New industrial drive module

DESIGNED for industrial machinery with a power range from 1.1kW to 400kW, and a voltage range from 380V to 480V, the new ABB drive module offers a number of key features, including an on-board energy-saving calculator, a removable memory unit and Direct Torque Control (DTC).

The energy-saving calculator – which includes an automatic optimizer that provides optimum drive efficiency – indicates the amount of energy consumed and how much energy can be saved in both kW/h and financial terms. Further energy savings can be made on the drive’s internal fan, which has an automatic on/off control that switches the cooling fan off when the drive is not active.

The removable memory unit has been designed to enhance the flexibility of the drive and offer easy maintenance. It stores the complete firmware, including all user settings and motor data, so that, if the power/control unit is replaced, the drive can be re-commissioned (without any drive knowledge) by simply plugging the memory unit into the new drive.

The performance and functionality of the drive module are managed by the DTC platform, delivering benefits including improved performance close to zero speed without an encoder, a low motor noise mode, higher output frequency and improved motor identification at standstill. This, according to ABB, provides better process control for asynchronous and permanent magnet motors, yielding greater productivity and a high overall efficiency.

The drive module also includes an intelligent user-interface with a series of ‘assistant wizards’ that guide the user without referring to the manual. Many of the commonly used fieldbuses are supported by the drive and, thanks to its integrated safety functions, the unit meets a number of health and safety standards.

ABB Ltd, Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4BT; tel: (01925) 741111; fax: (01925) 741212.