Section 230514 - Variable-Frequency Motor Controllers
Section 230514 - Variable-Frequency Motor Controllers
Section 230514 - Variable-Frequency Motor Controllers
PART 1 - GENERAL
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary
Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.2 SUMMARY
A. Section includes separately enclosed, preassembled, combination VFCs, rated 600 V and less,
for speed control of three-phase, squirrel-cage induction motors.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
A. Coordination Drawings: Floor plans, drawn to scale, showing dimensioned layout on which the
following items are shown and coordinated with each other, using input from installers of the
items involved:
1. Required working clearances and required area above and around VFCs.
2. Show VFC layout and relationships between electrical components and adjacent
structural and mechanical elements.
3. Show support locations, type of support, and weight on each support.
4. Indicate field measurements.
A. Harmonic Analysis Report: Provide manufacturer's statement of compliance with IEEE 519 and
manufacturer's harmonic analysis study and report based upon conditions as described in
Section 260573 and 260574. These conditions include but are not limited to the POCC,
harmonic limits, normal power / emergency power modes, cable length, and transformer /
generator data.
A. Operation and Maintenance Data: For VFCs to include in emergency, operation, and
maintenance manuals.
1. In addition to items specified in Section 017823 "Operation and Maintenance Data,"
include the following:
A. If stored in space that is not permanently enclosed and air conditioned, remove loose packing
and flammable materials from inside controllers and install temporary electric heating, with at
least 250 W per controller.
B. Product Selection for Restricted Space: Drawings indicate maximum dimensions for VFCs,
including clearances between VFCs, and adjacent surfaces and other items.
1.9 WARRANTY
A. Special Warranty: Manufacturer agrees to repair or replace VFCs that fail in materials or
workmanship within specified warranty period.
1. Warranty Period: Five years from date of Substantial Completion.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 MANUFACTURERS
D. Design and Rating: Match load type, such as fans, blowers, and pumps; and type of connection
used between motor and load such as direct or through a power-transmission connection.
E. Output Rating: Three phase; 10 to 60 Hz, with voltage proportional to frequency throughout
voltage range; maximum voltage equals input voltage.
G. Inverter Logic: Microprocessor based, 32 bit, isolated from all power circuits.
H. Isolated Control Interface: Allows VFCs to follow remote-control signal over a minimum 40:1
speed range.
1. Signal: Electrical.
K. Automatic Reset/Restart: Attempt three restarts after drive fault or on return of power after an
interruption and before shutting down for manual reset or fault correction; adjustable delay time
between restart attempts.
L. Bidirectional Autospeed Search: Capable of starting VFC into rotating loads spinning in either
direction and returning motor to set speed in proper direction, without causing damage to drive,
motor, or load.
M. Torque Boost: Automatically varies starting and continuous torque to at least 1.5 times the
minimum torque to ensure high-starting torque and increased torque at slow speeds.
O. Integral Input Disconnecting Means and OCPD: UL 489, molded-case switch, with power fuse
block and current-limiting fuses or NEMA KS 1, nonfusible switch, with power fuse block and
current-limiting fuses with pad-lockable, door-mounted handle mechanism.
1. Disconnect Rating: Not less than 115 percent of NFPA 70 motor full-load current rating
or VFC input current rating, whichever is larger.
2. Auxiliary Contacts: NO or NC, arranged to activate before switch blades open.
a. Control Authority: Supports at least four conditions: Off, local manual control at
VFC, local automatic control at VFC, and automatic control through a remote
source.
C. Indicating Devices: Digital display and additional readout devices as required, mounted flush in
VFC door and connected to display VFC parameters including, but not limited to:
1. Output frequency (Hz).
2. Motor speed (rpm).
3. Motor status (running, stop, fault).
4. Motor current (amperes).
5. Motor torque (percent).
6. Fault or alarming status (code).
7. PID feedback signal (percent).
8. DC-link voltage (V dc).
9. Set point frequency (Hz).
10. Motor output voltage (V ac).
a. 0- to 10-V dc.
b. 4- to 20-mA dc.
c. Potentiometer using up/down digital inputs.
d. Fixed frequencies using digital inputs.
3. Output Signal Interface: A minimum of one programmable analog output signal(s) ( 4- to
20-mA dc), which can be configured for any of the following:
a. Motor running.
b. Set point speed reached.
c. Fault and warning indication (overtemperature or overcurrent).
d. PID high- or low-speed limits reached.
E. BAS Interface: Factory-installed hardware and software shall interface with BAS to monitor,
control, display, and record data for use in processing reports. VFC settings shall be retained
within VFC's nonvolatile memory.
1. Communication Interface: Comply with ASHRAE 135. Communication shall interface
with BAS to remotely control and monitor lighting from a BAS operator workstation.
Control features and monitoring points displayed locally at lighting panel shall be
available through the BAS.
A. Input Line Conditioning: Based on the manufacturer's harmonic analysis study and report,
provide input filtering, as required, to limit total demand (harmonic current) distortion and total
harmonic voltage demand at the defined point of common coupling to meet IEEE 519
recommendations.
B. The VFD shall have internal 5% equivalent impedance to reduce the harmonics to the power
line and to add protection from AC line transients. The 5% impedance may be from dual
(positive and negative DC bus) reactors, or 5% AC line reactors. VFD’s with only one DC
reactor shall add an AC line reactor.
C. Output Filtering: Verify voltage does not exceed motor pulse withstand capability.
A. Bypass Operation: Safely transfers motor between power converter output and bypass circuit,
manually, automatically, or both. Selector switches set modes and indicator lights indicate
mode selected. Unit is capable of stable operation (starting, stopping, and running) with motor
completely disconnected from power converter.
B. Bypass Mode: Manual operation only; requires local operator selection at VFC. Transfer
between power converter and bypass contactor, and retransfer shall only be allowed with the
motor at zero speed.
A. Sleep Function: Senses a minimal deviation of a feedback signal and stops the motor. On an
increase in speed-command signal deviation, VFC resumes normal operation.
B. Motor Preheat Function: Preheats motor when idle to prevent moisture accumulation in the
motor.
D. Communication Port: RS-232 port, USB 2.0 port, or equivalent connection capable of
connecting a printer and a notebook computer.
2.7 ENCLOSURES
A. VFC Enclosures: NEMA 250, to comply with environmental conditions at installed location.
B. Plenum Rating: UL 1995; NRTL certification label on enclosure, clearly identifying VFC as
"Plenum Rated."
2.8 ACCESSORIES
A. General Requirements for Control-Circuit and Pilot Devices: NEMA ICS 5; factory installed in
VFC enclosure cover unless otherwise indicated.
1. Push Buttons: Covered.
2. Pilot Lights: Push to test.
3. Selector Switches: Rotary type.
E. Breather and drain assemblies, to maintain interior pressure and release condensation in
NEMA 250, Type 4 and Type 4X enclosures installed outdoors or in unconditioned interior
spaces subject to humidity and temperature swings.
F. Space heaters, with NC auxiliary contacts, to mitigate condensation in NEMA 250, Type 3R and
Type 4X enclosures installed outdoors or in unconditioned interior spaces subject to humidity
and temperature swings.
G. Cooling Fan and Exhaust System: For NEMA 250, Type 1; UL 508 component recognized:
Supply fan, with composite intake and exhaust grills; 120-V ac; obtained from integral CPT.
H. Sun shields installed on fronts, sides, and tops of enclosures installed outdoors and subject to
direct and extended sun exposure.
A. Testing: Test and inspect VFCs according to requirements in NEMA ICS 61800-2.
1. Test each VFC while connected to a motor that is comparable to that for which the VFC
is rated.
2. Verification of Performance: Rate VFCs according to operation of functions and features
specified.
B. VFCs will be considered defective if they do not pass tests and inspections.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Examine areas, surfaces, and substrates to receive VFCs, with Installer present, for compliance
with requirements for installation tolerances, and other conditions affecting performance of the
Work.
B. Examine VFC before installation. Reject VFCs that are wet, moisture damaged, or mold
damaged.
C. Examine roughing-in for conduit systems to verify actual locations of conduit connections before
VFC installation.
D. Prepare written report, endorsed by Installer, listing conditions detrimental to performance of the
Work
E. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.
3.2 INSTALLATION
A. Wall-Mounting Controllers: Install with tops at uniform height and with disconnect operating
handles not higher than 79 inches above finished floor, unless otherwise indicated, and by
bolting units to wall or mounting on lightweight structural-steel channels bolted to wall. For
controllers not on walls, provide freestanding racks complying with Section 260529 "Hangers
and Supports for Electrical Systems."
B. Floor-Mounting Controllers: Install VFCs on 4-inch nominal thickness concrete base. Comply
with requirements for concrete base specified in Section 033000 "Cast-in-Place Concrete."
1. Install dowel rods to connect concrete base to concrete floor. Unless otherwise
indicated, install dowel rods on 18-inch centers around the full perimeter of concrete
base.
2. For supported equipment, install epoxy-coated anchor bolts that extend through concrete
base and anchor into structural concrete floor.
3. Place and secure anchorage devices. Use setting drawings, templates, diagrams,
instructions, and directions furnished with items to be embedded.
4. Install anchor bolts to elevations required for proper attachment to supported equipment.
C. Temporary Lifting Provisions: Remove temporary lifting eyes, channels, and brackets and
temporary blocking of moving parts from enclosures and components.
E. Install fuses in control circuits if not factory installed. Comply with requirements in
Section 262813 "Fuses."
F. Install heaters in thermal-overload relays. Select heaters based on actual nameplate full-load
amperes after motors are installed.
G. Install, connect, and fuse thermal-protector monitoring relays furnished with motor-driven
equipment.
I. Utilize metal type of conduit (refer to division 26) for line, load and control wiring. Do not mix
line, load, and control wiring in the same conduit.
A. Install wiring between VFCs and remote devices and facility's central-control system. Comply
with requirements in Section 260519 "Low Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables."
3.4 IDENTIFICATION
A. Identify VFCs, components, and control wiring. Comply with requirements for identification
specified in Section 260553 "Identification for Electrical Systems."
1. Identify field-installed conductors, interconnecting wiring, and components; provide
warning signs.
2. Label each VFC with engraved nameplate.
3. Label each enclosure-mounted control and pilot device.
B. Operating Instructions: Frame printed operating instructions for VFCs, including control
sequences and emergency procedures. Fabricate frame of finished metal, and cover
instructions with clear acrylic plastic. Mount on front of VFC units.
2. Test insulation resistance for each VFC element, component, connecting motor supply,
feeder, and control circuits.
3. Test continuity of each circuit.
4. Verify that voltages at VFC locations are within 10 percent of motor nameplate rated
voltages. If outside this range for any motor, notify Architect before starting the motor(s).
5. Test each motor for proper phase rotation.
6. Perform tests according to the Inspection and Test Procedures for Adjustable Speed
Drives stated in NETA Acceptance Testing Specification. Certify compliance with test
parameters.
7. Correct malfunctioning units on-site, where possible, and retest to demonstrate
compliance; otherwise, replace with new units and retest.
8. Test and adjust controls, remote monitoring, and safeties. Replace damaged and
malfunctioning controls and equipment.
D. VFCs will be considered defective if they do not pass tests and inspections.
E. Prepare test and inspection reports, including a certified report that identifies the VFC and
describes scanning results. Include notation of deficiencies detected, remedial action taken,
and observations made after remedial action.
3.7 ADJUSTING
A. Program microprocessors for required operational sequences, status indications, alarms, event
recording, and display features. Clear events memory after final acceptance testing and prior to
Substantial Completion.
B. Set field-adjustable switches, auxiliary relays, time-delay relays, timers, and overload-relay
pickup and trip ranges.
C. Adjust the trip settings of instantaneous-only circuit breakers and thermal-magnetic circuit
breakers with adjustable, instantaneous trip elements. Initially adjust to 6 times the motor
nameplate full-load amperes and attempt to start motors several times, allowing for motor cool-
down between starts. If tripping occurs on motor inrush, adjust settings in increments until
motors start without tripping. Do not exceed 8 times the motor full-load amperes (or 11 times
for NEMA Premium Efficient motors if required). Where these maximum settings do not allow
starting of a motor, notify Architect before increasing settings.
3.8 PROTECTION
B. Replace VFCs whose interiors have been exposed to water or other liquids prior to Substantial
Completion.
3.9 DEMONSTRATION