Precise speed control, flexible communications and ease of use make new AC drives from Rockwell Automation a cost-effective option for HVAC and other fan and pump applicationsMEQUON, Wisc., Feb. 12, 2004 — Providing users with cost-effective speed control for variable torque fan and pump applications, the new Allen-Bradley® PowerFlex® 40D AC drives from Rockwell Automation offer a wide range of built-in features allowing for easy installation and seamless system integration. Available in power ratings from 7.5 – 50 HP (240V ac) and 7.5 – 100HP (480V ac) the PowerFlex 40D line of AC drives is the latest addition to the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex family, a comprehensive line of AC drives ranging from 0.25 to 9,000 HP. “The PowerFlex 40D drive has been designed to meet the market demands for a cost-efficient variable frequency motor controller, setting a new industry standard for flexible communications and ease of programming and installation,” said David Mantey, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “PowerFlex 40D AC drives offer an operator keypad, a compact size and meet world power ratings, giving OEMs, contractors and end-users precisely what they want in a fan-and-pump drive product.”Dedicated Features for Fan and Pump Control. The PowerFlex 40D includes an integral PID controller that provides accurate process control by automatically adjusting the output frequency. Freeze/Fire and Purge inputs provide connection to fire and life safety systems. A Sleep function enhances control flexibility by allowing the drive to be cycled off when the system demand drops below a preset level and to be restarted automatically when the demand increases. Integral Keypad. For easy user setup and programming, the PowerFlex 40D drives feature an integral keypad with a two-line, 16-character LCD display. LED indicators provide system configuration and fault status. The keypad features digital speed control and configurable Hand/Off/Auto buttons to quickly switch start and speed reference control to and from the keypad. To meet global user requirements, LCD text can be displayed in multiple languages.Network connectivity. The PowerFlex 40D drives include integral RS485 communications with selectable Modbus RTU and Johnson Metasys N2 protocols allowing connectivity to building automation networks. The embedded RS485 communications will also be enhanced to support Siemens P1 protocol by the end of 2004. In addition to the embedded RS485 communications, PF40D drives are also designed to accommodate internally mounted communication option cards allowing connectivity to DeviceNet™, EtherNet and Profibus networks. If PC programming is preferred, the drives can be programmed and controlled via a PC running Allen-Bradley DriveExplorer™ and DriveExecutive™ configuration and monitoring software.Disconnect and Bypass Packages. As an option, the PowerFlex 40D drives are also available with power components such as main switches and contactors to create standard disconnect and bypass packages. These packages ship pre-wired and tested allowing for on-site installation and start-up time to be reduced.Like all products within the PowerFlex family of drives, the PowerFlex 40D drives are designed to meet worldwide power ratings and packaging requirements for out-of-the-box performance. The PowerFlex family of AC drives offers significant commonality across multiple platforms, including networks, operator interface, programming and hardware. This commonality is designed to help users feel comfortable with the programming and start-up features available with any PowerFlex AC drive. Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation® solutions, including Allen-Bradley® controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software® factory management software, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric® motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. For more information on the PowerFlex 40D, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1655.
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