What Intellicon Provides
VFD Supply & Sizing
Selection and supply of VFDs sized to the motor nameplate and duty application. AHU fans, CHWPs, CDWP, and cooling tower fans. IP rating and enclosure type confirmed with client.
VFD Commissioning
Parameter setting, motor tuning, ramp rates, and minimum/maximum frequency limits configured to the sequence of operations. Witnessed functional test with facilities team.
BMS Integration
BACnet/IP or Modbus TCP integration to the BMS: start/stop, speed reference, run feedback, fault alarm, motor current and energy monitoring. Point list reviewed with BMS engineer.
Energy Monitoring
Motor kWh monitoring via VFD internal meter or separate power transducer. Trend data integrated to BMS or energy dashboard for reporting.
Fault Alarm & Diagnostics
VFD fault codes annunciated on BMS with alarm priority and description. Enables rapid fault response by facilities team without manual inspection of the drive panel.
Documentation & Training
As-built drawings, parameter backup, commissioning report, and O&M manual. Operator training on drive navigation and fault reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VFD and why is it used in HVAC?
A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is an electronic controller that adjusts the speed of an AC motor by varying the frequency and voltage of the power supply. In HVAC, VFDs are used on AHU fans, chilled water pumps, condenser water pumps, and cooling tower fans to modulate flow and airflow in response to real-time building demand rather than running at fixed full speed. The result is motor speed matched to actual load, which can reduce part-load power draw significantly.
What energy reduction can I expect from VFDs?
Motor speed reduction follows the affinity laws — power varies with the cube of speed, so running a fan at 80% speed theoretically reduces power to approximately 51% of full-load. In practice, actual outcomes depend on existing motor and drive condition, duty cycle, control strategy design, system hydraulics, mechanical losses, installation quality, and commissioning. Intellicon does not quote fixed savings percentages without a site survey and load profile review.
Do you supply VFDs or only integrate them?
Intellicon can both supply and integrate VFDs depending on project scope. Brand and model selection is based on the motor rating, enclosure type, application type (AHU, pump, cooling tower), and compatibility with the existing BMS protocol. Supply-only and integration-only scopes are both available.
How are VFDs integrated with the BMS?
VFDs are integrated with the BMS over BACnet or Modbus protocol. Integration provides: remote start/stop, speed reference output, run/fault status feedback, motor current and power monitoring, and alarm annunciation on the BMS graphics. Protocol compatibility is confirmed during site survey.
Is a VFD suitable for every motor in my building?
Not every motor benefits equally from variable speed control — constant-flow applications (e.g. some process pumps) may see limited benefit. VFD suitability depends on the load profile, existing control arrangement, motor insulation rating, and cable lengths. Intellicon conducts an application review before recommending VFD installation.
Request a VFD Application Review
Share your motor schedule or mechanical drawings and Intellicon will assess VFD suitability and provide a scope estimate.