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:

Smart features increase crane safety
Motion Control & Drives
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.

Read more...
Compact, powerful hexapod for high-precision applications
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...
Hexagon Electrical services electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.

Read more...
NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.

Read more...
Cutting-edge robotics and smart manufacturing solutions
Yaskawa Southern Africa Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa made a compelling impact at this year’s Africa Automation and Technology Fair

Read more...
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.

Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...
Servicing the electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.

Read more...
Control system for deep antenna
Rockwell Automation Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.

Read more...
Manufacturers should go PFAS-Free
igus Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to develop engineered plastics that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS-free) in response to mounting evidence of severe environmental and health hazards caused by the chemicals.

Read more...