The Frequency converter is ...
Published by Marco Rognoni, Owner at WET, Water Edge Technologies
The Frequency converter is typically an alternative to traditional valves for the regulation of the flow rate. The correct query is about the convenience of using either FC or FCV.
The reduction of flow rate by FCV means the waste of the energy caused by the valves, and therefore FC is typically considered convenient. However FC dissipates some energy continuously (between 3% and 5%) and therefore it may not be convenient in those cases when the pump is designed to work stably at the maximum flow rate (FCV fully open)
The cost of FC is very much affected by the flow rate of the pump, in the way that FC is less expensive for small diameters but much more costly than FCV in the case of high motor rated power.
Hence the evaluation of the conveniency has to be according to the planned way of use and pump capacity.