VFD Vibes
Podcast Description
This podcast covers everything from the latest VFD products and their applications to best practices for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. We will meet with Yaskawa experts to stay up to date on industry trends and learn how VFDs are shaping the future of motor control.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), their core concepts, applications, and the latest industry trends. Episodes include topics such as the basic operation of VFDs, historical significance, and critical components like the rectifier and inverter, along with hands-on tips for networking these systems and improving manufacturing processes.
VFD Vibes is the podcast for anyone curious about variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their impact on modern motor control. Hosted by Greg Weichman, a 20-year veteran in industrial automation, the series features expert interviews, real-world case studies, and practical tips on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
From powering pumping systems and conveyor belts to enabling advanced factory automation, each episode explores how VFDs enhance efficiency and innovation across industries. Stay up to date with the latest trends in energy efficiency, smart device connectivity, and intelligent manufacturing with insights from Yaskawa experts and other industry leaders.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of VFDs, VFD Vibes has something for you.
Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!
Small waves, big problems. Harmonics are often misunderstood, but ignoring them can lead to costly design flaws, equipment issues, and power quality headaches. Host Greg Weichman and guest Jordan Engel, Product Manager for Yaskawa’s Matrix Drives, demystify what harmonics are, how they form, and why they matter. Using vivid analogies and real-world stories, they explore how variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other modern electronics contribute to harmonic distortion—and what to do about it.
With decades of combined experience, Greg and Jordan walk through common mitigation strategies like line reactors, passive filters, active filters, and low harmonic drive technologies. They also cover how to spot harmonic issues before they start, the role of IEEE 519, and why even small system changes can trigger unexpected consequences.
Whether you’re troubleshooting an existing system or planning a new facility, this episode is your guide to avoiding harmonic headaches and keeping your power system running smooth.
01:02 Defining Power Systems and Harmonics
02:37 Analogies to Explain Harmonics
07:54 Impact of Non-Linear Loads
10:05 Harmonics vs. EMC Explained
12:36 IEEE 519 Guidelines
14:38 Real World Story
21:01 Mitigation Strategies for Harmonics
27:30 Low Harmonic Drives
32:03 Predicting and Measuring Harmonics
35:17 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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