To answer these questions we must first learn how traditional medical air and vacuum systems operate. In the past, the only option for meeting a facility's demand was to create a minimum and maximum set point. When the level dropped to the minimum set point, the system started up at 60HZ and ran until it reached the maximum set point. Once it reached the maximum set point, the system either shut down or unloaded and ran for a preset minimum run time.

 

This method, still in use today is not efficient and creates excessive wear on system components from what I call a hard start. To put it in other terms, think of driving your car. Imagine driving your car but instead of slowly accelerating you could only engage the car full throttle (pedal to the metal). When you wanted to slow down you had to completely disengage the throttle. This is very similar to how these systems operate. Think of how much wear your car would get and how much fuel you would use.

 

Variable Speed Drive Systems operate between 25HZ and 60HZ. Instead of starting up at the full 60HZ like a conventional unit would, the VSD starts off at 25HZ and ramps up to meet the demand. Once the demand is met, the system runs continuously at the required motor speed to maintain the demand. This method eliminates unnecessary wear on the units and creates a virtually perfectly efficient system. The system creates just enough to meet the demand, like driving your car. When you drive your car, you slowly accelerate and decelerate depending on the road conditions and the speed limit. If you accelerate too hard and drive too fast, you use more fuel and create excessive wear to the car. Variable Speed is the wave of the future and in my opinion is worth every penny. There are proven energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

 By: