Energy-efficient pump and fan drive

ABB has released a low-voltage AC drive that has been specifically targeted at pump and fan applications. The addition to the ABB standard drive family ranges from 0.37 to 22 kW.

The drive has been designed to be fast to install and commission for pump and fan applications. It has 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 feature modulates the speed of the main pump or fan and brings any auxiliary pumps or fans online 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, which further reduces unwanted pressure peaks in pumps and pipelines.

Among the standard energy-efficiency features is the energy optimiser 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.

The drive has pre-programmed application macros for common tasks. The user is helped by an intuitive user interface with several assistant screens including a 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.

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 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 a UL Type 1 (NEMA 1) kit available as an option.