What Are Variable Frequency Drives Used For & Who Should Use Them?

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
This was taken from a recent e-newsletter we did. If you are not receiving this
great resource you can easily
sign up now on our website!
ac tech lenze smvector
Let's start with what variable frequency drives are used for...
Variable frequency drives are used for electronic speed control of AC induction motors. You might also refer to them as adjustable speed drives, variable speed drives, AC drives, microdrives or inverters.

The second question is who should be using variable frequency drives?
Marshall Wolf Automation can make this easy to determine by asking you the following questions:

  • Do you have AC industrial electric motors in your facility?
  • Are you looking to lengthen the life of these motors by running them at speeds that are designed for variable loads?
  • Are you trying to save on energy costs? 

If you said yes to the above questions then you should install variable frequency drives on your AC induction motors. 

 

Variable speed AC drives save energy costs, extend the life of your motor and take the burden off other power components. Many utilities are even offering rebates for using variable frequency drives.

Would you like assistance in finding out which of our high performance AC
 drives would be best for your application? As always we offer free in-house technical support.



AC Tech Lenze SMVector Overview

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
The AC Tech Lenze SMVector provides everything you need in a wide range of applications.

ac tech drivesThis high performance AC drive offers four modes of operation:
  • V/Hz
  • Enhanced V/Hz
  • Vector Speed
  • Torque
  • Plus high starting torque, auto-tuning, advanced low-speed control and dynamic speed regulation
The input voltage ranges from 120VAC 1-phase to 600VAC 3-phase and the series is now available up to 60 horsepower in the NEMA 1 model.

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

Search AC Tech Lenze drives now!

TECO N3 Series Variable Speed Drives Now Have BACnet Protocol As Standard!

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
The TECO N3 series now has BACnet Communications included as a standard feature.

teco n3 variable frequency drivesBACnet can be selected via parameter configuration. Then, with optional SIF-485 connector module, the TECO N3 drive will communicate on a BACnet network.

This gives you an excellent solution compared to other available methods of communications, including Gateway modules or 3rd party communication cards.

Gateways have typically been separate cards or mounted devices that are 'translators' from another protocol (Modbus for example) to BACnet. The TECO N3 model can eliminate this added step.

What is BACnet? It is a communication protocol that experienced significant growth in the past few years. BACnet is designed for Building Management Systems which include HVAC but includes other applications as well. These include energy management solutions, lighting, fire prevention and security access.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of TECO Westinghouse high performance AC drives, industrial electric motors and much more.

Search all of our TECO products now!





AC Tech Lenze SMVector Now Available In 50 and 60 hp!

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Did you know our popular AC Tech Lenze SMVector drives are
now available in 50 hp and 60 hp?


ac tech lenze smvector
In addition to this power expansion there is also a major software expansion.

New functionality includes:
  • Sequencer mode operation
  • Built-in dynamic brake connection
  • Potentiometer speed initialization
  • Auto pump/rinse mode
  • Fault history diagnostic parameters
If you haven't taken a look at this series of high performance AC drives, now is the time!

Look at our AC Tech Lenze Vector AC drives!

Just Announced: Hitachi WJ200 Expanded Offering

Friday, January 13, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Hitachi America has announced two new 100V class models in the WJ200 series. The new models will be rated at 1/2 hp and 1 hp, 100-120VAC single phase input and 200-240VAC 3 phase input.

The new models should be available by 2nd quarter of 2012.

To recap the Hitachi WJ200 is a sensorless vector AC drive (SLV) that is capable of 200% or greater torque across the speed range and has improved speed regulation.

The Hitachi WJ200 features:
  • Integrated PLC-like functionality
  • Programs up to 1024 lines can be created on a PC using Easy Sequence (EzSQ)
  • You can drive both induction and permanent magnet (PM) motors
  • EzCOM peer-to-peer communications
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Hitachi variable frequency drives.

Search all of our Hitachi high performance AC drives now!

Fuji Electric Frenic MEGA High Performance AC Drive

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
The Fuji Electric Frenic MEGA is a vector AC drive that will exceed your performance expectations!

fuji frenic megaYou will see improved control performance, easy maintenance, energy efficient and works for a variety of applications.

Expanded power ratings with built-in dynamic braking transistor, safety standard compliance (EN954-1 Cat. 3), improved overload durability and improved current and speed response are just a few of the advantages you will see with the Fuji Electric Frenic MEGA.


Two types of keypads are available for this variable frequency drive; a multi-function keypad and the keypad with the USB port. Choose the one that best fits your application!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Fuji Electric variable frequency drives!

Search all of our Fuji Electric high performance AC drives now!


Do You Need A Single Phase VFD?

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to go for single phase variable frequency drives!

teco ev seriesWe are authorized stocking distributors for all the top names including AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi VFD"s, Delta, Fuji Electric and TECO Westinghouse drives.

The use of speed control with single-phase induction motors is popular because it not only provides variable speed but also reduces energy consumption and noise.

As you have probably already realized 3 phase input/output AC drives are easy to come by... single phase input/3 phase output can be a little bit more difficult.

If you would like to speak to engineer about your single phase VFD application just give us a call at 800-325-9653 or shoot us an email - sales@wolfautomation.com.

Take a look at our single phase VFD offering now!

View our most popular single phase input variable frequency drive now - the Teco EV!


Multiple Purpose AC Drive from Teco

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by David Sheets
The EQ5 is a multiple purpose AC drive from Teco Westinghouse.  The EQ5 can be used in a largeEQ5
variety of applications such as crushers, grinders, water and wastewater, material handling, winders, and mixers, just to name a few.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized Teco Westinghouse distributor.

Some features of the EQ5 are:

Dynamic torque-vector control
New On-line tuning system
Environment-friendly features
Global products and communication
Intelligent keypad panel

Please visit our website at www.wolfautomation.com and view our large selection of industrial automation equipment.  Please contact us and we will be glad to assist you with your Teco drive or motor selection.

AC Tech Drives In Stock!

Friday, December 16, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Are you looking for quick delivery on AC Tech drives?

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized stocking distributor for the
complete line of AC Tech Lenze high performance AC drives.

Variable frequency drives are used for electronic speed control of motors.
Not sure if you would benefit from an AC drive? If you need any assistance
with your application we have in-house tech support available.

Take a look at all of our AC Tech Lenze high performance AC drives!

Our Recent E-Newsletter: Hitachii WJ200 Variable Frequency Drives

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro

Why you should take a look at the Hitachi WJ200 
variable frequency drive:

  • Bhitachi wj200uilt-in PLC
  • Encoder input (pulse input) for position control
  • Runs permanent magnet or induction motors
  • 200% plus starting torque 
  • ISO13849 rated safe stop circuit
  • Even better - you get all of these features for the price of a standard variable frequency drive!

Simple Positioning Control

The built-in PLC and encoder input (pulse input) give you simple positioning control.

 

This is a huge advantage over the Mitsubishi D700 which does not offer a built-in PLC. One more thing... they only offer 5 digital inputs, our Hitachi WJ200 high performance AC drives has 7!

One Inverter For Two Types of Motors

The Hitachi WJ200 variable frequency drive can drive both induction (IM) motors and permanent (PM) magnet motors. For more information on this feature please contact one of our in-house engineers through sales@wolfautomation.com.

 

Are You Exporting?

If you are exporting to Europe you will love the ISO13849 compliant safe stop circuit! This is a great feature that the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 4 does not offer!

 

This also allows you to eliminate the contactor for e-stop functions.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Hitachi variable frequency drives!



Using IMO Jaguar AC Drives? What About A-B Powerflex 700?

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
To start with the IMO Jaguar IS our Fuji Electric MEGA variable frequency drive!

fuji electric imo jaguar ac driveWould you like to see how the Fuji Electric MEGA high performance AC drive compares to your current manufacturer?

•Allen Bradley Powerflex 700 - we offer safe stop, 3 option ports and a 3 year warranty!
•ABB ACS 800-01 - the Fuji MEGA has 200% overload, safe stop and a 3 year warranty!
•Control Techniques Unidrive SP - Frenic MEGA has multifunction keyboard and a 3 year warranty!
•Danfoss FC302 - we have a 200% overload, higher HP ratings and a 3 year warranty!
•Mitsubishi A700 and Mitsubishi F700 - the Fuji Frenic MEGA high performance AC drive gives you a multifunction keyboard, 3 year warranty, safe stop, higher hp ratings and 200% overload!
•Schneider Altivar 71 - we offer higher HP ratings, multifunction keypad and 3 year warranty!
•Vacon NXP - we offer higher HP ratings, multifunction keypad and 3 year warranty!
•Yaskawa F7 and Yaskawa G7 - we offer higher HP ratings, 3 option ports and 3 year warranty!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Fuji Electric variable frequency drives!

Why You Have To Look At The Hitachi WJ200 AC Drive

Friday, October 28, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Do you run permanent magnet motors? The Hitachi WJ200 sensorless vector AC drive series runs permanent magnet or induction motors.

hitachi wj200Do you export? The Hitachi WJ200 has an ISO13849 compliant safe-stop circuit.

Do you do simple positioning? The Hitachi WJ200 is a high performance AC drive that has a built-in PLC plus encoder input for position control.

Are you using a Mitsubishi D700 variable frequency drive? It does not have a built-in PLC and only offers 5 digital inputs... we have 7.

Maybe you buy the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 4? They do not have a safe-stop circuit. Another advantage, besides the ISO13849, is that you can eliminate a contactor for e-stop functions.

Interested in other advantages? Contact us today to talk to one of our in-house engineers or click here to learn more now.


Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Hitachi variable frequency drives!

AC Tech Lenze High Performance AC Drives

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
The popular AC Tech Lenze SMVector series is a variable frequency AC drive series that offers a wide range of options:

Standard Enclosure Vector AC Drive
NEMA 1
120V to 600V
0.33 to 40 HP
Open loop vector, V/Hz

Washdown Enclosure Vector AC Drive
NEMA 4Xac tech lenze drives
120V to 600V
0.33 to 30 HP
Open loop vector, V/Hz

Integral Disconnect Vector AC Drive
NEMA 4X
Integral motor and drive disconnect
0.33 to 30 HP
Open loop vector, V/Hz

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


WEG Service Tip: Replacing Your DC Motor? Think AC!

Friday, September 30, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
I received my WEG newsletter this morning and thought their service tip was worth sharing:

'Alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) motors have traditionally served distinctly different application due to their construction and inherent operating characteristics. 

In general, AC motors were smaller, less expensive, lighter and more rugged than DC motors. DC motors, on the other hand, operated better in variable-speed application, particularly those requiring wide speed ranges, and provided more precise speed control.

DC motors have been the workhorse of industry in many applications where variable-speed operation is needed. In these applications DC motors are reliable and provide precise speed control under variable operating conditions.

The downside is DC motors are expensive to purchase and to maintain. In addition, over the past 10 years, AC drives have improved to the point where their speed control is far more precise, rivaling that of servo drives. What's more, the AC motor and drive together often cost about the same price as the DC motor alone.

The development of modern AC motors and drives is blurring the distinctions that once governed the choice between AC and DC drives. The result is that lower-cost, more-reliable AC drives are moving into application once reserved for DC drives
.'
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of WEG industrial electric motors and variable frequency drives.

We have in-house engineers available to help you with your application and recommend the best options.

Marshall Wolf Automation has all the top brands of variable speed AC drives and industrial electric motors!

Search all of our high performance AC drives!
Take a look at our industrial electric motor options!





Hitachi WJ200 with Built-In Safe Circuit!

Monday, September 19, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
hitachi wj200 vfdWe had a meeting with our Hitachi variable frequency drive reps this week and learned a bit more about the popular Hitachi WJ200 high performance AC drive line.

A great feature the WJ200 Hitachi VFD offers is a built-in safe stop circuit feature. Basically what this means is if you are using an e-stop you can eliminate the contactor!

Another benefit of the safe stop circuit is you will only lose output to the estop, not the communication to the PLC.

Did I mention the 10 year warranty on the fan and capacitors? 

Learn more about our Hitachi VFD's now!

Components for Car Washing Systems

Friday, September 9, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
car washing systemsDo you build car wash systems?
Do you own an industrial car wash?

Marshall Wolf Automation has a number of products designed specifically for car washing systems!

We are authorized industrial automation distributors for every manufacturer you see listed.
  • Iboco liquid tight connectors
  • Schmersal watertight safety interlock switches
  • Waterproof photoelectric light sensors
  • Carlo Gavazzi loop detectors for vehicle detection
  • Liquid level controllers
  • Carlo Gavazzi motion radar sensors for overhead doors
  • Liquid level and leakage photoelectric sensors
  • NEMA 4X rated indoor/outdoor duty high performance AC drives
  • Stainless steel disconnect switches
  • High temperature capacitive proximity sensors
I think you get the point. We are a great source for industrial automation components in your car washing systems!

View them all now...

Discontinued Hitachi VFD's (Variable Frequency Drive)

Friday, September 9, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Are you looking for a replacement Hitachi variable frequency drive and unable to find the exact drive?

hitachi wj200 vfdHitachi has released upgraded high performance drives for many of their older series. Overall these new variable speed motor drives are not only higher performance... they also cost less!

A quick rundown of Hitachi discontinued VFD's:

SJ100 was replaced by SJ200
which is replaced by the Hitachi WJ200 series.

SJ300 is replaced by the SJ700 series.

L200 series has been replaced by the Hitachi X200 series.
L300 is now replaced by the Hitachi L700 series.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Hitachi high performance AC drives!

Search all of our Hitachi VFD's now!

Smart Speed Pot for Drive Control

Friday, August 12, 2011 by Caryl Clement
Dart Smart Speed PotYou already know that Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to buy variable speed AC drives.  But if you also need a compact, economical control that can be used with conventional AC, DC, or Brushless DC adjustable speed drive systems to provide an LED display of set speeds and precise, digital closed loop motor speed control, Dart Controls has the perfect solution!

The Dart ASP10, digital closed loop interface for improved AC or DC drive system performance makes Dart’s Accu-Set the ultimate in accuracy and control! 

The Accu-Set is simple to operate… just set the desired RPM, rate, or time in the large 1/2″ LED display by depressing the “up-down” pushbuttons, one digit at a time or fast sweep. The Accu-Set settings are exact and repeatable. It will precisely control speed to a remarkable ±1/2 RPM of set speed, long term. The panel mount unit is easy to install in the industry standard cutout dimensions of 1/8 DIN. All wiring connects directly to a rugged screw type terminal strip through the easy access rear panel.

We are your one-stop Industrial Automation Distributor.  Whether you are looking for Lenze drives or any other high performance AC drive or the proper accessories to make them work harder, call us!  800-325-9653 - we have technical support on staff to assist you!

It's Easy To Order A Variable Frequency Drive!

Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
variable frequency driveActually, I should say it's easy to order a variable frequency drive at WolfAutomation.com!

Why? Marshall Wolf Automation allows you to easily filter your search by a number of options.

Searchable options for high performance AC drives:
  • Price
  • Housing
  • Input
  • Horsepower
  • Type of drive/application
  • Special options 

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for all the top brands.

We are authorized for AC Tech Lenze, Fuji Electric, TECO Westinghouse, Hitachi, Delta, Gefran and U.S. Drives!

Search all of our high performance AC drives now!

Variable Frequency Drives and Generators

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 by Scott Welch
An email repsonse from: scott@wolfautomation.com

I received the following from technical support at AC Tech Lenze. He is looking at this as a backup generator that would turn on and off in certain circumstances. In your case this is our permanent power supply. Being that we do not sell generators I do not have a very good background in that area. By looking at the information below the main concern seems to be the phase to phase control coming from the generator. If the generator manufacturer can give you more detailed information on the output of the generator itself you would have to make sure we are getting what we need to maintain a smooth running AC drive/motor combination.

Although switching from line power to a backup generator is an accepted practice in many applications, there are some limitations you should be aware of pertaining to our Variable Frequency Drives. Many portable backup generators have a larger voltage swing on their phase to phase voltage input than our recommended phase to phase voltage tolerance which must be less than 2%. Although our AC Drives are equipped with surge guards in the input rectifier circuit, it may be necessary to use external protection for severe input disturbances such as surge arrestors. Larger variances cause greater ripple on the DC bus caps and this will damage them and other power components over time. Our drives need a minimum of 2 minutes between cycling of power. Otherwise it can damage the charge relay circuit or at the very least will blow the input fuses or trip the circuit breaker.

In cases where input power has “moderate” spikes in voltage which causes current surges, a 3% line reactor may help the situation.

Another solution is to add a voltage monitor with a suitable time delay. It has a protection trip level that shuts down in cases of under-voltage, over-voltage, a loss of phase and voltage imbalance between phases. This device ensures that our VFD will not see unbalanced input power or never be powered up until these other voltage tolerances and proper delay times are met.

M141000B AC Tech  100 hp 460 volt drive in a Nema 1 enclosure  $6,836.50

http://www.wolfautomation.com/Configure3.aspx?ProductID=23229&x=90&y=11

M141000D AC Tech 100 hp 460 volt drive in a Nema 12 ( oil tight dust tight) enclosure $7,473.40

http://www.wolfautomation.com/Configure3.aspx?ProductID=23229&x=90&y=11

Did this email post help you?  Let us know!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor!