VFD Faults
VFD Faults
VFD Faults
conversion speed control system of the electronic power converter to the AC motor. The
frequency conversion speed regulation system is used as the preferred transmission
scheme in many occasions because of its superiority to the DC drive. Modern frequency
conversion speed regulation basically uses 16-bit or 32-bit single-chip microcomputer
as the control core, so as to realize full digital control and speed regulation. The
performance is basically similar to that of DC speed regulation, but when using VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive), its maintenance work is more complicated than DC. Once a
fault occurs, it is difficult for ordinary electricians to deal with it. Here is VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) Common faults analyze the causes of faults and how to deal with them.
1. Parameter setting fault
Whether the commonly used VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) can meet the requirements
of the transmission system in use, the parameter setting of the VFD (Variable-frequency
Drive) is very important. If the parameter setting is incorrect, the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) will not work properly. Work. 1. Parameter setting
VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) is commonly used. Generally, when leaving the factory,
the manufacturer has a default value for each parameter. These parameters are called
factory values. In the case of these parameter values, the user can operate normally in
the panel operation mode, but the panel operation does not meet the requirements of
most transmission systems. Therefore, before using the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive)
correctly, the user should perform the following aspects on the VFD (Variable-frequency
Drive) parameters:
(1) Confirm the motor parameters. VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) sets the motor's
power, current, voltage, speed, and maximum frequency in the parameters. These
parameters can be directly obtained from the motor nameplate.
(2) The control method adopted by VFD (Variable-frequency Drive), namely speed
control, torque control, PID control or other methods. After the control method is
adopted, it is generally necessary to perform static or dynamic identification according
to the control accuracy.
(3) Set the starting method of VFD (Variable-frequency Drive). Generally, VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) is set to start from the panel at the factory. The user can choose the
starting method according to the actual situation. several ways.
(4) The choice of the given signal. Generally, the frequency of the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) can be given in many ways, such as panel setting, external setting,
external voltage or current setting, and communication method setting. Of course, for
The given frequency of VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) can also be one or the sum of
several of these methods. After the above parameters are set correctly, the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) can basically work normally. If you want to get better control
effect, you can only modify the relevant parameters according to the actual situation. 2.
Handling of parameter setting faults
Once a parameter setting fault occurs, the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) cannot
operate normally, and the parameters can generally be modified according to the
instructions. If the above does not work, it is best to restore all the parameters to the
factory values, and then reset them according to the above steps. For each company's
VFD (Variable-frequency Drive), the parameter restoration method is different. 2.
Overvoltage faults
This situation means that the input voltage exceeds the normal range, which generally
occurs during holidays when the load is light, the voltage rises or falls and the line fails.
At this time, it is best to disconnect the power supply, check and deal with it. 2. Power
generation overvoltage
The probability of this situation is high, mainly because the synchronous speed of the
motor is higher than the actual speed, so that the motor is in a state of generating
electricity, and the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) does not have a braking unit
installed, there are two situations that can cause this Fault.
(1) When the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) drags a large inertia load, its deceleration
time is set relatively small. During the deceleration process, the output speed of the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) is relatively fast, and the load is decelerated by its own
resistance. It is relatively slow, so that the speed of the load-driven motor is higher than
the speed corresponding to the frequency output by the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive).
Variable-frequency Drive) tributary DC circuit voltage rises, exceeding the protection
value, and failure occurs, which often occurs in the drying part of the paper machine. To
deal with this failure, a regenerative braking unit can be added, or VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) parameters can be modified , set the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive)
deceleration time longer. Added regenerative braking unit functions include energy
consumption type, parallel DC bus absorption type, and energy feedback type. The
energy consumption type connects a braking resistor in parallel in the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) DC circuit, and controls the on-off of the power tube by detecting the
DC bus voltage. The parallel DC bus absorption type is used in a multi-motor drive
system. In this system, one or several motors often work in a power generation state to
generate regenerative energy, which is absorbed by the motor in an electric state
through the parallel bus. The VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) grid-side converter of the
energy feedback type is reversible. When the regenerative energy is generated, the
reversible inverter will feed the regenerative energy back to the grid.
(2) This fault may also occur when multiple electric motors actuate the same load,
mainly due to the lack of load distribution. Taking two motors driving a load as an
example, when the actual speed of one motor is greater than the synchronous speed of
the other motor, the motor with high speed is equivalent to the prime mover, and the
motor with low speed is in the state of power generation, causing a fault. In the paper
machine, it often occurs in the press section and wire section, and load distribution
control is required during processing. The VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) characteristic
of the branch of the speed chain of the paper machine can be adjusted to be softer. 3.
Overcurrent fault
Overcurrent faults can be divided into acceleration, deceleration and constant speed
overcurrent. It may be caused by the short acceleration and deceleration time of VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive), sudden change of load, uneven load distribution, output
short circuit, etc. At this time, it is generally possible to extend the acceleration and
deceleration time, reduce the sudden change of load, add energy-consuming braking
elements, carry out load distribution design, and check the line. If the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) is disconnected from the load and the overcurrent fault occurs, it
means that the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) inverter circuit has been looped, and the
VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) needs to be replaced. 4. Overload fault
Overload faults include frequency conversion overload and electrical machine overload.
It may be caused by the acceleration time is too short, the DC braking amount is too
large, the grid voltage is too low, and the load is too heavy. Generally, the acceleration
time can be extended, the braking time can be extended, and the grid voltage can be
checked. The load is too heavy, the selected motor and VFD (Variable-frequency Drive)
cannot drag the load, or it may be caused by poor mechanical lubrication. If the former,
the high-power motor and VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) must be replaced; if the
latter, the production machinery must be overhauled. 5. Other faults 1. Undervoltage
It means that there is a problem with the power input part of the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive), and it can only be operated after inspection. 2. The temperature is too
high
If the motor has a temperature detection device, check the heat dissipation of the
motor; if the temperature of the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) is too high, check the
ventilation of the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive).
Poor Environment
Dirty VFD
VFDs are built like computers, and computers are extremely susceptible
to dust, debris, moisture, and overheating. If you are using a VFD in an
area that is consistently taking in dust, debris, or moisture the operating
life of your VFD will be shortened.
Loose Connections
VFD Panel Testing
If you feel like your VFD is not performing quite like it used to, loose
connections or aging components could be the culprit. High levels of
vibration and heat production are the two main causes of loose
connections and premature aging of certain components. This can lead to
dangerous electrical arcing within the circuitry. Arcing can cause issues
with other parts of your equipment and create a dangerous working
environment for your employees or technicians. Loose connections can
cause permanent damage to your equipment if not addressed as soon as
possible.
Wrong Equipment
Unfortunately, you may be recommended the wrong VFD for your
equipment. If you accidentally connect your VFD to an incompatible
motor or machine, performance degradation is inevitable. Always make
sure you double or triple check the compatibility of your motors/machines
before you connect your VFD to the device.
Overuse
Using VFDs beyond their manufacturer’s recommended operating limits
(by choice or on accident) can contribute to failure. Using any component
at a rating higher than its operating limit decreases the lifespan of said
component and eventually leads to failure. To avoid issues due to overuse
check that all inverters are being run within manufacturer’s
recommendations.
If your VFD indicates a high bus fault, ensure that the power supply is
consistent and that the deceleration time is adjusted to match the load. If
the process requires rapid deceleration, dynamic braking or a
regenerative power control circuit may be added to assist the VFD and
prevent a high bus fault.
Overcurrent Fault
This is another common fault usually caused by too-fast acceleration at
start-up. To ensure you don’t have an overcurrent fault, check all power
connections to ensure that they are properly attached. Loose power
connections cause overvoltage or overcurrent, blown fuses, and
inevitably VFD damage. Loose wiring can cause erratic drive
performance. This can result in unpredictable speed fluctuations and an
inability to control your VFD.
To help prevent overcurrent fault use an auto tuning feature (if your VFD
offers it). This function enables the drive to identify the attached motor.
This allows rotor information to be used in processor algorithms for more
accurate control.
The second way to prevent overcurrent fault is to check the mechanical
load for worn or broken parts, or excessive friction. Repair or replace any
worn or broken components as needed.
Capacitor Fault
Capacitors
Electro-mechanical wear happens to electrolytic capacitors since they
have a limited lifespan and age faster than other components. This in
itself could be a cause of inverter failure.
VFD Technician
Commissioning Panel
When you invest in VFDs to help with your application’s energy
consumption, you are expecting your equipment to last a long time. When
faults start occurring, it can get extremely frustrating to try and deal with
on your own. Calling an experienced VFD technician is your best bet to
ensure the repairs are completed in a timely and proper manner.
32 common faults and treatment methods of
high-voltage VFD(Variable-frequency
Drive)
When a minor fault occurs, the system sends out an alarm signal and the fault indicator
flashes. When a serious fault occurs, the system sends out a fault indication, and the
fault indicator light is always on. At the same time, it sends out instructions to break
high voltage, prohibit closing, and memorize fault information and high voltage
breaking instructions. The serious fault state is not eliminated, and the fault indication
and high voltage breaking command are still valid.
When the following faults occur in the system, they are handled as major faults, and the
major fault types are displayed in the upper left corner of the monitor: external fault,
transformer overheating, cabinet temperature overheating, unit failure, VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) overcurrent, high voltage loss, interface Board failure, controller does
not communicate, interface board does not communicate, motor overload, parameter
error, main control board failure. Unit failures include: fuse failure, unit overheating,
drive failure, fiber failure, and unit overvoltage. For external faults, the high-voltage
breaking (cabinet door button or external contact) state must be removed first, and then
the system can be reset to restore the system to a normal state. But be sure to find out
the cause of the failure before turning it on again. After a unit failure occurs, the unit
status can only be detected when the high-voltage power supply is turned on again. If
the fault is difficult to analyze and it is impossible to determine whether the high
voltage can be applied twice, please consult the manufacturer. Note: Do not rashly
power on the power again before the cause of the fault is identified, otherwise the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) may be seriously damaged!
Check whether the fan on the top of the unit cabinet works normally, and whether the
switch of the fan installed in the secondary room is tripped; whether the filter screen is
blocked (Put a piece of A4 paper on the filter screen to see if it can be adsorbed,
otherwise the filter screen needs to be cleaned); VFD ( Whether the Variable-frequency
Drive has been working in an overload state for a long time; whether the ambient
temperature is too high (the ambient temperature should be lower than 45°C, otherwise
it is necessary to strengthen the ventilation (install the fan on the wall or install the air
duct on the top of the cabinet) or install refrigeration equipment); Transformer Whether
the control and protection circuit of the cabinet fan is normal.
7. The cabinet temperature is overheated When the temperature of the unit cabinet
temperature measurement point is greater than 60 ℃, the system will report the cabinet
temperature overheating and serious fault. For inspection items, see Cabinet
temperature over-temperature alarm.
8. Check whether the travel switch of the cabinet door interlocking alarm is compacted
with the top touch piece of the cabinet door; Check whether the "pre-travel" and "over-
travel" of the travel switch are appropriate; Check whether the electrical function of the
travel switch works normally; otherwise, replace the interface board.
9. If the controller does not communicate, confirm whether the communication line
between the monitor control board and the main control board is connected correctly,
and confirm that the +15V and +5V on the monitor control board are correct; Replace
the main control board. Replace the monitor.
10. The main control board fault monitor has established communication with the
controller. The monitor detects that the main control board is faulty and reports the
main control board failure. Replace the monitor. Replace the main control board.
11. The interface board does not communicate with the monitor and the interface board
does not establish communication. The interface board will reset the monitor every 5
seconds. If communication is not established within 3 minutes and 30 seconds, it will be
judged as a major fault. Whether the communication line is normal, check whether the
wiring terminals are correct; whether the I/O board is working normally, especially the
working voltage; whether the external chip of the I/O main control board is plugged in
properly.
12. Parameter error When modifying parameters, if the set parameters are wrong (this
fault may be reported during synchronous vector control), a parameter error fault will be
reported, please re-modify the parameters and press the reset button.
13. External fault When the local high-voltage breaking button is closed or the high-
voltage breaking contact on the interface board is closed, the system will report an
external fault. Whether the high-voltage breaking button is pressed; Whether the high-
voltage breaking terminal is short-circuited; The interface board is broken;
14. High-voltage power failure The upper-level high-voltage power supply has
disappeared. Usually caused by normal opening operation. If there is an abnormal high
voltage power failure (no fault record, no opening operation), please check the opening
circuit of the upper switch cabinet.
15. VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) overcurrent When the output current of the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) exceeds 1.5 times the rated current of the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive), the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) will overcurrent protection.
Whether the output voltage detection board is normal, and whether there are obvious
short-circuit and discharge traces; whether the optical fiber is inserted tightly, and
whether the main circuit connecting screw is tightened; whether the power supply of the
hall element is normal, and whether the output current signal of the hall element is
correct; check whether the parameter setting acceleration time is not Is too short,
whether the torque boost is too large, and whether the starting frequency is too high;
Whether the motor or load machinery is blocked, and whether the insulation of the
motor winding and output cable is damaged; Check whether the input and output
voltage and waveform of the unit are normal); Whether the input power supply voltage
is too low; There is a power factor correction capacitor or a surge absorbing device on
the output side of the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive), which may cause resonance with
the inductance. Cancel related devices; Check the unit for short circuit and damage. If
the above reasons are eliminated and the fault still exists, please replace the controller
signal board or main control board. In some sites, due to the cogging effect, the current
of the motor fluctuates greatly at low speed. At this time, the VFD (Variable-frequency
Drive) may be limited in current, causing the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) to
repeatedly accelerate, limit current and decelerate. In this case, it is necessary to reduce
the acceleration time and increase the current limiting coefficient, so that the motor can
quickly pass through the fluctuation area and avoid overcurrent protection. (In this case,
if the output voltage of the unit is low, replace the unit).
16. Motor overcurrent The output current of VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) is 1.2 times
greater than the rated current of the motor and lasts for more than 2 minutes. Check
whether the parameter setting of the rated current of the motor is correct; whether the
motor or load machinery is blocked; and whether the power supply voltage is too low.
17. After the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) runs, the motor does not rotate. Check
whether the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) output has contactors or switches; check
whether the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) output primary cable is connected to the
motor; observe the monitor Whether there is output current and output voltage, if there
is voltage or no current, it means that the main circuit from VFD (Variable-frequency
Drive) to the motor is open. If there is voltage and current, check whether the cable has
single-phase grounding, and whether the rotor winding of the motor is open circuit.
18. Unit heavy faults (including fuse, drive, overheating, overvoltage, and optical fiber
faults) There are 5 types of unit heavy faults, including fuse faults, drive faults, unit
overheating, unit overvoltage, and optical fiber faults, of which the first 3 faults It can be
bypassed (effective if the unit has bypass function and the bypass stage number is set to
non-0).
19. Fuse failure When the unit phase loss is detected, the fuse failure will be reported.
Please check whether it is caused by the main power failure; whether the three-phase
incoming line of the unit is loose; whether the incoming line fuse is in good condition, if
the fuse is open, please replace the unit.
20. Drive fault check whether the voltage detection board of the unit is short-circuited. If
it is short-circuited, it will cause the A1, B1 and C1 units to report a drive fault; Whether
the output terminals L1 and L2 of the power unit are short-circuited, otherwise the unit
IGBT is damaged, please replace the unit; Whether the motor insulation is intact ;
Whether the load has a mechanical fault.
21. Unit overheating The radiator in the unit is equipped with a temperature switch
(normally closed point), when the temperature exceeds 85 ℃, the normally closed point
of the temperature relay is disconnected, and the unit overheating fault is reported.
Check whether the cabinet top fan works normally, whether the unit cabinet fan switch
is tripped, and whether the filter screen is blocked (Put a piece of A4 paper on the filter
screen to see if it can be adsorbed, otherwise the filter screen needs to be cleaned);
Whether the temperature is too high (the ambient temperature should be lower than
45°C, otherwise ventilation needs to be strengthened), install a ventilator on the wall or
install an air duct on the top of the cabinet or install a cooling device; the unit control
board is broken, and finally check whether the power unit temperature relay is normal.
22. Unit overvoltage When the DC bus voltage exceeds the protection value, the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) reports the unit overvoltage. When VFD (Variable-frequency
Drive) is running, if the output voltage of a certain unit is low, it will cause the three-
phase output to be unbalanced, and the unit will report overvoltage. The /B1/C1 unit is
over-voltage. At this time, the reference voltage can be appropriately adjusted. Check
whether the input high voltage power supply exceeds the allowable maximum value
(when the power supply voltage is too high, adjust the transformer tap to connect to
105%); If overvoltage occurs during deceleration, please appropriately increase the
deceleration time setting of the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive). Value.
23. Optical fiber fault When the system cannot detect the communication of the unit
under the power-on state, it will report the optical fiber fault. Check whether the control
power supply of the power unit is normal (when normal, the green indicator light is on),
otherwise replace the power unit; Check whether the optical fiber connector of the
power unit and the controller is disconnected, and whether the optical fiber is broken.
24. Unit bypass When the unit is equipped with bypass hardware and the number of
bypass stages in the parameter setting is non-zero, if the unit has three faults such as
drive fault, fuse fault and unit overheating, the unit bypass will occur. If one unit fails
and is bypassed, the other two-phase units in the same position will also be bypassed.
At this time, the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) can still start and run, but due to the
reduction of the number of series units per phase, the rated output Both voltage and
rated capacity will be reduced. When unit bypass occurs, be sure to find out the cause,
and stop as soon as possible to replace the faulty unit (the other two-phase bypassed
units do not need to be replaced); Clean the unit drive board and the unit control board,
if the dust collection of these two circuit boards is too thick May cause false positives.
25. The running frequency is inconsistent with the given frequency. There are several
reasons for this situation. During the acceleration and deceleration process, limited by
the acceleration and deceleration time, there is a process for the output frequency to
reach the given frequency; when the system voltage is too high, the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) due to its own protection requirements, the frequency cannot stay at a
value point at this time to avoid DC bus overvoltage protection. At this time, it is
recommended to connect the transformer tap to 105%; if the output current of the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) exceeds the set current limit current value, the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) automatically reduces the frequency to reduce the output current and
avoid tripping of the overcurrent protection. . This situation generally occurs when the
input voltage is too low or the load suddenly increases; in the event of an instantaneous
power failure, in order to maintain the motor in a controllable state, the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) will automatically decelerate and obtain energy from the motor; Hall
elements, units The detection board or signal board is faulty.
Press the system reset button on the cabinet door (system reset will not affect the
normal operation of VFD (Variable-frequency Drive)); if it still cannot be restored, check
whether the power terminals of the monitor are disconnected, whether the connecting
wires are loose, 5V and 15V Check whether the power supply is normal and whether the
monitor circuit is obviously damaged; whether there is interference, otherwise please
replace the monitor.
When the parameter modification option in the function parameter is set to prohibit, all
other parameters cannot be modified except this parameter and the given frequency or
given parameter. During operation, most parameters cannot be modified.
In remote control mode, start and stop can only be done through remote terminals. If
the start method in the parameter setting is level start (closed start, disconnected stop),
the emergency stop signal is disconnected during operation or the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive) is stopped by other means, VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) It will coast
to stop immediately, but when the emergency stop signal is closed again, the VFD
(Variable-frequency Drive) will automatically start running because the remote start level
signal is still there.
When the VFD (Variable-frequency Drive) is powered on, due to the magnetizing inrush
current of the transformer and the charging of the unit capacitor, the RMS
instantaneous current can reach up to 6-7 times the rated current of the VFD (Variable-
frequency Drive), lasting several tens of milliseconds; The VFD (Variable-frequency Drive)
upper-level current protection setting value is too small, which will cause the upper-level
switch quick-break protection to trip. Adjust the setting value of the quick-break
protection of the upper switch cabinet.
When some motors are running at low speed, due to the cogging effect, the current
fluctuates very greatly. At this time, the inverter may have current limit, which makes the
inverter repeatedly accelerate, limit current and decelerate, and cannot accelerate
normally. Increase the current limiting current setting; Shorten the startup time; If the
output voltage of a unit is low, replace the unit;
31. When the automatic bypass cabinet is automatically bypassed, the upper switch
cabinet trips to check whether the time of the delay pull-in time relay in the bypass
cabinet is between 1.5S and 3S; whether the setting value of the switch cabinet is too
small (should be within the rated current of the motor) 5 times or more); Set the quick-
break protection time of the switchgear to be greater than 0.1S.
It may be remote start/stop, high voltage breaking, system reset signal line induced
voltage, it is recommended to separate the passive signal and 220V AC power supply
wiring, in this case, it is best to ground both ends of the shielded wire;
It may be the induced voltage caused by the binding of the signal wire and the power
wire on the remote control box. It is recommended to re-wire the remote control box. It
is best to use shielded wire for unconnected signals, and the shielded wire should not
be stripped too long; 4-20mA The current signal has an AC induced voltage (below 10V),
which can be connected between the current signal and the ground with a 275V/0.33uf.