Yes, a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is also called a frequency inverter, and both terms refer to the same type of device. A VFD is used to control the speed and torque of an AC motor by changing the frequency and voltage of the electrical power supplied to it. The term “inverter” comes from the internal component of the VFD that performs the key conversion — turning DC power back into variable-frequency AC power. This process allows the motor to run at different speeds, which helps save energy and improves performance.
A variable frequency drive has three main sections: the rectifier, DC link, and inverter. The rectifier converts incoming AC power into DC. The DC link filters and stabilizes the voltage, and the inverter converts that DC into AC with adjustable frequency and voltage. This gives precise control over motor speed, acceleration, and braking. In everyday use, terms like VFD, inverter, and AC drive are used interchangeably because they all perform the same function — controlling motor speed efficiently and smoothly in industrial and commercial systems.