Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are essential for modern HVAC systems, but they produce harmful motor shaft voltage, leading to electrical bearing damage. Protecting your motors from this hidden threat safeguards your equipment and enables uninterrupted operation.
Understanding VFDs in HVAC Systems
VFDs adjust the speed of motors that drive fans, pumps, and compressors. By running motors only as fast as needed, VFD HVAC systems can achieve significant energy savings—often between 20% and 30%.
A VFD in HVAC delivers multiple benefits but also comes with unique challenges. For instance, VFDs induce harmful shaft voltage, leading to electrical bearing damage in the motors they control.
The Threat of Shaft Voltage
Shaft voltage poses a significant risk to HVAC motors. When a motor is controlled by a drive, a voltage builds up between the rotor and stator. If left unchecked, this so-called shaft voltage discharges through the motor bearings, causing electrical discharge machining (EDM). This discharge results in pitting, frosting, and fluting, and eventually, complete bearing failure.
Electrical bearing damage compromises the reliability of HVAC systems, and premature bearing failure causes expensive downtime and incurs additional costs for motor replacement (small motors) or repair (larger motors). Addressing shaft voltage is essential for preserving the health and functionality of your motors.
The Role of AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings
AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings protect HVAC motors from damaging shaft voltage discharge. These rings offer a reliable path for electrical currents to bypass the motor bearings, safeguarding them from EDM.
AEGIS® Rings are mounted around the motor shaft, with their conductive microfibers creating a continuous, 360-degree contact. This design safely diverts harmful current from the shaft, preventing bearing damage. By incorporating these grounding rings, you can mitigate the risks associated with VFD use, helping ensure your HVAC systems' long-term success and efficiency.
Benefits of AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings
AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings offer numerous benefits that make them indispensable for preserving HVAC systems:
- 360-Degree Coverage: The unique design creates a continuous, 360-degree circumferential contact, offering unmatched grounding performance.
- Durability: Engineered with conductive microfibers that flex without breaking, these rings are lab-tested to last over 200,000 hours of continuous operation.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of motors, including those used in HVAC systems, ensuring broad applicability and ease of integration.
- Cost Savings: Preventing bearing damage reduces maintenance costs and eliminates the need for frequent motor replacements, offering long-term financial benefits.
Incorporating AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings into your HVAC motors protects against the harmful effects of shaft voltage, and maintains systems’ overall efficiency and reliability.
Secure Your HVAC System's Future
Protecting HVAC systems from electrical bearing damage is crucial for their long-term success. AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings are a reliable solution, preventing shaft voltage from wreaking havoc on your motors. By investing in these rings, you secure the efficiency and durability of your HVAC system and lock in the energy savings that VFDs offer.
Ready to safeguard your equipment? Find a local distributor or trained installer to get started, or contact us today to learn more about how AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings can benefit your operations.
AEGIS rings also come with a 2-year extended warranty against bearing fluting damage. No other form of shaft grounding comes with a warranty like this.
To learn more about AEGIS shaft grounding and best practices for electrical bearing protection, sign up for a training. We offer monthly live training webinars, and we can also visit your facility to review your exact application.
