2009-06-12 - Focus on pumps helps develop energy efficient features
ABB, the world leading power and automation technology group, announce the launch of a low voltage AC drive, specifically targeted at pump and fan applications. The new addition to the ABB standard drive family ranges from 0.37 to 22 kW.
ABB has designed a drive that is fast to install and commission for pump and fan applications with a powerful set of features which benefit pump and fan applications, along with advanced energy efficient functionality. Built-in PID controllers are used to vary the drive’s performance in response to changes in pressure, flow or other external data, modifying the performance according to the needs of the application. This can eliminate the need for an external PLC and helps to save energy.
A pump and fan control (PFC) feature modulates the speed of the main pump or fan and brings any auxiliary pumps or fans on line as necessary. The drive can even manage switching between pumps or fans to ensure that they are all used to the same extent over the long term. In addition, the drive includes soft pump and fan control (SPFC) which further reduces unwanted pressure peaks in pumps and pipelines.
Among the standard energy efficiency features is the energy optimizer that helps to make adjustments in areas such as noise and efficiency. The drive’s internal fan is controlled by software to reduce losses, further improving energy efficiency. Energy savings can be easily monitored using the built-in energy counter, which displays energy savings in kWh, or local currencies.
Simplicity and reliability
A short parameter menu view means that only the most used drive parameters are shown on the drive’s parameter view. Complete parameter view can be changed by setting one parameter. This saves time as the user can quickly see the most important parameters, thereby leading to fast drive commissioning.
The drive has pre-programmed application macros for common tasks. The user is helped by an intuitive user interface with several assistant screens including start-up assistant to guide the user through all essential settings; a maintenance assistant that helps to set criteria for preventative maintenance; and a diagnostic assistant that finds the root cause of a problem. A timer assistant offers help for setting timed functions while the PID assistant helps setting up sensor feedback. The drive has embedded Modbus RTU interface as standard (RS-485 / RS-232). Well-known Modbus protocol, integrated and compact design simplifies the commissioning of the drive.
The drive is based on a robust hardware and software platform. It is resistant to supply voltage drops and sags, improving the reliability of the application. Flying start enables picking up a spinning load without waiting for it to stop. Full output current is available at up to 50 °C ambient temperature. Installation and commissioning is further speeded up with the help of a User’s Short Manual which provides basic information on the mechanical and electrical installation; start-up and control with I/O; and actual values and parameters in the short parameter menu view.
Easy integration
The drive is designed for simple integration, combining compact size and low weight with unified height and depth, enabling economical use of the cabinet space. Units can be mounted side-by-side without any particular need for airflow. The drive can be configured before start-up, using ABB’s FlashDrop configuration tool. This feature is particularly useful for serial manufacturing, where time per unit is critical.
Automatic functions for pumping
The drive has all the commonly needed functions for pump installations, such as:
• PFC and soft pump and fan control functions for controlling pumps in parallel.
• Supervision of inlet / outlet pressure conditions.
• Soft start and stop (pipefill function) to reduce mechanical stress and water hammer effect.
• Detection of underload and overload.
• Pump cleaning sequence for prevention of pump jamming.
The motor control software features a tool to analyze the loading of the drive so that users can more accurately dimension the drive and motor for the specific application. This Load Analyzer Tool comprises an Amplitude Logger and a Peak Value Logger. The data of both loggers must be able to restore itself should there be a power failure and as such the data is stored within a Flash memory. In addition, the drive features software controlled phase inversion which provides a fast and easy way to change the phase order of motor rotation, thereby saving time as there is no need to change the output cable manually.
Compliant with standards
The drive is EMC compliant to second environment as standard. First environment compatibility is available as an option. AC output chokes enable use of long motor cables. AC input chokes reduce total harmonic distortion, making the drive compliant with EN61000-3-12.
The drive is available from 0.37 to 11 kW for 200 / 240 V, three-phase supply; and from 0.37 to 22 kW for 380/480 V, three-phase supply. The enclosure class is IP20, with UL Type 1 (NEMA 1) kit available as an option. The interface has five digital and two analog inputs, accompanied by one digital and one analog output. The drive features a relay extension module that offers an extra three relay outputs, providing improved I/O interfaces. The drive also has embedded Modbus RTU with RS-232 and RS-485 connections.