DC drive shrinks by 25% to fit in 600mm cabinet

ABB has developed a DC drive which, it claims, is 25% smaller than its predecessor, making it the smallest drive available in the 1,000-2,000A range. The compact dimensions mean that systems integrators will be able to fit the DCS 500-A5 drive in a standard 600mm cabinet.

ABB says it has achieved the smaller size by using a more efficient design with fewer parts. This contributes to improved airflow in the drive, allowing smaller heatsinks and fans to be used. It has also simplified manufacturing, allowing ABB to reduce its list prices in this current range by around 5%.

The combination of the smaller drive and the high power densities and compact dimensions of DC motors, will be ideal for applications where space is at a premium, says ABB.