2009-08-19 - On-board energy saving calculator indicates the amount of energy consumed and the amount saved in kW hours as well as the financial impact
ABB has announced the Australian launch of its new drive module. The new ACS850 drive features an in-built energy saving calculator, embedded Modbus and drive-to-drive link, intelligent user interface with a series of assistant wizards, integrated safety functions, modular hardware and software, and a removable memory unit.
Targeted specifically at OEMs, panel builders and system integrators, the ABB industrial drive modules are designed for industrial machinery and applications such as extruders, cranes, mixers, pumps and fans, in the power range 1.1 to 400 kW, with voltages from 380 to 480 V.
Energy saving calculator
An on-board energy saving calculator indicates the amount of energy consumed and the amount saved in kW hours as well as the financial impact. It also features a duration curve that shows the load profile of the drive. The drive has an automatic energy optimiser that provides for optimum drive efficiency. The drive’s internal fan features an automatic on/off control which provides even further energy savings by switching the cooling fan off when the drive is not active. The same on/off mechanism can control the additional fan used to cool the cabinet, saving more energy and reducing control room noise.
Intelligent user interface
In most cases, the intelligent user interface with advanced assistants makes the need to refer to manuals unnecessary, while saving time in commissioning.
• Macros, predefined parameter settings for specific applications, provide for faster start-up.
The settings can be changed later, if required.
• The start-up assistant guides the user through the required parameters during the drive startup process allowing a more precise parameter tuning.
• Short / long parameter menus, I/O mapping and a list of the latest parameter changes make the drive easy to use. The drive also includes an embedded Modbus1 serial link that can be also configured as a high speed drive-to-drive link for master / follower functionality. Other common fieldbuses are supported.
Maintenance and diagnostics assistants coming later
The maintenance and diagnostics assistants help keep the process up and running and, in cases of disturbance, minimise the downtime.
• The maintenance assistant gives an advance warning of maintenance needs of the drive, motor or related components.
• The diagnostics assistant helps in locating the cause of a disturbance such as overload or overcurrent and in restoring the process operation, and gives sensible rectification advice.
Integrated safety
Safety as standard is provided by an integrated Safe Torque Off (STO) feature, which removes the torque from the motor shaft. This safety feature conforms with the requirements of SIL 3 / IEC 61508, Cat 4/EN 954-1, EN ISO 13849-1:PL e. Other available safety solutions include Safe Stop 1 (SS1), Safe Limited Speed (SLS), Safe Brake Control (SBC), Safe Speed Monitor (SSM) and Safe Direction (SDI).
DTC - Direct Torque Control
The performance and functionality of the drive module is based on the ultimate in motor control technology as provided by the DTC with enhanced features. These enhancements include improved performance close to zero speed without an encoder, low motor noise mode, higher output frequency, and improved motor identification at stand still. This provides excellent process control for asynchronous and permanent magnet motors, yielding higher productivity and a high overall efficiency.
Compact and modular
These compact drive modules, with protection class IP20, are optimised for installation into cabinets. The smallest module width is only 90 mm. The modules can be installed side-by-side which saves space as more drives can be placed in the same cabinet, also allowing smaller cabinets.
Removable I/O terminals provide for easy cabling and help save time in installation. The power cable terminals are located optimally for cabinet assembly. The modularity of the product and a wide range of options such as fieldbus adapters, I/O extensions and various encoder interfaces increase the level of drive customisation. The large number of standard I/Os is sufficient for most applications but the modular hardware and software design provides OEMs, panel builders and system integrators with the ability to tailor a drive for a specific end-user application by only choosing the options and features required. In addition to the standard parameter settings, the drive can easily be customised with in-built logic functionality programming using IEC 61131-3 function blocks. This is supported by the user-friendly PC tools that can be connected to the drive.
Removable memory unit
A removable memory unit increases the flexibility of the drive and provides for easy maintenance. The unit stores the complete firmware, including all user settings and motor data. If the power unit or the control unit is replaced, the drive can be re-commissioned without any drive knowledge, by simply plugging the memory unit into the new drive. Moreover, the memory unit allows the application software and parameter configuration changes to be made at an OEM’s own assembly plant before being sent to the end-user site, just-in-time for commissioning the drive.