The Zest WEG Group has successfully manufactured, delivered, installed and commissioned its first locally manufactured new generation modular variable speed drive (VSD). The CF11-M VSD – 750 kW, 1600 A normal duty, 380 V – was supplied to Weir Minerals Africa, together with three motors – 750 kW, 400 kW and 110 kW – for use in its state-of-the-art pump test facility at Isando.
Modular VSDs were previously assembled into enclosures by Zest WEG Group’s holding company, WEG, in Brazil and imported to the African market as a complete product. However Zest WEG Group company, Shaw Controls has developed an enclosure to suit the South African market and is able to assemble modular VSDs into locally manufactured enclosures. This makes it possible for the steelwork to be fabricated to local requirements.
Although the VSD technology came from WEG Brazil, the contract was executed locally by Zest WEG Group’s drives and automation specialists, who performed the custom design, testing and commissioning. Shaw Controls manufactured the enclosure and assembled the modular VSD, while EnI Electrical, another Zest WEG Group company, performed the site installation and cabling of the modular VSD to the Weir Minerals supply and pump test rig.
The system was developed based on plug-and-play philosophy, allowing simple and fast installation of the VSD and its accessories. The keypad has a navigation and programming system similar to mobile phones, with soft-key buttons.
It comprises complete cubicle modules and switchgear assembled in a robust steel enclosure. The main design components are the control unit, rectifier module and power modules (inverter). The modular VSD features the new generation of WEG CFW11 frequency inverters for ratings ranging from 370 to 2000 kW, with line voltages from 380 to 690 V. The compact power modules can be configured to achieve the required motor power ratings using a combination of up to five power modules.
Full-featured monitoring and protection functions in the VSD help prevent heat build-up, resulting in longer motor life and safer, more reliable performance. The IGBT overload protection feature monitors junction temperature via thermal imaging and has built-in protections and alarms. For example, the heat sink fans have an automatic on/off control to ensure added protection.
“This VSD has benefited Weir Minerals Africa in terms of a lower cost, custom design and a manufacturing period reduced from twelve to six weeks,” concludes Johan van Niekerk, Zest WEG Group manager for automation.
More movement on the market
Motion Control & Drives
If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems.
Read more...Highly customisable robotic hand
Motion Control & Drives
NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, an industry first.
Read more...Electrically-operated diaphragm pumping solutions Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG has extended its range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid handling products to include the new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps, designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity.
Read more...Grease degradation diagnosis technology
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the onsite analysis of lubricant condition in bearings and linear motion systems.
Read more...New compact VFDs with higher power ratings
Motion Control & Drives
Invertek Drives has revealed the extension of its industry-leading Optidrive Coolvert variable frequency drive with the launch of two new compact frame sizes with higher power ratings.
Read more...Revolutionising manufacturing: the impact of machine learning in robotics
Motion Control & Drives
The integration of machine learning (ML) into robotics has the potential to revolutionise many industries, in particular the manufacturing sector. Yaskawa South Africa is at the forefront of embracing this transformative technology to optimise innovation and propel the manufacturing industry forward.
Read more...Chain hoist friction clutch tester WIKA Instruments
Motion Control & Drives
WIKA’s FRKPS chain hoist test set is a reliable and efficient way to test the friction clutch on your chain hoist.
Read more...Why artificial intelligence matters in robotic technology
Motion Control & Drives
Andrew Crackett, managing director of Yaskawa Southern Africa, gives his insight into the role of AI in robotics technology, with its advantages and challenges, and makes predictions for the future.
printer friendly version