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SmartD: Clean Power VFD Finkl Steel Sorel Case Study

SmartD: Finkl Steel Sorel Case Study

February 18, 2025

SmartD Offers Clean Power VFD Case Study – Finkl Steel Sorel

Improving power quality, operational continuity, and stability under extreme conditions with the Clean Power VFD.

Objectives

The company aims to improve the lifespan of motors, especially those of critical operations. The environment is dusty and hot while keeping a 24/7 production schedule. For variable frequency drives (VFDs), unplanned power outages (such as failures from Hydro-Québec) often cause VFD failures in installed systems.

Challenges

  • Harmonic distortion generated by motors that are continuously operating at the lower end of their speed range.
  • Reliability of VFDs operating in a dusty and hot environment.
  • Maintaining 24/7 production.
  • Lack of experienced workforce.

Benefits

  • SmartD’s Clean Power VFD ensures continuous 24/7 operation without generating harmonics on the power grid and control distribution network.
  • Its sinusoidal wave outputs protect both motor bearings and the motor itself.
  • A VFD designed to support multiple voltages (480v and 600v).

Solutions

Replacement of an Existing Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

  • Improved Power Quality & Harmonic Reduction: The active front-end (AFE) minimizes harmonic distortion, ensuring smooth motor operation. The Clean Power VFD not only handles harmonics from motors in extreme conditions but also eliminates them, resulting in higher power quality.
  • 24/ 7 Continuous Operation: SmartD’s Clean Power VFD secures reliable performance for motors running non-stop. Its
    ability to operate in extreme conditions, coupled with smooth recovery after power outages, keeps the production on track around the clock.
  • Easy Installation & Integration: With simple installation and quick connectivity to existing control systems, the Clean
    Power VFD minimizes downtime. Its intuitive setup, accessible via mobile app, reduces the need for experienced technicians, streamlining deployment and operation.
  • Lower Costs & Simplified Maintenance: By eliminating the need for external filters, the Clean Power VFD reduces both
    upfront costs and ongoing maintenance. It provides an all-in-one solution that ensures efficiency without added complexity.

Feedback & Results

  • Easy replacement of current VFD with simple installation and minimal downtime.
  • Connect to existing control systems through easy input/output configuration using the mobile app.
  • Reduced harmonics and improved power quality with the active front-end (AFE) of the SmartD Clean Power VFD.
  • Enhanced motor reliability and lifespan with smooth start/stop functions and the Clean Power VFD’s sinewave output signals.
  • Lower operational and maintenance costs by using a single product instead of a VFD solution with external filters.
  • Excellent customer service in French, and easy to reach someone by phone.

“The mobile app made setup incredibly simple, it allowed us to quickly get the system running with minimal downtime. Even during power disturbances, the drive runs smoothly and keeps our operations steady— we intend to deploy more SmartD Clean Power VFDs in the near future.” Finkl Steel, 2024

Source

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