk
• Usually not suitable for very low/high ambient, high humidity, dusty or areas
where gas might be present.
Cables From ASD to Motors
• Drives themselves are usually tolerant of most cable types & methods
• BUT, Cabling affects EMI radiation or motor.
• Cables > 500 meters need special attention [cable capacitance]
Cable Sample Recommendations
Cable Sample Recommendations

Power Cable with armor

and fittings

Control Connections
[bottom picture]
• Segregated by voltage level
• Segregated by signal type
Motors application consideration – New Installs
• All ASDs inject harmonic currents on the Motor
• Harmonic Currents vary over speed range
• Verify motor cooling can handle harmonic currents
• ASDs also produce common mode voltage,
• Verify motor insulation is suitably designed
• Output filters might be needed with standard motor

If Motor and ASD ASD Vendor Motor Vendor

scope is split
between two ASD Voltage/Current Waveform
vendors ASD Voltage/Current Harmonic Spectrum
Motor Insulation System
Motor Cooling
Need for Output filters & drive train studies

For large applications, preferable to procure from the same

Motor & ASD Vendor to avoid future issues
Motors application consideration – Retrofit Installs

If Fixed speed ASD Vendor Existing Motor

motor converted
for variable speed
operation - ASD Voltage/Current Waveform
- ASD Voltage/Current Harmonic
Spectrum
- Need for Output filters & drive train
studies
Utility Voltage
Up to 13.8kV

- Motor Insulation System

- Motor Cooling for speed range
- Motor Bearing
- Motor lubrication system
- Motor critical speed range avoidance
- Elimination of surge arrestors, &
capacitors

- ASD to Motor Cabling / Distance

ASD Cooling Systems
• Cools the power cells & auxiliary components
• Enhances the life of the ASD
• Allows the ASD to deliver rated power in smallest footprint

However,
• Poor design can lead to pre-mature failure
• Operation beyond thermal limits  Safety hazard
• Poor choice of cooling type (Air vs. Water) can prove expensive
• Poor cooling materials (pipes, hoses, etc) can cause leaks and reduced reliability
Major Sources of Heat in an ASD System

1 – 1.5% ~ 2%
How Air Cooling Works?

• The most basic form of cooling

• Uses industrial fans

• Cool air suction from front or bottom and exhaust

hot air to top or back
Advantages of Air-cooling
• Air cooled drive is simpler –
• No pumps, filters, deionizers
• Only need to keep the air filters clean

• HVAC knowledgeable people are easy to find

• Redundancy can be designed into both the VFD fans and HVAC.

• HVAC is required for any Medium Voltage VFD

• Typical VFD (s) rated for 40 deg C

• Can be used for starting duty ONLY for large motors

Disadvantages of Air-cooling
• Air cooled drive has a much larger footprint –
• Will require much larger control room or E-house

• Higher noise level in control room (> 79 dB @ 1m)

• Must control level of dust in room to avoid frequent filter changes

• For higher reliability, redundancy will be required for both fans and air conditioning –
driving HVAC & life cycle costs up

• HVAC power levels can be 8-9 times higher than water cooled
How liquid cooling system works?
• Major components of ASD liquid cooling
• Pumps
• Coolant reservoir
• Heat Exchanger
• De-ionizer
• Control system

• Coolant is pumped through the ASD power cells and heat is extracted
• Hot coolant is pumped through a heat exchanger to cool the liquid
• Continuous process
Types of liquid cooled system
Closed Loop
• Liquid-to-Air Exchanger
• No plant liquid needed
• Redundancy on pumps and exchanger fans

• Expensive, need extra space, design dependent on ambient temperature

Open Loop
• Liquid-to-Liquid exchanger
• Specific plant water temp. needed
• Redundant pumps
• Less expensive and space saving

• Note: VFD loop is always closed unless a stainless steel air cooled HEX is used
Typical Pump Panel for water cooled VFDs

Redundant Di
Filter

Redundant
Pumps rated
for 100%
capacity
Evaluating liquid cooling systems
• Main liquid supply systems
• All stainless steel construction
• Tight regulation on liquid conductivity, pressure, flow & temperature
• Factory tested at full rating
Straub Coupling between
the inverter panels
Water-cooled inverter unit

• Main Inverter/Converter Circuit

Quick Disconnect Robust Piping

Water Cooled inverter unit

• Main Inverter/Converter Circuit

Heat Sink Teflon Piping

Quick
Connect
Couplings
Water-cooled related specifications – Keep in mind

Avoidance of dissimilar metals in the

liquid cooling systems.

Redundant temp/pressure/conductivity
sensors for critical services

Avoidance of condensation

100% Redundant Pumps w/Auto

Switchover

Stainless Steel piping with Di-Water

Specify liquid quality, pressure,

temperature (Liquid/Liquid ONLY)
Water-cooled related specifications – Keep in mind

Clearly define the responsibilities

between EU / EPC / ASD Vendor for
plumbing, mounting and initial
liquid fill-up
Life Cycle Cost Comparison -- 6000 HP ASD
Comparision
Liquid-Cooled Drive (4.4MW) Air-Cooled Drive (4.4MW)
Parameter
Base Cost of the
1 $750,000 $600,000
ASD

2 HVAC Unit Costs $4,000 $60,000

HVAC Annual Operating

3 $400 $7,000
costs ($0.04/kWh)

HVAC Life Cycle

4 $18,000 $290,000
Cost (20 yr)

5 Spare Parts Cost $100,000 $80,000

Annual
6 $1,300 $4,000
Maintainence Cost
Training/Learning
7 $5,000 $4,000
Cost
Downtime Costs (over
8 $1,000 $5,000
20 life) per year

Xfmr + Xchgr
9 $15,000 $0
Installation cost
Commissioning
10 $20,000 $10,000
Cost
Building cost (Per
11 $8,000 $13,000
ASD sqft ONLY)
GRAND TOTAL
$922,700 $1,073,000
(Per VFD)
Good Reference: Verma, M.; Phares, D.; Grinbaum, II; Nanney, J., "Cooling systems of large capacity
adjustable speed drive systems," Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference (PCIC), 2013 Record of
Conference Papers Industry Applications Society 60th Annual IEEE , vol., no., pp.1,11, 23-25 Sept. 2013
Optimizing E-houses
• Proper selection of VFD cooling type: Air / Water
• Moving the transformer outdoors. Possible under limited cases. Eliminating
transformer opens up other issues.
• Maintain temperatures up to 40 deg C. Less HVAC required.
• When using the VFDs for starting ONLY, HVAC can be sized for up to 25% of
continuous duty application.
• No rear space requirement for TMEIC air-cooled VFDs
• Roof/Floor mounted HVACs instead of wall mounted.
ASD Cooling - Summary
• Specify cooling systems based on:-
• Motor Power
• Environment

• Evaluate cooling systems based on:-

• Design for Safety
• Cooling system design and redundancy
• Data Sheets
• Servicing intervals
• Availability
• Total Installed + Life cycle Cost
What are the VFD standards?

• There are North American and International ASD standards

• The two applicable standards are IEC 61800-4 and UL-347A
• These are design standards
Comparison of Standards
• UL 347A addresses only the medium voltage ASD
• IEC 61800-4 more broadly written to encompass the total medium voltage Power
Drive System (PDS)
Table of Comparison

IEC 61800-4 UL347-A

Standard Category
Section reference Section reference

MV Adj speed AC drive systems including

MV Adj speed AC drive systems including
Scope power conversion and control but
power conversion, control and motor
excluding motors
Definitions/Glossary/Units 3 2, 3 ,4
Drive system Topology 4 Not addressed

5.1.1 Details given with level and 5 Defines necessary parameters but no
Electrical Input/Service Conditions
acceptable range levels or ranges

Source Impedance 5.1.1.2 Not addressed

5.1.2.1 Defines accepable environment
Climate Conditions Not addressed
for drive
5.1.2.2 defines normal vibration
Mounting/Vibration Not addressed
requirements for stationary equipment

5.2 and 5.3 Defines environmental,

Transportation & Storage Not addressed
temperature and humidity ranges

Good Reference: Phares, D.; Verma, M.; Horvath, B.; Rodgers, N., "Comparing International standards to
North American standards for large adjustable speed drives," Cement Industry Technical Conference, 2012
IEEE-IAS/PCA 53rd , vol., no., pp.1,10, 14-17 May 2012
IEEE 1566 – 2015 Standard
IEEE 1566 – 2015 Standard

Datasheets are available in Excel format

and PDF –

• Three for Purchaser

• Three for Manufacturer

Additional reading material, Peer reviewed publications
 M. Verma, D. Parker, I. I. Grinbaum and J. Nanney, "Making the Leap to Electric Motors and Adjustable‐Speed 
Drives: A Case Study of a 20,000‐hp Gas Turbine‐Driven Compressor," in IEEE Industry Applications Magazine, 
vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 29‐38, Nov.‐Dec. 2017. 
 M. Verma, I. l. Grinbaum, J. Arnold and J. Nanney, "Preparing to Witness a Multi‐Megawatt Motor and 
Adjustable Speed Drive Acceptance Test ‐ The Basics," in IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. PP, 
no. 99, pp. 1‐1 
 Verma, M.; Phares, D.; Grinbaum, I.; Nanney, J., "Cooling Systems of Large‐Capacity Adjustable‐Speed Drive 
Systems," in Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on , vol.51, no.1, pp.148‐158, Jan.‐Feb. 2015
 Phares, D.; Verma, M.; Horvath, B.; Rodgers, N., "Comparing International Standards to North American 
Standards for Large Adjustable‐Speed Drives," in Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on , vol.49, no.5, 
pp.1939‐1945, Sept.‐Oct. 2013 
 Verma, M.; Dick, B.; Phares, D.; Bondy, S., "Bringing New Life to High‐Capacity Systems: Modernization of 
Legacy Adjustable‐Speed Drives," in Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE , vol.19, no.6, pp.66‐74, Nov.‐Dec. 
2013
 Verma, Manish, “Powering gas compressors: Electric prime mover technologies.” LNG Industry Editorial, May 
2018. 
Additional reading material, Peer reviewed publications
 M. Verma, N. Bhatia, S. Holdridge and T. O'Neal, "Isolation techniques for various topologies of medium voltage 
adjustable speed drives," 2017 Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference (PCIC), Calgary, AB, 
Canada, 2017, pp. 327‐334.
doi: 10.1109/PCICON.2017.8188752 
 Bondy, S.; Phares, D.; Verma, M.; Horvath, B.; , "New advances in pulse width modulated slip power recovery 
drives for pumps," Proceedings of the Forty‐First Turbomachinery Symposium, 24‐27 Sept.2012
 Verma, Manish, and James T. Nanney. "Select the Right Starting Strategy for Large Motors." Pumps & Systems 
Magazine, 14 Nov. 2014. 
 Verma, Manish, and James T. Nanney. "Adjustable Speed Drives, Motors for Electric Compression ‐ Cool Facts 
about Cooling Large Units." COMPRESSORtech2 ‐ May 2014.
 Phares, Douglas, Joshua Karpen and Jason Shores “Applying VFDs to existing Motors,” Processing Magazine –
Feb 2017
 Questions?

The Curse of Knowledge