High power drives shrink to half size

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 14, 2006

A new high power platform is designed for VLT 5000 Series, VLT 4000 Series, VLT 6000 HVAC Series and VLT 8000 Aqua Series variable frequency drives.

Danfoss North America Motion Controls has released a new high power platform for VLT 5000 Series, VLT 4000 Series, VLT 6000 HVAC Series and VLT 8000 Aqua Series variable frequency drives.

The project replaces the three largest high power units in the 380-500V AC range in each series, and adds an additional higher horsepower unit to the programme.

"The 50% size reduction is the result of Danfoss' determined redesign of all the renowned VLT drives dedicated for industry, HVAC and water, following a similar redesign of VLT drives in the lower power range", says Peter Kartanos, Product Manager of Danfoss High Power Drives.

Specifically engineered to satisfy the full constant or variable torque demands of virtually any industrial process, water or HVAC application, the new high power VLT drives offer up to 550hp from the VLT 5000, and up to 650hp from the VLT 4000, VLT 6000 HVAC and VLT 8000AQUA.

These drives provide reliable and accurate operation at an impressive 98% operating efficiency, resulting in a significant reduction in heat dissipation.

The innovative cooling design of the units segregates the heat of the high power components from the electronics.

In addition, the unit's design allows for various cooling techniques that can be implemented to keep 80% of the heat dissipation from the control room or panel, typically eliminating the need for additional cooling and reducing the energy consumption of the installation site.

These drives are available with three distinct enclosures: Chassis/IP00, NEMA/UL type1/IP21 and NEMA/UL type 12/IP54.

As the units were designed with these enclosures ratings from the beginning, the result is an optimised package concept which provides the smallest overall dimensions for air-cooled VFD units in this power range compared with the world's top five competing units available today.

The new VLT 5000, 6000HVAC and 8000 Aqua high power series in the chassis/IP00 enclosures measure 1547 x 585 x 494mm.

The NEMA UL type 1/IP21 and NEMA UL type 12/IP54 enclosures measure 2000 x 600 x 494mm.

When equipped with the optional fused disconnect, the drive's overall depth is 44mm larger due to the disconnect handle.

Modular construction allows users to buy only what is needed, and operating software and options facilitate easy retrofitting.

The optimised design simplifies installation and reduces the overall number of components for ease of use and maximum reliability and up-time.

A significant feature is the ability to build the small high power drives in standard Rittal TS8 enclosures with pre-engineered duct cooling kits.

The VLT 5352-5552 series drives provide 400-650hp with 110 % overload and 350-550hp with 160 % overload.

The VLT 4452-4652, VLT 6452-6622 HVAC and VLT 8452-8652 Aqua series units provide 450-650hp with 110% overload.

Additional features and options include: built-in Class A2 RFI filtering as standard with class A1 optional; integral disconnect with option of available fuses; power termination design for easy installation, accepting single box lug or dual cable legs; logic routing with tie-down provisions to simplify installation and protect against noise disturbance; and 24V DC supply.