Decentralised drives reduce machine building costs
05Jul
The Lenze motec is supplied with free software to speed commissioning
For lower power drives, typically up to 7.5kW, machine designers can choose their inverter drives either panel or motor mounted. By mounting the drive on the motor Lenze has created a decentralised solution is achieved which can save time and costs.
A typical example is the company’s motec, which is available at rated powers 0.37 to 7.5kW either on its own or as a variable speed drive package with a geared motor. Although initial purchase costs are higher than panel-mounted inverters, when the total costs of installation are included there are often savings.
Decentralised drives reduce costs for the machine builder in other ways than simply reducing the size of the panel. Power cables can be unscreened which significantly reduces their cost, and where several motors are mounted locally, cable runs can be reduced by looping the power from one inverter to the next. The motec is supplied with free software to speed commissioning. In operation a large status LED is visible from a considerable distance and a port is available to plug in a diagnostic keypad.
Adaptability
The motec is able to adapt to individual machine requirements with IP65 enclosure, ambients up to 45°C without derating and has fieldbus options from low cost AS[MF1] to real time EtherCAT and PROFINET. Wall mounting is possible and plug connectors can be provided for faster fitting. Another option is safe torque off to category 4 and performance level e.
VFCeco is a selectable software option that suits applications where the drive sometimes runs at partial loadings. Here, energy savings up to 30% are possible. Variable speed drive packages can incorporate the MF motors based on 120 Hz technology. These not only run more efficiently than IE2 standards motors but are physically smaller by up to two frame sizes.
The decentralised drives are suited to large machines found in logistics and process plant, or cases where panel mounting is undesirable, such as pumps.
Figure 1: The Lenze motec is supplied with free software to speed commissioning.
Contact Details and Archive...
