The ability to operate high-velocity fans from a mobile generator source without the need for an input line reactor is helping a US manufacturer improve the performance of its portable devices for drying golf courses.

The company is installing Invertek Drives Optidrive E3 IP66 / NEMA 4X outdoor-rated variable frequency drives (VFDs) on its portable generator fans which are used on golf greens throughout the United States.

The fans are positioned on a mobile platform capable of being towed to any part of a golf course where they provide high-velocity air movement with a 200ft throw over a green. A generator powers the fan.

The company had previously used a VFD where the manufacturer of the drive stipulated input line reactors to protect the drive from power surges and to reduce harmonics. The Optidrive E3 negates the need for this through its innovative design.

Robust IP66 / NEMA 4X outdoor-rated drive

“The portable fans are often operating for hours at a time in high temperatures. This is to ensure greens are maintained and playable by blowing substantial amounts of air onto them to reduce the effects of heat and rainfall, meaning reliability is critical,” said Wayne Morris, Vice-President of Invertek Drives USA.

“The Optidrive E3 IP66 / Nema 4X is a robust, outdoor-rated drive which is perfect for the application.”

In addition to not requiring an input line regulator, the E3 used for this application has a dedicated 1ph input drive rated at 5HP, whereas the competitor had used a 10HP drive which had to be de-rated by 50 per cent to allow operation on the generator’s 1ph supply.

The Optidrive E3 comes in four sizes with IP20 and IP66 / NEMA 4X enclosures. It is capable of three modes at the touch of a button - industrial, pump and fan.

Easy to set up and commission

This makes it easy to set up and commission for a range of applications and industries and, in conjunction with the Optistick Smart, multiple drives can be commissioned replicating the required parameters within minutes.

E3 IP66 / NEMA 4X is ideal for applications where space is limited, such as on the fan platform.

Not having to install the input line reactors into the platform has also reduced component costs.

For media information, contact:

Owain Betts, Media and Communications

t: +44 (0)1938 558 253

m: +44 (0)7787 437 052

e: Owain.Betts@invertek.co.uk