Dometic Marine, the world's leading supplier of marine air conditioning, launches its new Bypassable Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to the European market at METS. As the first Bypassable VFD available to the marine market, the innovative device represents a clear breakthrough in marine VFD technology and is set to offer extensive benefits to builders and owners including the elimination of electrical and navigation system interference.
Used to smoothly and gently start an air conditioning system's compressor, VFDs eliminate large current surges that would otherwise interrupt the yacht's AC power supply. Although providing a significant benefit, standard VFDs also cause harmonic distortion and radio frequency interference (RFI) with electrical and navigation systems and require the installation of line filters and conditioners to eliminate the disturbance.
Matteo Giovanetti, Director of Technology, Dometic Marine explains: "For years yacht builders, owners and engineers have tolerated the unwanted side effects of VFDs that are used to gently start and stop a chiller's compressor. Dometic's Bypassable VFD not only eliminates start-up surge, but after the start-up is completed it seamlessly disconnects itself, eliminating all harmonic distortion and RFI so installation of line filters and conditioners are not required, saving significant time, space and money."
Easily installed within the yacht's engine room, Dometic's Bypassable VFD is electrically connected between the power supply and the air conditioning system's compressor. Once in operation the innovative device smoothly and gradually increases the compressor's motor current without any start-up surge.
Unlike standard marine VFDs, once at speed Dometic's Bypassable VFD is precisely synchronised with the current and then seamlessly bypassed so it is no longer part of the electrical circuit, which eliminates noise and radio frequency interference (RFI). Just before the compressor is turned off, the sophisticated Bypassable VFD is brought back into the circuit to gradually ramp down frequency and voltage and bring the compressor to a smooth stop.
Controlling up to four compressors, Dometic's Bypassable VFD is especially cost¬effective for chillers with two to four stages. Standard VFD technology requires one VFD per compressor. The innovative device also protects the compressor by monitoring input voltage and output current and will initiate system shut down if a problem is detected. Its unique digital display allows users to monitor operation and faults.
To find out more about Dometic's Bypassable Variable Frequency Drive, please visit Dometic at stands 01.615,01.715 and 10.417 during METS, 15th - 17th November 2011. Alternatively, please visit www.dometic.com or watch the product video at www.dometic.com/videos.