Motion Control & Drives


WEG's variable speed drives on Ghana mine

November 2019 Motion Control & Drives

Two units of the newly-developed WEG 11 kV VSD have been commissioned in West Africa by WEG Automation Africa, a member of the Zest WEG Group.

According to Kirk Moss, senior manager: projects and engineering at WEG Automation Africa, the new WEG MVW3000 VSD is a valuable addition to its medium voltage (MV) VSD portfolio. The first two 11 kV units produced are for 850 kW ventilation fan motors in an underground gold mine in Ghana.

“In line with WEG’s ongoing innovation, the addition of the WEG MVW3000 system brings a range of benefits to customers,” says Moss. “It gives WEG Automation Africa even greater flexibility in our market offering, further enhancing our capability to provide customised solutions.”

The design is based on the well-known cascaded H-bridge (CHB) topology, using multiple low voltage power cells in combination to achieve the desired voltage output. The input switch, phase-shifting transformer and VSD are fully integrated in a single MV panel.

“The WEG MVW3000 is particularly suited to applications where there are standard motors with no special insulation,” adds Moss, “or where existing motors are being modified for VSD control.”

This VSD delivers high quality input power using low harmonic multi-pulse transformers. Users benefit from an efficiency of over 96,5% throughout the entire load range, and a power factor of more than 0,95 throughout the entire speed range.

“The design includes power cells with long-life plastic capacitors, which are more reliable and last longer than dry type capacitors,” explains Moss. “They also have the advantage of not needing to be reformed after long periods of storage.”

In standard configuration, the 11 kV VSD is available from 40-400 A or 640-6500 kW, although larger sizes are also available if required.

Among the options on the WEG MVW3000 is an automatic cell bypass solution. This ensures minimal reduction in the output-rated torque so that normal operations can continue. Redundant power cells can also be added to the design to ensure that 100% torque can be maintained. Prior to delivery, all VSDs are fully load-tested in WEG’s state-of-the-art facility in Brazil.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

New precision planetary gearboxes
Motion Control & Drives
Teknic offers precision planetary gearboxes with a wide selection of frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges and body configurations to accommodate a range of motion control requirements.

Read more...
Septentrio starts mass production of mosaic-G5 positioning modules
Motion Control & Drives
Septentrio has started volume shipments of mosaic-G5 modules that enable reliable positioning without performance compromise for size and power-constrained industrial applications.

Read more...
SKF and Sieb & Meyer announce strategic partnership for magnetic bearings
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF has announced a strategic partnership with Sieb & Meyer, a renowned expert in variable frequency drives and control electronics.

Read more...
Advanced tensioning solutions for industrial applications
Motion Control & Drives
OST-Africa has developed an advanced range of tensioning elements, designed to meet the demands of mechanical power transmission

Read more...
Siemens sets new standards in drive technology
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220.

Read more...
Bearings International enters South Africa’s pump market
Bearings International Motion Control & Drives
Bearings International has entered into the local pumps market through an exclusive distribution agreement with leading Italian pump manufacturer, SAER.

Read more...
Next-generation multisensor sets new standards in condition monitoring
Motion Control & Drives
The next-generation Sitrans MS200 multisensor from Siemens enables improved predictive maintenance that makes industrial operations smarter, safer and more efficient.

Read more...
MEPS rules create opportunity but smart moves are critical
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE says that South African regulations on premium efficiency IE3 motors open a door of opportunity for geared motor users, but forward planning and the considered advice of established and trusted experts is vital.

Read more...
Strain wave gearheads for precision and compact design
Motion Control & Drives
Strain wave gearheads from maxon are a specialised type of gearhead where precision and compact design are crucial.

Read more...
Open-source humanoid robot redefining human-machine interaction
Motion Control & Drives
Pollen Robotics is working on an ambitious mission: to imagine and advance useful robotics for humans. Their flagship creation, Reachy combines accessibility, innovation and open-source collaboration.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved