Drive module incorporates safe-torque-off feature

ABB's ACS850 drive module features onboard safe torque off, a removable memory block, a user interface with assistant wizards, a built-in energy-saving calculator and modular hardware and software.

It also includes an advanced adaptation of the company's Direct Torque Control (DTC) high-performance motor-control platform.

The ABB industrial drive modules are designed for industrial machinery and applications such as extruders, cranes, mixers, web handling and converting in the power range 1.5hp to 600hp at 480VAC.

Thomas Junger, product manager for the ACS850, said: 'The drive is targeted specifically at OEMs [original equipment manufacturers], panel builders and system integrators.

'The 10hp drive is only 4in [10cm] wide,' he added.

Safety as standard is provided by an integrated safe-torque-off feature, which removes the torque from the motor shaft.

This feature conforms with the requirements of SIL 3/IEC 61508, Cat 4/EN 954-1 and EN ISO 13849-1:PL e.

There also are solutions available for Safe Stop 1 (SS1), Safe Limited Speed (SLS), Safe Brake Control (SBC), Safe Speed Monitor (SSM) and Safe Direction (SDI).

A removable memory block increases the flexibility of the drive and facilitates maintenance, according to the company.

The memory block stores the complete firmware, plus all user settings and motor data.

If the drive is replaced, it can be re-commissioned without any special knowledge via plugging the memory block into the new drive.

The memory block 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.

The user interface with advanced assistants decreases the need to refer to manuals, while saving time in commissioning.

Macros, predefined parameter settings for specific applications, provide for a faster start-up.

The settings can be modified, if required, to customise to a particular application.

The start-up assistant guides the user through the required parameters during the drive start-up process, allowing for trouble-free and fast commissioning.

Several other features, such as short/long parameter menus, input/output (I/O) mapping and a list of the latest parameter changes, are intended to simplify the use of the drive.

The ACS850 is engineered to work with the latest generation of ABB high-speed serial interface modules.

Supported protocols include Devicenet, Modbus RTU, Profibus and CANopen.

Before the end of 2009, the ACS850 also will support Ethernet/IP and Modbus-TCP.

The ACS850 features an automatic energy optimiser that provides for optimum drive efficiency.

An onboard energy-saving calculator monitors energy usage and indicates the amount of energy saved in kilowatt hours, dollars and tons of CO2.

This tool also illustrates the duration curve, showing the load profile of the drive.

The drive's internal fan features an automatic on/off control, which provides additional energy savings by switching the cooling fan off when the drive is not active.

The same on/off feature can control another fan - to cool the cabinet, for example - saving more energy and reducing control room noise.

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 advanced warning of the maintenance needs of the drive, motor or related components; and the diagnostics assistant helps in locating the cause of a disturbance such as overload or overcurrent and in restoring the process operation.

Enhanced features include: improved performance close to zero speed without an encoder; a low motor noise mode; a higher output frequency at 500Hz; and improved motor identification at standstill.

This provides process control for induction and permanent magnet motors, yielding higher productivity and a high overall efficiency, according to the company.

These compact drive modules, with protection class IP20 (G frame IP00), are optimised for installation into cabinets.

The smallest module width is 3.7in.

The modules can be installed side by side, which saves space as more drives can be placed in the same cabinet.

The power cable terminals are located optimally for cabinet assembly, with line connection on the top and motor connection on the bottom up to 60hp.

Removable I/O terminals facilitate cabling and save on installation time.

The modularity of the product and a range of options, such as serial adapters, I/O extensions and various encoder interfaces, increases the level of drive customisation.

The large number of standard I/O 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.

The ACS850 uses the latest version of ABB's Drivestudio PC tool.

Drivestudio 1.5 features new setup wizards that speed up parameter configuration during commissioning and help ensure that all the parameters related to the configuration are addressed, saving time and improving quality.

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