WEG adds IP54 capability to CFW-11 inverter

WEG has extended the application range of its benchmark CFW-11 variable-frequency inverter, with an IP54 variant of the highly successful plug-and-play drive.

The IP54 version of the CFW-11 offers extended scope for operation in harsh environments such as food and beverage, providing high levels of protection against the ingress of dust and splashing water.

In addition to providing safeguards for inverter-control operations in tough applications, the IP54- rated CFW-11 offers users the benefits of WEG's patented Optimal Flux technology.

This minimises the losses of totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) induction motors used with constant and variable torque loads, especially at low speeds where motor ventilation systems are inefficient.

Optimal Flux overcomes the problem of reduced torque under these operating conditions and the costs of traditional solutions such as motor over-sizing and additional ventilation; instead it provides an integrated, low-cost solution for keeping motor temperature rise within the thermal limits of its insulation class.

As well as delivering optimised control of motors, even at low speeds, the CFW-11 IP54 provides users with an easy-to-use universal drive platform.

It is offered with plug-and-play technology that is automatically configured, enabling the inverter to suit the widest range of drive applications: standalone and centralised and decentralised with networks.

This flexibility provides a wealth of integration possibilities; lowering total system costs while improving productivity.

In addition, it enables users to standardise on one product for all types of VFD control, with the commensurate benefits of savings on equipment costs, inventory, training and maintenance requirements.

The CFW11 features plug-and-play technology, which automatically recognises and configures accessories and option cards used for customisation, enabling easy installation while eliminating the cost and time taken for manual configuration.

The CFW11 IP54 can perform in V/f, VVW voltage vector, sensorless vector and vector encoder modes; onboard systems modules that tailor the drive both in terms of scalable control, (such as when replacing a PLC) and in terms of communications, with one of the widest choice fieldbus options (including Ethernet IP) available from any drive system; normal and heavy-duty ratings allow the drive to be adapted optimally to all types of load; man/machine interface is a fully functioned on-board HMI with backlit graphic display and soft keys to facilitate inverter programming and monitoring; harmonic suppression: built-in DC link inductors that enable compliance with IEC61000-3-12 regarding harmonics, and enable the use of cables up to 100-metres long, without the requirement for external line reactors.

The facility to customise the CFW-11 IP54 and achieve scalable control systems tailored to OEM needs is realised with a total of 14 options cards: I/O (digital and analogue 14-bit A/Ds and D/As), PLC, encoder and communications.

These clip into five slots on the CFW-11 IP54 and are automatically recognised and configured, eliminating manual input.

At any one time, up to four of these modules, in any configuration, can be used on all CFW-11 drive versions.

In some systems they could be fieldbus modules, providing gateway options for fieldbuses such as Ethernet IP, Profibus-DP, Devicenet, Canopen and Modbus RTU.

In others, a combination of encoder, SoftPLC modules (and communication modules) provides graduated levels of processing functionality in a standardised IEC 61131-3 programming environment.

The PLC-11 options card for the CFW-11 IP54 provides a flexible, networkable solution in applications where the frequency inverter on its own cannot provide the required level of control or interfacing.

By removing the requirement for a separate PLC, it provides OEMs and users with substantial reductions in equipment, enclosure and installation costs.

Slotting a PLC-11 options card into the CFW-11 IP54 lets the drive-user perform general digital and analogue I/O control tasks or employ functions such as positioning with trapezoidal and S profiles (absolute and relative), master/slave synchronisation between two or more motors, or electronic gearbox.

The options card offers the user: more than 100 parameters via software or HMI; a real-time clock; timers counters, coils and contactors; the flexibility of open, industry-standard programming using WEG's IEC 61131-3 programming software; and the facility of an RS485 interface with standard Modbus RTU.

Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the CFW-11 are comprehensive protective features, including: intelligent thermal management, which enables full safeguarding of IBGTs and monitoring of heatsink and internal air temperature; automatic control of the heatsink fan with a speed sensor; and motor overload protection in compliance with IEC60947-4-2/UL508C.

In addition, the CFW-11 IP54 also offers the options of a safety stop feature, in accordance with EN954-1/category III; an RFI filter in compliance with EN 61800-3 (internal) and the facility for an external 24V DC control feed.

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