What is an Inverter or Drive?

What is a Drive?

An electric motor drive is an electronic control system used to regulate the speed and current of electric motors. Electric motors are electrical devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and are widely used across various industries and applications..

An electric motor drive uses electronic control principles to adjust the voltage and frequency supplied to the motor, thereby regulating its current and speed. These drives can come in various types, including frequency converters, voltage converters, and other control-based configurations. DC to AC, converters AC to DC and speed control systems..

The use of electric motor drives enables performance optimization of electric motors. They provide precise speed control, reduced energy consumption, accurate current regulation, and protection against improper voltages and other operational issues. Therefore, motor drives play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and overall performance of electric motors..

 What Are the Applications of a Drive?

Drives (electronic control systems) are used across various industries and applications. They provide the ability to control the speed, current, and voltage of electric motors. Some common applications of drives include::

1. Automotive Industry: Drives are used in vehicles to control motorized systems such as electric motors, hydraulic systems, braking systems, and gearbox mechanisms..

2. Oil and Gas Industry: Drives are used in pumps, fans, compressors, and other industrial equipment to regulate their speed and flow, ensuring energy optimization and efficient operation..

3. Power and Energy Industry: Drives are used in power plants, hydropower systems, and other electricity transmission and distribution systems. They can control the speed and current of generators and turbines, providing precise adjustments and efficient operation..

4. Steel Industry: Drives are used in steelmaking machines, mills, furnaces, and other equipment to enhance speed and current control in steel production processes..

5. Food Industry: Drives are used in equipment such as pumps, mixers, conveyors, and other food processing machines to control production and packaging processes, improve efficiency and accuracy, and enable energy savings..

Why is a Drive Sometimes Called an Inverter?

Drives are often of the inverter type and are therefore known as inverter drives. The term "inverter" actually originates from "reverse power converter."” (Power Inverter) This name comes from its ability to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). (DC to AC) and is utilized by drives..

Inverter drives use advanced electronic circuits to convert direct current (DC) voltage into alternating current (AC) voltage. This capability allows them to precisely control motor speed and current, as well as adjust the output voltage and frequency..

Due to their voltage conversion capability, inverter drives are commonly used as electronic drives for motor control. The term "inverter" highlights this ability to convert voltage, which is why many people refer to drives as inverters..

What Are the Control Capabilities of a Drive?

Electronic drives, as an electronic control system, provide a variety of control capabilities. Some of the main control features of drives include::

1. Speed Control: Drives provide precise control and adjustment of motor speed. This feature allows the user to set the motor speed according to specific operational requirements..
2. Current Control: Drives have the ability to monitor and limit motor current. This feature allows the user to regulate and control the consumed current, which is useful for motor protection and improving system efficiency..
3. Voltage Control: Drives allow adjustment of the supply voltage to motors. This capability enables the user to modify the output voltage and control the motor according to different operational requirements..
4. Position Control: Advanced drives can provide motor position control capabilities. This feature allows the user to precisely set and regulate the motor’s position, which is utilized in certain applications such as robotics and industrial automation systems..
5. Torque Control: Drives are capable of precise torque control of motors. This feature allows the user to set and regulate the required torque for the motor. By using this capability, motor torque can be adjusted according to the varying demands of applications and systems, enhancing control and overall system performance..

What Are the Communication Capabilities of a Drive?

Electronic drives typically feature a variety of communication capabilities to interface with other systems and devices. Some common communication features of drives include::

1. Practical Ports: Drives are typically equipped with various ports, such as serial ports, (such as RS-232 یا RS-485) and network ports. (such as Ethernet) These ports enable the drive to connect to other control devices, automation systems, and industrial networks..

2. Communication Protocols: Drives support communication protocols such as Modbus، Profibus، CAN، EtherCAT and others. These protocols enable communication and data exchange between the drive and other devices..

3. Digital and Analog Interfaces: Drives typically feature digital and analog inputs and outputs. These interfaces allow the user to send control and sensor signals to the drive and to read drive status and information..

4. Programming and User Interface: Some drives are equipped with a user interface (such as a display screen LCD) which allows the user to configure and control drive settings, parameters, and performance. Some drives also offer advanced programming capabilities, enabling users to perform more sophisticated adjustments and define custom configurations for the drive..

Where is the Drive Positioned in the Automation Pyramid?

In the pyramid AutomationIn automation, the drive serves as a key component of the control and motion system. The automation pyramid typically consists of three levels, which are::

1. Lower Level: At this level, drives are placed. Drives are responsible for controlling and moving motors. They connect directly to electric motors and motion devices, and using control signals and commands, they regulate and control speed, current, torque, and other related parameters..

2. Middle Level: At this level, the automation control system acts as an intermediate layer between the drives and other components. This includes controllers, PLCeh (Programmable Logic Controllers) and industrial control systems. The automation control system communicates with the drives to send and receive control commands and oversees the overall system operation..

3. Upper Level: At this level, software and user interfaces such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) are positioned. This is the highest level of the automation pyramid and allows users to monitor, control, and supervise the system. These software interfaces display information and data collected from drives and other components, providing advanced configuration and analysis capabilities..

Therefore, in the automation pyramid, the drive is positioned at the lower level, responsible for controlling and moving motors. At the middle level, it communicates with the automation control system, and at the upper level, it can be monitored and controlled via software and user interfaces..

In Which Industries Are Drives Most Commonly Used?

Drives are used across various industries and sectors. Some of the industries where drives are most commonly applied include::

1.     Automotive Industry: Drives are used in automobile production lines, industrial robots, transportation systems, braking systems, and other areas within the automotive sector..

2.     Robotics Industry: In industrial robots as well as collaborative human-robot systems, drives are used to control the movement and performance of robots..

3.     Packaging Industry: Drives are used in packaging machines, production lines, and package conveying systems..

4.     Metalworking Industry: In cutting, bending, pressing, and other metalworking operations, drives are used to control machines and equipment..

5.     Food Industry: In food production lines such as flour mills, dairy plants, bakeries, and other food processing industries, drives are used to control mixers, dough kneaders, ovens, and conveyor systems..

6.     Oil and Gas Industry: Drives are used in pumps, compressors, turbines, and oil and gas injection and extraction systems..

These are just a few examples of industries where drives are widely used. In fact, drives are applied in most sectors that require precise motion and control. For instance, they are extensively used in the water and power industry, mining, petrochemicals, chemical processing, machinery manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace propulsion industries.