Ac Tech Drives

If you're a regular follower of 'My Automation Education' you know that last week we talked a little bit about Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). We are going to dive a little deeper into AC drives with this post: focusing on the basics of how to select one.

After establishing that you have an electric motor, you need to determine your motor's horse power. Next, the input (voltage/amperage) to the motor needs to be established. In addition, you need to know if the input is single or three-phase power. Lastly, things like the application of the device will determine what type of housing the drive may need to be in  (NEMA 1, NEMA 4X, etc...).

These are just the basics of determining which drive is correct for your application. If you still are not sure call one of the fantastic technical team members we have here at Marshall Wolf Automation. As a stocking distributor of AC Tech, Fuji, Hitachi, and Delta drives, Marshall Wolf Automation should be at the top of your list for all your industrial automation needs.

Tune in down the road for future chapters in 'My Automation Education'. Here is some basic information on NEMA ratings as well:

NEMA Ratings for Variable Frequency Drives:
NEMA 1: for indoor installation in a relatively clean environment,
provides limited protection against falling dirt.

NEMA 12: for indoor installation, provides protection against circulating dust,
falling dirt and dripping, non-corrosive liquids.

NEMA 4: for indoor installation, provides protection against windblown dust and rain,
splashing water, hose-directed water and damage from external ice formation.

NEMA 4X for indoor installation: NEMA 4 protection (see above) plus
protection against corrosive or caustic agents.

NEMA 4X for indoor/outdoor installation: NEMA 4 protection (above) plus
protection against corrosive or caustic agents.

 

Thomas Robbins of Lenze Americas has a great new article titled 'Feed your VFD with the Right Power'.

The article explains different precautions and tips you should use when installing variable frequency drives. Precautions involving wiring, isolation, grounding and shielding which are relevant to all VFD applications!

A few highlights include a bulleted list of 'practical installation tips' when installing variable frequency drives and also a list of 'approaches that spell trouble' (hopefully you don't see these in your application!).

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of AC Tech Lenze high performance AC drives.

Read the entire article here!

Search all of our AC Tech Lenze drives here!

Lenze announced today that, due to limited availability and extreme lead times, they are discontinuing the Lenze MAS motor product lines and associated cable effective immediately.

Lenze is recommending that customers currently using the Lenze MAS series switch to the Lenze MCS motor line.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Lenze AC Tech variable frequency drives, servo motors and drives and much more.

To learn more about the switch from Lenze MAS to MCS click here.

'My Automation Education' continues with variable-frequency drives. These are pretty important parts of an automated system. They are what allows an automated process to be paced and not running wide-open all day.

A variable-frequency drive (VFD) is a system for controlling the speed of a rotational or linear alternating current (AC) electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. Variable-frequency drives are used in a wide number of applications to control pumps, fans, hoists, conveyors, and other machinery.

I like to think of motors as the brawn in an automated system, and a drive as the brains. Let's try exploring this analogy a little further:

Pretend you are a farmer in the 1800s trying to plow your new plot in the beautiful heartland. You have to plow your entire field in one day. Your oxen will pull with all their might and have little direction or control, leaving you with a pretty worthless field because it will be crooked, uneven and probably just torn up. Without you - the drive - to regulate their effort and direction, the task is a failure.

Another analogy for a VFD would be the tortoise and the hare. Without a VFD the motor is going to be the hare and run itself at full power until it just has no more to give. A variable-frequency drive allows a motor to be both tortoise and hare, slow and consistent production with the ability for bursts if needed.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your number one industrial automation distributor, carries a wide variety of VFDs to meet any need you may have. We offer AC Tech Lenze and TECO Westinghouse drives, plus many more. If you want to rein in your oxen or turn your hare into a distance runner check out our website.

Question: I want to show the output on the display screen in my actual RPM of my spindle of my vertical mill, can I do that on the SMV series of High Performance AC Drive ?

Answer: Yes, what you have to do is select the AC Tech brand of SMV vector series drives with the 4 digit read out. Then under program P178: “Display Frequency Multiplier” this allows the frequency to be scaled, note the P178 default is 0.00, the selection range is 0.00-650. If P178 is > than 0.00 display = actual frequency x P178.

This choice allows the frequency to be scaled up to 650.00 in value.

Example: if P178 is set to 29.17 (actual spindle speed) of vertical mill in this example and the actual frequency is = 60 HZ then the drive will display 1750 RPM.

Marshall Wolf Automation, call us we can help!  847-658-8130 or 1-800-325-9653

www.wolfautomation.com

Intrinsically Safe Barrier solution of keypads for AC frequency drives... a little known fact of the AC Tech ESV drive keypads! 

This application came up recently from an end user.  The goal was to utilize a high performance AC drive in the application where an exhaust fan in a paint booth was being used. 

The issue was the explosion proof environment.  What the end user was originally thinking was a drive with a remote on/off button and remote potentiometer in the booth and the drive outside the booth. 

The only problem with this scenario is that the potentiometer would invalidate the explosion proof rating, since the potentiometer is over 8 mA to comply with the rating. The solution was that the AC TECH ESV series of drives with a NEMA 4X rating.   This unit has an option for remote key pad, which can be used in the explosion rated area, thereby avoiding having to use intrinsically safe barriers, saving added capital.

Simple 4 wire connection between the SMV vector drive and the remote keypad provides for drive operation (start, stop, direction and speed) and programming. Includes 4 digit LED display. Measures only 3.4in (H) x2.2 in (W). It includes gasket to meet up to NEMA 4X rated environments.

Lenze AC Tech has announced a price increase effective May 1, 2012.

This means it is time to stock up at current price levels! Shop all AC Tech Lenze drives now.

The good news is the popular AC Tech SMVector series is not affected by the price increase.

Marshall Wolf Automation is the only source you need for variable frequency drives! We are authorized stocking distributors for all the big names - AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, Fuji Electric, TECO Westinghouse, Delta and more.

Does your application require NEMA 3R enclosures? 

NEMA 3R enclosures are commonly required in outdoor applications including center pivot irrigation systems.

Not only can Marshall Wolf Automation supply you with a great price on a Saginaw enclosure, we can fill the panel for you as well!

Our system integration team can work with you to design an enclosed drive panel/pump panel specifically for your requirements.

We are authorized industrial automation distributors for the top brands of variable frequency drives including AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, Fuji Electric, TECO-Westinghouse and Delta.

Learn more about our NEMA 3R enclosures and enclosed drive panels now!

What does NEMA 3R mean?

NEMA 3R electrical enclosures are typically used in outdoor applications for wiring and junction boxes. This style of weatherproof enclosure provides protection against falling rain, sleet, snow, and external ice formation. Indoors they protect against dripping water. 

I recently had a customer contact me saying his lathe started dancing around the shop...  I sincerely hope you haven't had a similar experience but I thought I would share his story.

Answer:

Marshall Wolf Automation not only has a large inventory of high performance AC drives ready for same day shipping, we also have an in-house technical department to help you figure out which drive would be best for you.

We are authorized industrial automation distributors for AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, TECO Westinghouse, Fuji Electric and Delta, among others.

View all of our variable frequency drives now!

I had a call where a customer, using AC Tech Lenze Drives and needed EMC filters for his SM Vector Drives. Under normal circumstances the only way to accomplish this is by purchasing a preinstalled filter in the SM Vector but in the Nema 4X option only.

After working with technical support at AC Tech Lenze I found that we can use the AC Tech Lenze Sub Micro series filters. These units would have to be mounted externally but will help out a customer in a pinch.

Call Marshall Wolf Automation Technical Support to help find the best way to filter your AC Tech Lenze Drives.

Is it really an age old question? Well no, but it is a legitimate question. 

How would you like a outdoor pump panel using a High Performance AC Drive pre-engineered ship to you ready to install? 

Call Marshall Wolf Automation, we can help.  When you need a pump panel for your irrigation pump, booster pump or even portable booster pump, we can be your one stop solution.  

The system is comprised of a outdoor rated NEMA 3R style vented panel with fans, CFM's are dependent upon cabinet size. 

We then work with you to select the appropriate High Performance AC Drive, we have 8 different lines to select from for the application, such as; AC Tech Lenze, Delta Industrial Automation, Fuji Electric AC Drive, Gefran, Hitachi Drive, TECO Westinghouse, U.S. Drives and WEG.  Inclusive are thermostatically controlled fan(s) and a control transformer. 

Dependent upon your needs we can add appropriately sized disconnect switch, line or load reactors and winter heater kits.  These pre-engineered panels come ready to install! We can also offer additional options: 3 contactor by pass option, HOA option among many others.  Call us today to discuss a Variable Frequency AC drive panel for your Industrial Electric Motors!

Marshall Wolf Automation can help!

Lenze America's has recently launched their OVERDRIVE program - basically saying they have increased their stock levels and so have we!

If you need AC Tech drives shipped out same day, we are the only distributor you need.

Not only does Marshall Wolf Automation keep a large inventory, we also work closely with AC Tech Lenze to make sure we get the drives you need when you need them.

We also have in-house technical support to help you choose the best high performance AC drive for your application. Do you need an industrial electric motor as well? We can help.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for everything from soft starters, motors and variable frequency drives to industrial light towers, AC to DC switching power supplies and laser distance measurement sensors.

Search all of our products now!

SPRING into Marshall Wolf Automation for all of your industrial automation equipment!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your full-line industrial automation distributor.

Consolidate your purchases of variable frequency drives, motors, gearboxes, light towers, and sensors.

Marashall Wolf Automation is an authorized distributor for nationally known manufacturers such as AC Tech Lenze, Teco, Bonfiglioli, Pepperl & Fuchs, Leuze, Carlo Gavazzi, just to name a few.

Please visit our website at www.wolfautomation.com and view a sampling of our huge product selection.

Marshall Wolf Automation welcomes your business.  We offer outstandiing customer service and very competitive pricing.

Please send your inquiries to sales@wolfautomation.com.

Do you want to save money and energy on your next portable pump system? 

Instead of using traditional motor starters, use a variable frequency drive to power and control your portable pump cart.  Not only do these types of drive excel at controlling industrial electric three phase motors on pumps, they are also like mini energy management solutions. 

The sensorless vector style drives are used for constant torque and are great for positive displacement type pumps (gear pumps), as well as centrifugal pumps. Many variable frequency drive models are multi-type, meaning both vector type and volts to hertz type. 

High performance AC drives are also ideally used for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be supplied with the proper enclosure for either environmental condition. 

The variable frequency drives,  like AC Tech Drives, Lenze and the other brands that Marshall Wolf Automation distribute, are available with 120/1/60hz input or 230/1/60 HZ power, making them ideal for small horsepower pumps used in outdoor applications where power choice would be limited. 

In regards to larger horsepower, typically greater than 3 HP pumps, other models of 3 phase drives can be wired up for single phase when properly derated, ensuring that these components are rated for the higher current that will flow from the single phase input instead of the three phase input. 

Simply put the basic formula is: (VFD current > Motor current rating (FLA)* 1.73). Please contact us at 800-325-9653 or visit www.wolfautomation.com  for your unique application and we will help you choose the best variable frequency drive for your portable pump needs.

Do you need a NEMA 3R enclosure?

Take a look at our Saginaw NEMA 3R enclosures.

These NEMA 3R electrical enclosures can be used for indoor or outdoor applications and provide a degree of protection against access to hazardous parts.

These vented NEMA 3R enclosures protect the equipment inside from solid objects (i.e. falling dirt) and also against water (rain, sleet and snow). They will also be undamaged by ice on the outside of the enclosure.

Obviously, if you need a NEMA 3R electrical enclosure you will also need to put something inside of it! Marshall Wolf Automation can help with that too.

Would you be interested in a NEMA 3R indoor/outdoor drive panel? Talk to one of our engineers today about a custom solution.

We have extensive experience with center pivot irrigation applications, pumps, material handling and many other NEMA 3R situations.

Marshall Wolf Automation is also an industrial automation distributor for all the big names in variable frequency drives including AC Tech Lenze, Fuji Electric, Hitachi, TECO Westinghouse and Delta.

This was meant to be a simple post with basic definitions of line reactors and load reactors... sometimes good intentions end up on a different path!

There are many different opinions out there regarding line reactors and load reactors, here is a summary of what I found.

Line Reactors

Line reactors, also called line chokes, can protect sensitive electronic equipment from electrical noise created by the drive or inverter.

I saw many posts saying they use line reactors when the input voltage going to the drive is on the high side. Another said most manufacturers recommend them if the transformer feeding the variable frequency drive is anywhere from 10 to 100 times the rating of the drive.

Load Reactors

Load reactors are used on the output side of AC drives to soften high rates of change voltage applied to the motor windings. 

Another description is that load reactors are used to smooth out spikes in long runs between variable frequency drives and industrial electric motors.

I saw a variety of recommendations regarding load reactors - some say install them when motors exceed 100' from the controller, others say 200'. I would suggest checking with the manufacturer to see what they recommend.

Of course, we also have in-house tech support that could help you out! You can always email techsupport@wolfautomation.com.

An easy solution when you are looking for load and line reactors is our MTE RLW series which are load/line reactors! Learn more about them here.

A great resource I have found is Electrician Talk.com.

AC Tech Lenze's most technically advanced variable frequency drive

is now available and stocked up to 60 hp!

The SMVector series is a popular high performance AC drive that offers several communications protocols, networking drives and components.

The NEMA 1 (IP31) SmVector is the most common and cost effective enclosure option for a wide range of applications including packaging, material handling, conveyors, pumping and HVAC systems.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of AC Tech Lenze variable frequency AC drives. 

Here is the current range for the NEMA 1 SMVector series from AC Tech Lenze:

• 120/240V – 1Phase Input, up to 1.5 HP (1.1 kW)
• 200/240V – 1 or 3 Phase Input, up to 3.0 HP (2.2 kW)
• 200/240V – 3 Phase Input, up to 20 HP (15 kW)
• 400/480V – 3 Phase Input, up to 60 HP (45 kW)
• 480/600V – 3 Phase Input, up to 60 HP (45 kW)

As of June 2012 the AC Tech Lenze SCD, TCF and TMD series will be discontinued.

This blog will focus on the comparison of the SCD/TCF series to the upgrade we are suggesting.

Contact our in-house technical department for more information on the best cross reference for your application!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of AC Tech drives!