Industrial drives

ABB has launched the ACS850 drive module which 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.

The 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.

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.

In most cases, the intelligent user interface with advanced assistants makes the need to refer to manuals unnecessary, while saving time in commissioning.

The maintenance and diagnostics assistants help keep the process up and running and, in cases of disturbance, minimise the downtime.

Safety as standard is provided by an integrated safe torque off feature, which removes the torque from the motor shaft. This safety feature conforms with the requirements of SIL3 /IEC 61508, Cat 4/EN954-1, EN ISO 13849-1:PL e. Other available safety solutions include Safe Stop 1, Safe Limited Speed, Safe Brake Control, Safe Speed Monitor and Safe Direction.

The performance and functionality of the drive module is based on the 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 standstill. This provides process control for asynchronous and permanent magnet motors, yielding higher productivity and a high overall efficiency.

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.