Product category:
Industrial Drives/Controls
News Release from: Rockwell Automation Anorad | Subject: Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 and 700
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 18 September 2001
New drives use technology breakthrough
'World-beating performance' promised by Rockwell Automation with the launch of two high volume drive products, the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 and 700
Each will play a major part at the high volume end of the PowerFlex family of AC drives Developed using ground breaking technology the PowerFlex 70 will initially cover the range from 0.37 to 15 kW and the PowerFlex 700 up to 30kW
They are designed to be smaller, more efficient, reliable and versatile, and provide more application configurable features than competitive products.
Combined with aggressive pricing and worldwide availability and support, they will be attractive to OEMs and end users around the globe.
PowerFlex drives share many common features across the range, including network connectivity, operator interface devices and programming.
This makes them easy to install, commission, operate and maintain, reducing the total cost of ownership.
PowerFlex drives are much smaller in size - in some cases up to 60% smaller - as a result of an advanced level of integration in the electronic circuit boards.
So it is possible to fit twice the number of drives in a panel or avoid the need for a new panel when expanding a facility.
They feature innovative heatsink configurations incorporating more heat- dissipating surface area in a smaller space.
An air duct based on a wind tunnel design, concentrates airflow to maximise the transfer of heat away from heat producing drive components.
The new fan and duct design contributes to efficient, bookshelf packaging, allowing the drives to be mounted side by side without the need for a gap.
Advancements in internal drive components have also reduced the heat generated.
For example, an internal regulator in the drive detects unacceptable increases in temperature, (for example, from a clogged fan) and is smart enough to protect the drive.
The drive will try to keep the motor running but if the overheated condition is not corrected it will shut down to prevent damage.
With the use of networks becoming widespread and the option of remote monitoring and diagnostics growing in popularity, communication options within drives are now essential.
PowerFlex drives have a communications option allowing users to integrate the PowerFlex 70 and 700 into their manufacturing processes with DeviceNet, ControlNet, Remote I/O, serial communications and other open control and communications networks.
The internally mounted communications modules provide additional space savings.
A seven-line, backlit, graphic LCD, displays the drive settings and can recommend changes to parameters.
Under fault conditions, users get clear messages, such as 'over-voltage condition', eliminating delays in deciphering fault codes.
The PowerFlex 70 and PowerFlex 700 drives use configuration wizards similar to those found in many Windows applications, to assist users with start-up and operation.
The large display allows engineers to simultaneously monitor variables such as voltage, frequency and current.
The PowerFlex range offers a choice of Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that are both easy to install and operate.
Cost-effective LED displays show programming information, drive status and troubleshooting on one six-digit line.
The full-function LCD HMI supports multi-lingual text for grouping, parameter descriptions, programming, troubleshooting and start-up.
For added versatility it has a variety of keypad options, including programmer, full numeric, digital and analogue.
As a further aid to easy start-up it features Smart Start - a set of the most commonly programmed parameters, including start/stop, minimum and maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration time, reference source, and thermal motor overload.
These allow users to programme the drive without having in-depth knowledge of the parameter structure. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation Anorad ...
• Rockwell Automation Anorad: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
