Dear Bruce,
It's obvious the current (power) will increase when you arrest the bleeding in a positive displacement blower. Instead you should reduce the flow by reducing the speed.
Apart from VFD you may reduce the speed of blower by changing the Drive pulleys . It is cost effective one.
Dear afzumannu (Electrical)
Based on your input,
Considering the the Motor Rated current 28 A, Rated Voltage 3300V, 160KW, CT 40/1
You may set the following
I > 1.2x 28/40
0.84
Pick up time for
I> 10Sec
I >> 6x 28/40
4.2
Pick up time for
I>> 0.05 sec
Disable I>>> your back...