NEW BERLIN, Wis., February 2006 . . . Because average throughput-time-per-unit is a critical factor in overall profitability for machine manufacturers, ABB's new-generation of low voltage AC drives have been designed to cut machine building and assembly times significantly.
The drives, model ACS150 and ACS350, are designed specifically for global OEMs and system integrators -- and can operate in motor control modes tailored to the desired level of performance.While the ACS150 can operate in V/Hz mode, the ACS350 can operate in V/Hz, Sensorless Vector or Closed Loop Vector. The ACS150 is offered in 0.5 to 5 horsepower rating, while the ACS350 is available from 0.5 to 10 horsepower range.
Both offer a complete feature set that includes a deep set of parameters and programming options able to deliver the application flexibility and functionality required by demanding machines and panels. "Repeat, Repeat, Repeat" in Production Spells Profitability Ideal for a wide range of machinery applications in market segments that include food processing, material handling, textiles, printing, rubber and plastics, and woodworking, "these new drives are designed to be the fastest in the market for installation, setting/repeating parameters, and starting up motors," said Jukka Nurmi, product line manager, ABB Inc., Low Voltage Drives."'
Repeat Repeat Repeat' is so critical to volume," noted Nurmi, "but, for drives, this must be a repeatable installation/programming that is extremely consistent, quick and accurate. These new drives are designed to deliver those critical benefits to builders, without the need to treat every unit as a single consideration." New FlashDrop Technology Replicates Parameters in Seconds No Power to Drive Needed ABB's patented FlashDrop technology, an option with both the ACS150 and ACS350, makes parameter selection and setting quick as a touch. Critical parameters can be quickly and safely downloaded into the new drives, using a hand-held FlashDrop unit."
The FlashDrop can store several parameter sets and, for extra convenience, each set can be named to show clearly the associated application," Nurmi noted. "This parameter setting can be done without a power connection to the drive; in fact, it is not even necessary to unpack the drive. The FlashDrop probe is simply inserted into the receptacle on the face of the drive. It takes about two seconds."
This makes it easy for distributors to pre-configure drives prior to delivery - and helps OEMs replicate exact parameter sets across machines, easing further the machine start-up process for customers.FlashDrop also allows the menu structure to be customized. Parameters can be set and hidden, changing the appearance of the menu for faster set up and configuration. This makes it easier for the end user to use the machine, and also ensures that they only can adjust the parameters that the machine builder wants them to. The FlashDrop unit can be connected to a PC for creating and editing parameters using the interface, and to tap into the PC's additional storage capacity.
FlashDrop is quick and convenient to use, and no specialized knowledge is required.
Sequence Programming Delivers Pre-set Sequences Again and Again
Sequence programming, a feature in the new ACS350 drives, provides a straightforward way to utilize built-in logic control for sequences of motor/machinery operation. These programs are sufficient for many basic applications in which the drive controls the motor, using signals from sensors and limit switches. Utilization of this programming "makes for less complex motor control systems, the necessity of external devices, speeds start up - and lowers costs for OEMs," notes Nurmi.When machines do require very complex motor control, there are extensive parameter settings in the ACS350 drives, Nurmi said.
"That versatility offers builders the capacity and flexibility to program in complex sequences of logic for specific machines and then repeat that logic easily across machines using FlashDrop."
Optimized User Interfaces Saves Builders and Users Costs
The user interfaces available for the ACS350 deliver greater flexibility for builders and users while the integrated user interface for the ACS150 offers functionality at a lower cost. ABB offers a "cost efficient solution to builders and users, with different control panel options that match the functionality needed," Nurmi said.Standard ACS350 drives will include a basic control panel that features a single-line numeric display. With this panel, users can control the drive, set parameter values, and/or copy those values from drive to drive.Builders and users can also choose an optional Blank Cover with or without a Potentiometer and Switches, or with an Advanced Panel, which provides a full graphical display, assistants, dynamic menus, a real-time clock, a help function ?
all in 14 languages. The ACS150 user interface offers the same functionality as the ACS350 basic control panel albeit it is integrated into the face of the drive. The idea is that OEM's can choose the best drive and user interface to suit their application and customer base. Filter, Chopper, Built In; Minimal Space Requirements on Panel, in Cabinet The new ACS150 and ACS350 drives incorporate both a built-in EMC filter and a braking chopper as standard.
The 2nd environment filter complies with IEC61800-3 for usage of the drives on machines and applications around the world, and the chopper provides 100 percent dynamic braking power.The drives are designed for convenient installation in control cabinets and optimal use of space within them. The drives can be mounted side-by-side without the need for air gaps, and all drives across the range feature the same height and depth, with only the width changing for different power ratings. The drives can be mounted using a DIN rail and, in limited space, with one side to the back of the cabinet.The drives are extremely modular and easy to incorporate into machines.
The also are easy to handle and install, with the 10Hp ACS350 drive weighing only 5.5 lbs. Quick, Simple Control Connections I/O, Fieldbus The drives have comprehensive control connections with the ACS150 offering sufficient functionality to meet most applications including the ability to accept a pulse train input for speed reference. The full-featured ACS350 offers extensive I/O with two analog and five digital inputs (of which one can be configured for pulse train input), and one analog, one relay and one digital output (which can be configured as a pulse train output).
The ACS350 offers a totally new generation of Fieldbus, with small, enclosed, plug-in adapters that provide high-speed communications; Fieldbus modules available for the drives include Modbus RTU, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet and CANopen.Both the ACS150 and ACS350 drives' own housing provides IP20 protection. An optional NEMA 1 enclosure kit is available when additional environmental protection is required.
The ACS150 is available for both 1- and 3-phase 240V operation, in a 0.5 to 3 Hp range; and in 3-phase 480V, from 0.5 to 5 Hp range.
The ACS350 is available for 1-phase 240V operation, in a 0.5 to 3 Hp range; 3-phase 240V operation, in a 0.5 to 5 Hp range; and in 3-phase 480V, from 0.5 to 5 Hp.ABB Inc., Automation Technologies, Automation Products, Low Voltage Drives, is the world's largest manufacturer of electric motors and drives.
In the USA, an integrated channel of sales representatives, distributors, and system integrators allow ABB, New Berlin, Wisconsin, to supply a complete line of energy-efficient electric drives, motors and engineered drive systems to a wide range of industrial and commercial customers. Products manufactured include AC and DC variable speed drives for electric motors from 1/8th through 135,000 HP, and application-specific drive system solutions to meet diverse customer needs.ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 102,000 people.
The company's U.S. operations employ about 9,000 in manufacturing and other facilities in 40 states.