Guide to Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Applications for Spinning

Why using a VSD can help you save money in Textile Mill

Fixed and Variable Speed, Best Compressed Air Solution for Spinning Mills. For all section of spinning mills (From Ring to Auto Cone Section, Back Process and Doubling Section) in Pakistan, a combination of fixed and variable speed drive Air Compressor will yield maximum benefits in terms of productivity, Energy and costs savings.

The Variable Speed compressor can efficiently handle the varying air demand by varying motor speed according to plant’s air requirement, there by cutting down off-load hours running cost to almost negligible.

One of industry’s principal concerns with soft starters is the limited slow speed control they demonstrate between starting and stopping. In contrast, a VSD) can deliver precise speed control, including during start-up and stopping. In short, VSDs provide continuous and completely adjustable speed whenever required, from starting to stopping, for hours at a time.

Energy savings are a headline benefit of VSDs, and the explanation for this characteristic lies with speed control. In applications where traditional belts or gearboxes are used to lower speed, the motor still runs at full speed.

Conversely, using a VSD in the same way serves to actually reduce the motor speed. The upshot of this effect is that fewer amps are drawn by the motor. In turn, there is less energy consumption, resulting in lower energy bills.

Another major advantage associated with the use of VSDs is that gradual acceleration of the motor from standstill promotes extended service life and reduced maintenance costs. In comparison, if not using a VSD, the motor will start instantly with a large current, which can be highly detrimental to motor longevity

As a point of note, around 70% of a compressor’s total cost of ownership (TCO), whether it is used for compressed air generation or refrigeration, can be attributed to energy consumption. So, while many look simply at the price tag of a compressor, this is in actual fact a false economy. Put simply, the initial cost of investment does not compare with the cost of energy over the lifecycle of the product.

Modern VSDs offer numerous safety features, like protection against power surges and short circuits, as well as STO (safety torque off) functionality. By adopting a drive offering such features, compressor OEMs can avoid the requirement for certain electrical components that include motor circuit breakers and contactors, thus reducing costs. This strategy also boosts system reliability for the end user (fewer components to potentially fail) and, in turn, reduces the risk of system downtime.

A VSD in a compressor system can stabilise the up and down pressure in the pipe network, potentially even eliminating pressure fluctuations altogether. The upshot of this capability is that all compressors operating in the system can run at the lowest pressure needed to meet production requirements, and reduce the power loss caused by the fluctuation of upward pressure. Additionally, the potential for system leaks is minimized thanks to the lower system pressure