Product category:
Industrial Drives/Controls
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: SMC-Flex
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 29 April 2005
Compact soft starter keeps its cool
Rockwell Automation has released the third and smallest of its SMC-Flex soft start range, covering applications from 1 to 95A.
Rockwell Automation has released the third and smallest of its SMC-Flex soft start range, covering applications from 1 to 95A As the others in the range, it offers features and technology previously unavailable in a soft start, all in a compact and cost effective unit
SMC-Flex features an integrated bypass that automatically closes when the motor reaches nominal speed.
This provides cooler running and hence a much reduced enclosure size.
It is generally 50% smaller than traditional designs with heat losses being 80% lower.
There are new options, enhanced functionality and expanded application capabilities.
These include electronic overload, modular communication capabilities with star-delta or direct-on-line starting options for standard squirrel cage induction motors.
SMC-Flex is built into a compact, modular and cost-effective package that is easy to install and maintain.
Advanced diagnostics increase system performance and a range of communication capabilities provides a choice of networking options.
Rated from 1 to 480A (5 to 831A for star/delta) and suitable for voltages from 200 to 600V, the SMC-Flex offers a choice of starting options including soft start, soft stop, kick start and current limit, within the one control unit.
There is also a pump start and stop option, specifically designed to control pipe hammer effects.
The electronic overload generates less heat than conventional units and features an adjustable trip class from 10 to 30.
Easy to set up and install, the device also has a PTC thermistor input, for use with motors having thermistors built into the windings.
The unit will also detect earth faults using the optional current transformer.
The addition of an Allen-Bradley 20-COMM DPI communication interface enables the SMC-Flex to be connected to most popular networks, including DeviceNet, Profibus, ControlNet and EtherNet IP.
All the connections are built into the SMC-Flex and no additional panel space is required.
The interface cards are common with the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives, providing the user with a complete range of fixed and variable speed motor controllers with many shared features.
The SMC-Flex is quick and easy to program and commission using the pushbuttons and backlit LCD built into the front of the unit.
The starter can also be programmed via the network using software tools such as Allen-Bradley DriveExplorer and DriveExecutive configuration software, which are also used across the PowerFlex range of drives.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting cover a wide range of fault conditions including line fault, over/undervoltage, overload, phase reversal or excessive starts per hour.
A metering facility allows a range of parameters to be monitored including three-phase current, kilowatts and kilowatt-hours, three-phase voltage and thermal capacity, enabling the motor to be continuously monitored.
Allen-Bradley SMC-Flex soft starters are ideally suited to applications where motor starting torque needs to be controlled.
They minimise damage due to full voltage starting and extend system life.
Inrush currents are controlled, reducing line disturbances that may affect other equipment and advanced diagnostics allow problems to be identified before they cause failures.
Typical applications include a wide range of critical motors in complex systems, particularly where materials or mechanical systems could be damaged by sudden starts and stops or the shock of direct-on-line starting.
The Allen-Bradley SMC-Flex takes soft starting to a new dimension by packaging class leading features into a compact, modular and cost effective product.
With its high quality construction, outstanding design and advanced functionality, the company reckons it is unmatched in the industry.
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