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A variable-frequency drive is a type of motor drive used in electro-mechanical drive systems to control AC motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and, depending on topology, to control associated voltage or current variation. VFDs may also be known as 'AFDs' , 'ASDs' , 'VSDs' , 'AC drives', 'micro drives', 'inverter drives' or, simply, 'drives'.
VFDs are used in applications ranging from small appliances to large compressors. An increasing number of end users are showing greater interest in electric drive systems due to more stringent emission standards and demand for increased reliability and better availability. Systems using VFDs can be more efficient than those using throttling control of fluid flow, such as in systems with pumps and damper control for fans. However, the global market penetration for all applications of VFDs is relatively small.
Over the last four decades, power electronics technology has reduced VFD cost and size and has improved performance through advances in semiconductor switching devices, drive topologies, simulation and control techniques, and control hardware and software.
VFDs are made in a number of different low- and medium-voltage AC-AC and DC-AC topologies.