I started my search by checking out Wikipedia. I then looked up and read a number of things to come up with my very own simplified explanation. Disclaimer: I am in no way an engineer! This topic gets pretty deep, pretty fast. I'll do my best to keep it basic.

Vector control drives basically control 3-phase AC electric motor output by using two variables; voltage magnitude and frequency. We'll go just a little bit deeper to explain that vector control is available as field oriented control (FOC) or sensorless.

Most variable frequency drives used are Volts/Hertz, which means they provide open-loop operation. These drives are unable to retrieve feedback from the process, but can generally do the job for most applications. If these drives are not accurate enough then you want to take a look at vector control.

In general, if your application requires higher levels of accuracy, vector may be the way to go. These high performance AC drives can adjust themselves to sustain the programmed speed, rate, torque, and/or position.

Marshall Wolf Automation is a variably frequency drive powerhouse! We have a large inventory ready to ship, competitive pricing and we are authorized for all the top brands. Did I mention complimentary tech support?

View all of our AC drives now!

Marshall Wolf Automation has reached $1 million dollar in sales for Lenze AC Tech's fiscal year.

Lenze AC Tech is a key product line for Marshall Wolf Automation and we are very excited to announce this milestone

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized stocking distributor for AC Tech variable frequency drives. Our inside sales and technical support staff can quickly assist you in finding the best high performance AC drive for your application.

Thank you to all of our customers that helped us reach this goal!

A leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, AC Tech Lenze offers the 8400 Inverter Series. The 8400 series features L-Force automation technology for tailored motion control solutions that deliver stable and high dynamic performance in a range of material handling and logistics applications.

The 8400 product family runs the gamut from basic inverter to ‘servo’ inverter. From simple continuous motion applications, like driving a conveyor, to controlling complex synchronized pick-and-place applications, there is an 8400 inverter right-sized for the job.  Matched with high efficiency Lenze motors, gearboxes and brakes, the 8400 series steers the whole drive package.

Most mechanical processes have variable power requirements that depend on external parameters, such as the production volume. A frequency inverter matches the speed and torque with the process requirements. In addition to L-Force control and software, the 8400 series inverters incorporate intelligent features, including memory modules, online diagnostics and optional integrated safety systems.

Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to shop for all of your AC Tech needs. 

TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company offers an extensive line of variable speed drives and soft starters for your motor control applications. 

The EQ7 is the next generation of variable frequency drives for the market.  TECO-Westingouse also offers VFD rated motors and Marshall Wolf can offer all other complimentary devices to allow you to create you next system.   We also offer a wide variety of motors that are matched with the drives and soft starters including vertical hollow shaft, rolled steel, and NEMA premium efficient NEMA motors.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized TECO Westinghouse distributor for both the TECO AC drives and motors!

EQ 7 Features

• Manufactured by TECO Westinghouse
• New from TECO!
• High performance, full featured drive
  • Constant torque, 1-900hp
  • Variable torque, 1-1000hp
• Four selectable control modes
  • Volts/Hertz, dynamic torque, sensorless vector, closed loop vector
• Can control almost all variable speed applications
• Advanced speed and torque control capabilities
• Advanced tuning features
• PID loop control features
• This drive competes with:
  • Yaskawa F7, G7 series
  • Square D Altivar 71
• Ideal markets for the TECO EQ7:
  • Large fans and pumps
  • Compressors
  • Wastewater
  • High torque applications
  • Extruders and molding machines

Marshall Wolf Automation is your leading Industrial Automation Distributor for all TECO Westinghouse drives.  The EQ7 is the one to beat, contact us today or visit out website to get your quotation for the EQ7 you need.  We can be reached at 847-658-8130 or on our website at www.wolfautomation.com  Check us out today, we can help!

I was hoping to make this into such a simple process that even I could do it... however, it's not quite that simple!

This blog will turn more into a 'here is the information you need to have someone who knows what they are doing size a drive'. That 'someone' could be our in-house tech support team, Scott and Chris!

Before you start looking at which variable frequency drive you want, get this information (hint: most of this information can be found on the motor nameplate!):

• Horsepower
• FLA (full load amps)
• Voltage
• RPM
• Service Factor
• Not required but good to know if the motor is inverter duty rated

There will also be questions asked about your application. Some of the common ones I hear are whether the load is constant torque or variable torque, what the speed range and control method is and if you have any special application requirements for the enclosure.

If you contact us with this information then I promise it will be a simple process, Scott or Chris will be able to recommend the best drive for your application! We stock a large amount of high performance AC drives from all the big names; AC Tech Lenze, Fuji Electric, Hitachi, TECO, Delta and more.

View all of our variable frequency drives now!
Learn more about AC drives here.

I have many customers who call and say they are just looking for a simple, easy to use variable frequency drive for speed control.  The SM series from AC Tech Lenze is one of the first drives I think of for this scenario.

The compact packaging and comprehensive functionality make the SCM an ideal drive solution for use on equipment requiring variable speed, soft starting or reversing operation. The SCM Series can be used with 3-phase AC induction motors rated from 1/3 HP up to 15HP (0.25 - 11 kW) on voltages from 120V single-phase to 480 V three-phase.

These easy to use drives are configured and ready to use right out of the box for most simple applications. By simple reprogramming, the SCM  will perform many application specific tasks such as multiple preset speeds, electronic braking and motor jogging to name a few. Like all AC Tech sub-micro drives, the SCM and drives use the EPM memory technology for fast and efficient programming.

Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to go for all of your high performance AC Drive needs!  Call us today at 800-325-9653 (WOLF).