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Low-cost drives use new V/Hz algorithm

21 April, 2008

Baldor has launched a family of AC frequency inverters that use a new V/Hz control algorithm, said to provide much tighter regulation of speed, and to improve torque at low speeds, making them capable of starting even high-inertia loads. The VS1MX family, which includes single-phase and three-phase versions with ratings from 0.37–7.5 kW, has also been designed to cut costs of ownership "substantially".

Baldor drives

The drives have a simple user interface and can be run "out of the box" in most variable-speed applications, according to Baldor. Although there are 45 parameters to support the programming of fairly complex applications, the first menu level presents a subset that allow most common applications to be set up in a few minutes. These parameters include: motor voltage, current, frequency and speed; maximum, minimum and preset speeds; and acceleration/deceleration ramps. The parameters have been chosen to provide a simple upgrade path for users of earlier Baldor low-power inverters.

In addition to IP20-protected DIN-rail-mounting versions of the drives, there are also higher-specification, panel-mounting versions with an isolation mechanism that allows operators to switch them to a safe state for maintenance, or to deal with issues such as clearing jams.

The drives are available in various housings up to full washdown duty (IP66 or NEMA 4X). The dust- and splash-proof IP55 versions can be ordered with a front-panel potentiometer to provide a simple speed control for applications such as conveyors.

There are eight single-phase versions for motors rated from 0.37–2.2kW and a further 13 three-phase versions for motor outputs from 0.37–7.5 kW. All of the drives incorporate analogue and digital I/O and a NOC relay output, that allows users to create custom remote control panels, and to integrate the drive into a process. A Modbus RTU communications port is provided as standard.

Configuration programs can be stored on a simple external memory stick and reloaded as required. The drives can be linked to a remote keypad.




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