The Benefits of Refurbishing Variable Frequency Drives

Refurbished drives save time, money and resources. 

by David Griffin

In today’s industrial landscape, variable frequency drives (VFDs) play a crucial role in controlling the speed and torque of electric motors, providing significant energy savings and operational efficiency. However, like any electrical component, VFDs are subject to wear and tear, malfunctions and occasional breakdowns. When faced with a faulty VFD, businesses often have to decide between refurbishing the existing drive or purchasing a new one. While the allure of a brand-new unit may seem tempting, there are several compelling reasons why refurbishing VFDs can be a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. In this article, we will explore the benefits of refurbishing VFDs compared to purchasing new ones.

Cost Savings

One of the primary advantages of refurbishing VFDs is the cost savings. New VFDs can be significantly more expensive than refurbish services, especially for high-capacity drives. By opting for refurbished VFDs, businesses can avoid the substantial upfront investment associated with purchasing a new drive. Refurbishing VFDs is often more affordable and can help extend the lifespan of existing equipment, maximizing return on investment (ROI) for the initial purchase.

While the allure of a brand-new unit may seem tempting, there are several compelling reasons why refurbishing VFDs can be a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Reduced Lead Times

Replacing a malfunctioning VFD with a new one typically involves ordering, delivery and installation, which can result in significant delays for critical operations. In contrast, refurbishing the existing drive allows for a quicker resolution, minimizes delays and associated financial losses and ensures it’s ready for use. Skilled technicians can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently using advanced diagnostics equipment, ensuring a prompt return to normal operations.

Over time, maintenance and engineering staff become familiar with the specific VFDs with which they work.

Familiarity With Equipment

Over time, maintenance and engineering staff become familiar with the specific VFDs with which they work. They develop expertise in troubleshooting and understanding the unique characteristics of the equipment, including parameters and set-up procedures. Opting for refurbishment allows businesses to leverage this familiarity and experience, reducing time to reinstall and, therefore, cost when returning the equipment back to operational efficiency.

Compatibility and Integration

Refurbishing a VFD ensures compatibility and integration with the existing system. Upgrading to a new drive may require additional modifications or adaptations to the control systems, electrical connections, feedback devices and programming. This can be time-consuming, expensive and disruptive to the overall workflow. By refurbishing the existing VFD, businesses can avoid compatibility issues and maintain the seamless integration of the drive within their operations.

Sustainable Solution

As sustainability and environmental consciousness continue to gain importance, refurbishing VFDs aligns with the principles of reducing waste and conserving resources. Refurbishing VFDs can be as much as 91% more sustainable according to recent research carried out by the University of Manchester in the U.K. Manufacturing new electronic components requires significant amounts of energy and raw materials and generates electronic waste at the end of its life. By refurbishing VFDs instead of discarding them, businesses contribute to a circular economy by extending the useful life of the equipment. This approach helps reduce electronic waste, conserve valuable resources and minimize the environmental impact.

Conclusion

While purchasing a new VFD may appear attractive, refurbishing existing drives offers compelling benefits for businesses. It provides cost savings, reduces time, leverages familiarity with the equipment, ensures compatibility and promotes sustainability. By choosing to refurbish VFDs, organizations can optimize their operational efficiency, maximize their ROI and contribute to a more sustainable future. When faced with a faulty VFD, it is worth considering the advantages of refurbish services as a viable and economically sensible solution.