USE OF VFDS ON ASPHALT PLANT INDUCED DRAFT FANS

摘要

Studies of 10 asphalt plants in the IntermountainrnRegion have identified average ID fan energy savingsrnof 68% by controlling airflow using VariablernFrequency Drives (VFDs) on the fan motors in placernof damper control (inlet or outlet). Average paybacksrnwere 3 -5 years before utility incentives.rnIn the 10 plants evaluated, the ID fans accountedrnfor as much as 30% of the total plant electricalrnconsumption. In the majority of these plants thernoutlet dampers were typically 50%-60% closed. Fanrnmotors ranged from 200 Hp to 500 Hp.rnWith approximately 3,600 existing asphalt plantsrnin operation across the United States, a largernopportunity for retrofits exists. Working withrnmanufacturers and owners, a new standard can bernestablished for installing VFDs on all plants.