Variable-speed drives control up to three motor

Paul Boughton

Vacon is launching new compact variable-speed drives that offer users the opportunity to save money and space by controlling up to three motors with a single drive. This is achieved by using the company's innovative PFC (pump and fan control) technology, which is now a standard feature of all drives in the Vacon 10 range.
 
With PFC enabled, the drive uses its internal PI regulator to control the speed of the first of the three motors to match the demand for pressure, temperature or flow. When the first motor is running at full speed, the drive issues a command for the second motor to start. Similarly, when demand exceeds capacity with two motors running, the drive starts the third.
 
According to user requirements, the operation of the PFC system can be configured so that the same motor is always the lead, or so that the duties rotate around the motors to help ensure that they receive the same amount of use.
 
Vacon 10 drives are said to be easy and convenient to specify and use, having been specifically developed to eliminate unnecessary complexity while retaining all of the features needed for standard applications. Available with power ratings from 0.25 to 2.2kW for use with single-phase supplies, and 0.37 to 5.5kW for use with three-phase supplies, these compact drives have been designed to make good use of space within the control panel. They range in size from just 66 x 157 x 98mm to 100 x 262 x 109mm depending on rating, and are equally suitable for screw fixing or for mounting on DIN rail.
 
All drives in the range offer PI control as standard and all but the smallest units incorporate an integrated brake chopper. As an option, all versions can be supplied with internally mounted EMC filters that comply with the Category C2 requirements of EN 61800-3.
 
To enhance their versatility still further, Vacon 10 drives feature fully programmable I/O, comprising three digital inputs, one analogue input and one relay output for standard models. Versions are also available with six digital inputs, two analogue inputs, one digital output and two relay outputs. An RS485/Modbus interface is a standard feature on all models.
 
For more information, visit www.vacon.com

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