VFD Parameters Calculator

Calculate and optimize variable frequency drive settings for motor applications

VFD Calculator

Motor Speed Control

Motor Nameplate Data
Select the type of AC motor being controlled
Enter the rated power from motor nameplate
Hz
Rated frequency from motor nameplate
RPM
Rated speed from motor nameplate
%
Optional: Enter known slip for more accurate calculations. Typically 2-5% for induction motors.
Based on rated speed and frequency
Desired Operating Parameters
Hz
VFD output frequency to achieve desired speed
Hz
Recommended minimum for most applications is 10-15 Hz
Hz
Typically set to base frequency or higher for constant power region

Speed Control Results

Speed Calculations
Synchronous Speed: -
Estimated Actual Speed: -
Speed Ratio: -
Frequency Profile
Output Frequency: -
Base Frequency: -
Frequency/Base Ratio: -
Operating Region
Operating Region: -
Available Torque: -
Cooling Consideration: -

Speed-Torque Relationship

Constant Torque Region
Constant Power Region
Current Operating Point

Voltage/Frequency Profile

Motor Voltage Parameters
V
Rated motor voltage from nameplate
Hz
Frequency at which rated voltage is applied
%
Additional voltage at low speeds to overcome stator resistance
V/Hz Profile Settings
Pattern determines motor torque characteristics
Hz
Frequency at which to calculate motor voltage

V/Hz Profile Results

Output Voltage Calculation
Output Voltage: -
V/Hz Ratio: -
Voltage Percentage: -
Profile Information
Pattern Type: -
Boost Effect: -
Operation Mode: -
Motor Effects
Magnetization Level: -
Torque Capability: -
Recommendations: -

V/Hz Profile

Linear V/Hz
Selected V/Hz Profile
Operating Point

Acceleration & Deceleration Times

System Parameters
Motor rated power from nameplate
A
Optional: For more accurate peak current estimates
kg·m²
Combined motor and load inertia. Use selector for common applications.
Affects torque requirements during acceleration/deceleration
Speed Profile Settings
Hz
Starting frequency (typically 0Hz for full start)
Hz
Desired operating frequency
%
Maximum allowed current during acceleration (typically 150%)
S-curve reduces jerk at start/end of acceleration

Acceleration/Deceleration Results

Time Calculations
Acceleration Time: -
Deceleration Time: -
Frequency Change: -
Current Requirements
Peak Current: -
VFD Loading: -
Limiting Factor: -
Recommendations
-

Speed & Current Profile

Speed Profile
Current Profile

Power & Energy Calculation

Motor Specifications
Motor power rating from nameplate
%
Motor efficiency at rated load (from nameplate)
Power factor at rated load (from nameplate)

Calculate energy usage across multiple operating points to model real-world usage patterns

Operating Conditions
Determines how power varies with speed
%
Speed as percentage of rated (nameplate) speed
%
Motor loading as percentage of rated capacity
hours/year
Annual operating hours (8760 = 24/7 operation)
Energy Cost
$/kWh
Cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity

Power & Energy Results

Power Calculations
Fixed Speed Power: -
VFD Power: -
Power Savings: -
Annual Energy Calculations
Fixed Speed Energy: -
VFD Energy: -
Energy Savings: -
Annual Cost Calculations
Fixed Speed Cost: -
VFD Operating Cost: -
Annual Cost Savings: -

Power Consumption vs. Speed

Fixed Speed (On/Off Control)
VFD Speed Control
Operating Point(s)

VFD Sizing Calculator

Motor Specifications
Standard efficiency motors (IE1) typically have slightly higher full load current.
Motor power rating from nameplate
A
Full load current from motor nameplate
From motor nameplate (typically 1.0 or 1.15)
Application Requirements
Normal duty (110% overload for 1 min) for most common applications with light starting.
%
Starting torque as % of full load torque
%
Maximum load as % of rated load
°C
Maximum ambient temperature where VFD will be installed
m
Altitude above sea level (m)
Special Requirements

VFD Sizing Results

VFD Rating Requirements
Recommended VFD Rating: -
Current Rating: -
Duty Rating: -
Derating Factors
Temperature Derating: -
Altitude Derating: -
Application Derating: -
Overall Derating Factor: -
Additional Requirements

Common VFD Ratings

Power Rating Common VFD Ratings Common Overload Capacity
1-10 HP / 0.75-7.5 kW 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 10 HP 150% - 1 min
10-50 HP / 7.5-37 kW 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 HP 150% - 1 min
50-200 HP / 37-150 kW 50, 60, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200 HP 150% - 1 min or 110% - 1 min
200+ HP / 150+ kW 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500 HP 110% - 1 min

VFD Selection Guidelines

  • Select VFD rating greater than or equal to motor power rating
  • Consider a one-size larger VFD for high starting torque applications
  • Industrial applications often require heavy-duty rated VFDs
  • Consider harmonic mitigation for sensitive environments
  • Long motor leads (>50m) may require output filters
  • Dynamic braking is needed for rapid deceleration or regenerative loads

Generate a comprehensive report with all calculated parameters for documentation purposes

About Variable Frequency Drives

What is a VFD?

A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is an electronic device that controls AC motor speed by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor. By adjusting the frequency, a VFD can control the motor's speed, which provides significant advantages in applications where speed control, energy efficiency, and process optimization are important.

Key Benefits

  • Energy Savings: Reducing motor speed by just 20% can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%
  • Improved Process Control: Precise speed control for optimal process performance
  • Reduced Mechanical Stress: Soft start/stop capabilities reduce wear on mechanical components
  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Less mechanical stress means fewer repairs
  • Extended Equipment Life: Controlled acceleration and deceleration protect motor and driven equipment

Common VFD Applications

  • Pumps: Match flow to actual demand, eliminate throttling losses
  • Fans: Optimize airflow, replace damper control
  • Compressors: Adjust capacity to match load requirements
  • Conveyors: Soft start/stop and precise speed control
  • HVAC Systems: Energy-efficient air handling and water circulation
  • Process Control: Maintain precise control of production processes
  • Machine Tools: Speed control for optimal cutting conditions

Important Parameters

  • V/Hz Ratio: Maintains proper motor magnetization
  • Acceleration/Deceleration Time: Affects motor stress and process performance
  • Minimum/Maximum Frequency: Operating limits for the motor
  • Carrier Frequency: Affects motor noise and heating
  • Starting Torque: Determines ability to start under load

Related Tools