Summer is approaching, and for frequency converters, indispensable for speed control in modern equipment, the scorching sun is a major threat to their overheating. Extensive research and practical experience show that the failure rate of frequency converters increases with rising temperature, and their lifespan decreases accordingly; a 10°C increase in ambient temperature can halve the lifespan of a frequency converter. Therefore, we will now analyze the causes of frequency converter overheating and the corresponding solutions:
1. Ambient temperature is too high [Inverter accessories]
Cause: The inverter is composed of numerous electronic components, which generate a large amount of heat during operation, especially the IGBTs operating at high frequencies. If the ambient temperature is too high, the internal components of the inverter will also overheat. To protect the internal circuitry, the inverter will report a high temperature fault and shut down.
Countermeasures: Reduce the temperature of the location where the frequency converter is located, such as by installing air conditioners or fans for forced cooling.
2. Poor ventilation of the frequency converter
Cause: If the air duct of the frequency converter itself is blocked or the air duct of the control cabinet is blocked, it will affect the heat dissipation inside the frequency converter, causing the frequency converter to overheat and alarm.
Solution: Regularly inspect the frequency converter, remove debris from its air duct, and ensure smooth airflow.
3. Fan jammed or damaged
Cause: When the inverter fan fails, a large amount of heat accumulates inside the inverter and cannot be dissipated.
Therefore, the maintenance and upkeep of frequency converters are particularly important. So how can we reduce the failure rate, ensure the frequency converter safely gets through the summer, and minimize customer losses? Therefore, we will briefly introduce the following aspects:
I. Several points to note for inverter maintenance in summer : suitable temperature, humidity, ventilation, dust-free and interference-free environment, and internal and external cleaning of the inverter.
II. Main aspects directly affecting inverter heat dissipation?
1. Fan operation protection: The internal fan of the frequency converter is the main means of heat dissipation inside the enclosure, ensuring the normal operation of the control circuit. Therefore, if the fan malfunctions, maintenance should be performed immediately.
2. Overheat Protection of Inverter Module Heatsink: The inverter module is the main component that generates heat within the frequency converter, and it is also the most important yet most vulnerable component. Therefore, each frequency converter is equipped with overheat protection devices on its heatsink.
3. The inlet and outlet of the cooling air duct must not be blocked, and the ambient temperature may exceed the allowable value of the frequency converter. Targeted solutions and improvement suggestions are proposed, which have certain reference value for the application of frequency converters in practical engineering.
4. Interference issues: Attention should be paid to the interference of the frequency converter on the microcomputer control board. User-designed microcomputer control boards often have poor manufacturing processes and do not meet international EMC standards. When using a frequency converter, the resulting conducted and radiated interference often leads to abnormal operation of the control system. Necessary measures should be taken.
III. Precautions for Inverter Maintenance and Care in Summer:
1. Check the operating status of the frequency converter and whether the voltage and current values are within the normal range.
2. Carefully monitor and record the ambient temperature of the frequency converter room. The ambient temperature is generally between -10℃ and 40℃. The temperature rise of the phase-shifting transformer must not exceed 130℃.
3. Avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and places with water droplets. Summer is the rainy season, so prevent rainwater from entering the inverter (e.g., rainwater enters through the air duct outlet).
4. Inverter installation:
(1) In summer, when temperatures are high, ventilation and heat dissipation at the inverter installation site should be strengthened. Ensure that the surrounding air does not contain excessive dust, acid, salt, corrosive and explosive gases.
(2) In order to maintain good ventilation, the distance between the inverter and surrounding obstructions should meet the following requirements: ≥125px on both sides and ≥300px above and below.
(3) In order to improve the cooling effect, all frequency converters should be installed vertically. To prevent foreign objects from falling into the air outlet of the frequency converter and blocking the air duct, it is best to install a protective mesh cover above the air outlet of the frequency converter.
(4) When two or more frequency converters are installed in a control cabinet, they should be installed side by side (horizontally). If a vertical arrangement is necessary, a partition should be installed between the two frequency converters to prevent hot air from the lower frequency converter from entering the upper frequency converter.
5. Clean fans and air ducts regularly according to the site environment to prevent blockage; this is especially important in the textile industry where there is a lot of cotton lint. However, it is important to note that cleaning fan ducts must not be done while the power is on, and safety must be taken into account.
6. Regularly check the inverter's ventilation and heat dissipation equipment to ensure it is operating normally, especially the inverter's built-in fan. So how do you determine if the fan is faulty?
(1) Check the appearance of the fan, whether the fan power cord is loose or damaged; check whether the fan blades are broken;
(2) Listen for any abnormal noises from the fan;
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