MOTORS AND DRIVES 63
New drive modules offer easy integration and more flexibility
Petri Torniainen reviews a recently launched series of LV AC industrial single drive modules. These user-friendly drive modules feature DTC technology, support customisation and easy integration into panels or cabinets, and include advanced energy saving and safety features.
D
rive modules are sourced by OEMs, system integrators and panel builders. In some cases they are also acquired directly by end customers – particularly in the process
industries – for integrating them into their own solutions. They are typically used in extruders, winders, mixers, pumps and fans, and cranes but their flexibility of use makes them suitable for many other types of motors. Performance, reliability and cost efficiency are crucial
factors for all drives, and purchasers of drive modules additionally look for benefits such as easy integration into their own cabinets or machinery, good scope for customisation, and readily available technical support. ABB’s response to these needs is a new generation of drive modules in its flagship industrial drives product family. The new drive modules are rated from 1.1 to 500kW at 380 to 500V.
OEMs and system integrators
A major focus of the design effort was to ensure that the new drive modules can easily be installed into cabinets and panels. The shape, accessories, mounting
methodology, keypad mounting, thermal management and cost were all optimised for this purpose. The compact, IP20-protected modules can be installed side-by-side, allowing more drives to be accommodated in the same space. Removable I/O terminals make cabling easier, the power cable terminals are ideally located for cabinet mounting, and a new control panel holder has been introduced, which can be mounted either on the control unit cover or cabinet door. Full documentation – with helpful installation guides – is supplied with the drive modules, and customers also have access to extensive ABB technical back-up. Versatility is a key benefit for system integrators, who
tailor drives to match their own customers’ requirements. The new drive modules meet this need with enhanced hardware flexibility. Their modular structure – with the most commonly used features in-built and a wide range of options available – provides plenty of scope for customisation. Interface options, for example, include Profibus, Ethernet and a number of different encoder interfaces. A large number of standard I/Os is included, which should accommodate most applications, with slots for additional I/Os if extra capacity is needed. Also provided as standard is a drive-to-drive link, which allows several drives to be synchronized together in a master/follower configuration. The drive modules’ software features an in-built PLC
with IEC 61131-3 compliant function block programming for extra flexibility: standard parameter settings cover most common applications, but function block programming can be used for custom configurations. A number of PC-based tools are also available for easy drive selection, commissioning and customisation.
Ease of use
The new ACS850-04 drive modules are extremely easy to use thanks to their intelligent user interface. Macros can be used to optimize parameter settings with just a couple of clicks. In addition to the macros, three assistants are available to guide the user through all aspects of set up and use. The startup assistant helps with parameter setting and startup, enabling step-by-step adjustment of parameters; the maintenance assistant gives advance warnings when routine maintenance tasks – such as bearing lubrication or air filter changes – are due; and the diagnostics assistant suggests possible causes and remedies if a trip occurs. This saves time and helps to maintain high availability. Other advanced, user-friendly features include
Fig. 1. ABB’s new drive modules are rated from 1.1 to 500kW at 380 to 500V.
the short menu display, list of changed parameters and I/O mapping. The short menu option allows less
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