Replacing vfd drive - non name brand?

[Ramdough]

Is there a compelling reason to buy a pool vfd vs an after market vfd? Pentair wants around $1000 for a vfd. That is almost the cost of a whole pump. Sounds like gouging to me. After market, you can get vfd’s all day long for a couple hundred . I get the programmed in features would not work and the proprietary communications would not work, but I run almost at the same speed all of the time.

Thoughts?

 

[ajw22]

What non-Pentair VFD do you want to put on what model number Pentair VS pump?

 

[Ramdough]

The pump is an Intelliflow XF VSF

Maybe this for outside:

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/drives_-a-_soft_starters/ac_variable_frequency_drives_(vfd)/washdown_(nema_4x)_vfds/gs21x-23p0?_gl=1*k2b7y9*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwlbu2BhA3EiwA3yXyuwKf_Y1CHZMF5maG0XYqr4KTB4wDdo8VPHkCkaiAXLcITUKi2xhgphoC1RQQAvD_BwE

Or if I mounted it inside I could go cheaper:

Amazon.com

The last would be more of a disposable unit. I would use the old vfd housing as a junction box to connect the the motor connector using blade crimps.

Thoughts?

 

[ajw22]

Interesting science project.

Make sure everything is waterproof and GFCI protected.

Let us know how it works.

 

[mas985]

Have you put much thought into what type of VFD cable you will be using? Using the wrong type of cable could fry both the motor and the VFD not to mention interfere with other equipment. VFDs generate very high frequencies (PWM) that can cause standing waves and radiate if not shielded properly. Plus, the longer the cable, the worse these effects will be. Ideally, it should be an impedance matched cable.

3 Reasons Why the Right VFD Cable is Important | Wesco

VFDs are critical in today’s environment to ensure an efficient manufacturing process. They are used to control the frequency and voltage of an AC motor and yield additional performance and energy savings. Many operations professionals depend on them to regulate nearly every motor in a facility.

www.wesco.com

What Is VFD Cable & Why Does It Matter?

When working with a variable frequency drive (VFD) system, you need VFD cable that can handle the harsh electrical environment for which standard cable is not designed. Learn more.

www.tpcwire.com

A Guide to Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Cable | Metro Wire & Cable

Metro Wire & Cable is a leading distributer of VFD cables. Read more about common applications and construction to help you identify your needs!

www.metrowire.net

Also, the Intelliflo XF has a 3.95 THP and maximum power draw of 3200 watts so the first drive looks to be too small.

IntelliFloXF® Variable Speed Pool and Spa Pump

The Pentair IntelliFloXF Variable Speed Pool & Spa Inground Pool Pump is an ENERGY Star certified pool pump offering savings for large pools. Learn more.

www.pentair.com

A good quality, well designed VFD system with a properly shielded cable may not end up saving you all that much money and could very well cause a lot of heartache.

Just throwing out another idea.

I know you have a spa with jets so the following may not work well depending on the current required RPM for the jets.

Century makes a motor with a drive that is compatible with many controller systems. The issue here is that they have a limit in size so you would probably need to down size the impeller to make it work. Or, you could simply cap the maximum RPM in the controller so it never runs at full speed where the max load occurs.

https://www.regalrexnord.com/brands/century/products/pool-and-spa/vgreen-evo-variable-speed-motor