Where can i get a clue about VFDs???

[troublshooter]

Simply put: Where can I get a clue about VFDs, Not much training on them at all and i have 20 of them here at work. Ive already had someone come in and replace 2 of them and I am going to need work on 2 more and I would rather not rely on expensive outside help if I didnt have to. I have the drives manuals but without any training that can become difficult read very quickly. Any good sites or books that anyone knows could help me be a better drive technician?

[timebuilder]

Simply put: Where can I get a clue about VFDs, Not much training on them at all and i have 20 of them here at work. Ive already had someone come in and replace 2 of them and I am going to need work on 2 more and I would rather not rely on expensive outside help if I didnt have to. I have the drives manuals but without any training that can become difficult read very quickly. Any good sites or books that anyone knows could help me be a better drive technician?

I'd be interested in that, as well.

[iguy]

try this,

http://www.sea.siemens.com/step/downloads.html

[Trublshter]

Not only with just having the books you need the training to safely work on those because of not only the incoming power but they also have a d.c. buss that is very high voltage and very possibly lethal. I've performed some limited troubleshooting on them and was never afforded the opportunity for the training. Those are something I'd like to work on also. They are pretty cool devices.

[tatersalad]

I guess it depends on what kind of drives you have. Alot of major drive manufactures have drive classes. I have gone to the Rockwell class and it was quite informative. (on the Vtac series). Check out the respective website(s) for the drives you have, alot of info to be found

[Inches of Mercury]

RSES has some info...

[maxster]

try this site for indepth info and operations...troubleshooting http://www.joliettech.com/variable-frequency-drive.htm

[fireye03]

i took a class at a local college,it was very intresting
i learned some basics,but your not gonna be a master with a 2 day course like i had.even after the class i can tell you how to switch from auto to bypass,thats about it.

[kwillmech]

Start by calling the local vendors for what ever brand you are looking at. ABB, Danfoss, Magnetek, etc. There should be a distributor in your area and most are willing to offer training and even certification programs. Don't expect too much more than a basic overview + sales pitch for free. Good training will cost $ but worth every penny.

[tex~n~oz]

What kind of information are you looking for?
As something specific and I might be able to help ya.
I service and repair a fair few of them myself.
Lesson #1..
Stay away from the Siemens VSDs unless you like swapping capacitors on a regular basis. I've done 6 board repairs in the last 6 months.

[timebuilder]

Is there an online resource that offers a "chillers 101" type course?

[troublshooter]

Well its a Toshiba 460V a/c adjustable speed drive. They are inside my 48AK Carrier RTU's. They are failing 1 at a time.(guesse thats better than all at once). Problem is when a technician comes out to troubleshoot because of my lack of knowledge with drives I always have to take someones word for it.

For example the 1 drive I got now is giving me a message "UCr" I look it up in the book and it tells me I have a damaged dynamic braking resistor, then I read on and it tells me If the unit is 460volts and the motor is above 20Horse that this option is not available. WTF, so I go into the program menu and I proceed to start talking to myself and scratching my head for the next 40mins and oh look still no drive and I once again have to call in outside help. So from what the technician told me these drives are junk, Toshiba dosent even make them anymore and Im better of just getting a new drive. That was fine for the first drive now im into the 6th drive failure(all diffrent units) and Im wondering are these things really junk or am I getting hosed? IDK which is why i started this thread and so far as always its been extreamly helpful

[big johnson]

I'm in the same boat. Got ABB, Danfoss, Titon, etc. Danfoss will send an instructor to your site. If you know others that want to jump in, you can get them together to share the cost. ABB offers web based training which I'm looking into and class room also, at their site.
It's a real pain to get the info you need especially when the "drive guy" is pointing the finger at the "controls guy" and it still doesn't work.