The Effect of Variable Frequency Drive Use on Power Consumption in a Pump Feed Reactor at PT. Unilever Oleochemical Indonesia
Keywords:
Reactor Feed Pump, Variable Frequency Drive, Electrical Power ConsumptionAbstract
Electric motors are a crucial component of energy consumption in industrial systems, so their control must be designed to meet load requirements. This study examines the behavior of a three-phase induction motor when supplied through an inverter with varying set points ranging from 10% to 100%. The inverter output voltage, current, and frequency were measured and then used to calculate the motor's active power based on the three-phase power equation with a power factor of 0.89. Data processing results show that the motor's power requirement changes significantly, from approximately 4.43 kW at the low set point to 185.72 kW when the inverter is operating at maximum capacity. The power increase is not proportional to the set point, but rather shows a steeper increase in the range above 60%. This phenomenon aligns with the characteristics of induction motors, which demand greater power when operating at high speeds and torque. These findings demonstrate that the inverter not only acts as a speed regulator but also influences the amount of power the electrical system must supply. By understanding this relationship, system planners can more accurately determine distribution network capacity, protection, and energy efficiency strategies.
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