VFD Speed Analysis (Return Fan)

Objective/Method/Outcome

Objective: Analyzes the speed of the return fan and sorts it into 1 of 5 bins based on speed and determines if the speed exceeds 85% for over acceptable time.

Method: Finds the percent the recorded VFD speed is to the maximum and sorts it into bins and creates CTLs. Further, finds the potential savings if the VFD speed is over 85% for more than the acceptable amount of time.

Outcome: Calculates the Calculated Trend Logs for each bin and the potential savings if the VFD speed is over the threshold for more than acceptable time.

Description

Sort VFD Speed signal into one of the five different bins (less than 20% (VFD off), 20-50%, 50-70%, 70-85%, and greater than 85%). Generates an insight if the VFD operates consistently above 85%.

This rule is part of the CopperTree Standard rule-set.

Diagnosis

  1. Review if speed control is manually overridden
  2. Review pump speed control sequence

Message

Return Fan VFD is operating above 85% for more than 60% of the daily operation time.

Rule Template

Insight Type: Integrity KPI

Trigger Type: Active High

Default Priority

Medium 

Logic

Logic used to classify the VFD speed

Inputs

Input Unit Tags Description
VFD Speed Return Air Fan VFD Speed The recorded VFD speed
Threshold – Allowable Operation Time Above 85% Speed % The minimum amount of time above 85% that is required to trigger insight
Cost per Hour $ The Energy consumption cost per hour
Days of operation annually The days VFD is active per year

Notes

VFD are generally sized to operate between 50% and 70%.

Threshold – % of Allowable Operation Time Above 85% Speed – 60%