Item No. 6c_supp
Meeting Date: September 25, 2018

Variable Frequency Drive Renewal
and Replacement Project
C800801
WP U0332

1

What is a Variable Frequency Drive
(VFD) & what does it do

• A VFD is a type of motor controller that drives an
electric motor by varying the frequency and
voltage of its power supply. The primary purpose of
a VFD is precise SPEED CONTROL so that motor
speeds can be ramped up and ramped down thus
using less energy by running the electric motor
efficiently
VFD Definition
2

What does a VFD look like

In this picture a Variable Frequency Drive powering a Main Terminal Air Handling Unit fan running at 350 Horsepower

3

Where are these old VFDs

VFDs are in multiple locations
4

The problem
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
recommends a VFD life span of 10-12 years.
• 131 VFDs have outlived their useful live and
are considered obsolete by ASHRAE
standards.
This project was deferred in 2016
5

Scope of work solution
• Replace the 47 oldest Variable Frequency
Drives with this project in order to avoid
failures.
• Salvage components from these 47 VFDs
and add those components to the Port's
spare parts inventory.
Extends the useful life of the 87 remaining obsolete VFDs
6

Project schedule
• Request Commission Authorization for
Construction 3rd QTR 2018
• Construction Starts 1st QTR 2019
• In-Use Date 3rd QTR 2019 (1st group of VFDs)
- Due to complexity the construction duration is
18 months
Construction durations
7

Project Budget
• Design:
$1,175,000
• Construction: $2,820,000
• Total Project: $3,995,000

This request is for construction authorization and budget
8