Sensorless vector drive delivers dynamic response

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 5, 2003

The TCF Series of sensorless vector drives provide OEMs with highly dynamic levels of transient performance, together with precise levels of motor control and up to 200% motor rated torque.

The new TCF Series of sensorless vector drives provide OEMs with highly dynamic levels of transient performance, together with precise levels of motor control (down to 1Hz) and up to 200% motor rated torque.

Although highly performing, the new drives have one of the smallest footprints on the market and offer one of the widest power ratings available (0.18-18.5kW) from a small drive.

As a result, they are ideal for OEM applications, or for retrofitting in a broad range of winding, lifting and processing applications.

Designed for easy integration into any control panel, the contactor-style TCF drives are compact, robust and easy-to-use units.

They reduce panel space and wiring and equipment costs when compared to closed loop drive systems, and offer the simplified setup and operation required by OEMs to optimise efficiency and reduce costs in their machine building activities.

A further benefit for OEMs is the facility of the TCF Series for worldwide use, the drives offering supply voltages of 208, 240, 400, 480 and 590V AC on both 50 and 60Hz supplies.

This flexibility in supply is complemented by a comprehensive list of standard features to aid the OEM and drive user with setup and integration.

These include: four modes of operation, finger safe terminals, four methods of programming, isolated digital and analogue I/O, a Modbus RTU serial interface, and a UL and cUL approved thermal overload protection device, which helps to safeguard motor reliability and extend operating life.

Easy and time saving startup with the TCF Series is guaranteed by the provision of four convenient programming options - including AC Tech's innovative EPM programmer - and via a built-in autotuning function that automatically determines key performance values based on the motor and installation variables.

Although designed primarily for use in vector mode operation, Auto Tuning can also enhance drive performance when the V/F mode of operation is selected.

Underlining the TCF Series' credentials as the ideal OEM drive is its facility for use with AC Tech's unique EPM programmer.

The EPM enables drive programs to be copied in just 2s for transfer to other drives in series production, thus maximising productivity.

The EPM also provides an alternative programming facility, with its highly visible backlit LCD display.

Programs produced on the unit can be archived to a PC via an RS232 interface using AC Tech's free Techlink software.

In operation, the TCF drives provide up to 200% of motor rated torque, instantly, when required for impact loading or acceleration, conditions routinely encountered in crane, hoist and winch applications.

The TCF's vector operation also provides the precise motor operation required for winding and tension control applications, such as those found in textile and paper industries.

In these applications the facility of the TCF drives to offer control down to 1Hz at full output torque, minimises motor 'cogging' and its negative affects on machine performance.

A comprehensive range of options, which enhance the drive's performance and mounting capabilities, supports the TCF Series.

These include a dynamic braking kit, for applications that require braking on deceleration or stopping, and a DIN rail mounting kit that allows easy mounting of the drive onto a standard DIN rail.

A further option is through hole mounting, where the heatsink is mounted outside the drive for enhanced thermal management.

The TCF range is available in both single and three phase versions in power ratings from 0.18 to 18.5kW.

Supplied in IP20 rated enclosures, the drives are suitable for use with vector-rated induction motors up to 575V AC (single phase, 208-240V maximum).