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View Full Version : vfd's and belts


dcrawshawscoote
03-13-2011, 07:22 PM
belt wear on airhandler when using vfd, shouldn't there be extended belt life
drivewizard
03-13-2011, 07:57 PM
Possibly.
hvacpope
03-13-2011, 08:16 PM
haven't notice any difference in belts life after installing a VFD, I suppose by no spinning at full rpm's all time the belts would run a bit cooler although frequent up/down ramping may generate extra stress and friction. interesting topic!!
MUNC
03-13-2011, 08:22 PM
since ramp starts and stops, i've had a lot better belt life on my equiptment i service. of course proper tension and alignment still rule the day
AiResearch
03-13-2011, 08:58 PM
since ramp starts and stops, i've had a lot better belt life on my equiptment i service. of course proper tension and alignment still rule the day

I agree. Ive seen much better belt life , esp on cooling towers that used to start / stop frequently. Across the line starting on a 40 hp motor is hard on the components for sure. I think on AHU's the whole blower drive assembly should last longer. I love vfd's. Pretty neat stuff.
jayguy
03-13-2011, 09:41 PM
...of course proper tension and alignment still rule the day

number 1 answer on the board!!

and who is to say that you did not get more life out of the belts.

the proper number of belts, the right belt type, proper tension, proper alignment, good sheave condition and low operating temperature are the keys to extending belt life...drives can and most likely will extend the belt life...but not at the expense of the others first.
crab master
03-13-2011, 11:45 PM
There should be, but your sheaves need to not only be aligned but one also needs to verify they are not worn. Worn sheaves eat belts.