VSD design simplifies installation
April 2007
Motion Control & Drives
The restructured division of Alstom Electrical, CHI Control Components, is now focused on supplying low voltage components directly to OEMs and panel builders. CHI has been successfully supplying the Vacon range of variable speed drives (VSDs) into the southern African market for close to 10 years making it an established brand in South Africa. The product is also brand labelled and supplied through a number of well-known low voltage motor control suppliers in the region. CHI offers a comprehensive range of VSDs ranging from 0,25 kW right up to 5 MW.
New to the range is the Vacon NXL series available for AC drives from 0,25 kW to 30 kW for industrial and residential applications. The space-saving bookshelf design offers high protection classes, versatile control and programming capabilities.
Options include air cooled and liquid cooled, open and closed-loop control and chopper or resistor braking. Logic cards are galvanically separated from the power compartment, limiting damage in the event of a power component failure. Modbus, DeviceNet and Profibus communications protocols are supported. All the drives come equipped with input chokes. A removable keypad, common to the entire range, is also available as are I/O expansion cards.
The units can be wall mounted without additional cabinets because of their high protection class. RFI filters and brake choppers are incorporated and the integral AC choke is effective in protecting the drive against voltage spikes and limiting stress on supply transformers, cables and fuses. The extensive range of control options includes I/O, fieldbuses and a display panel. The NXL series offers fully programmable I/O, auto identification, PID control and flying start support.
Installation and programming is quick and convenient with the help of a credit-card-size 'Quick Guide'. Programming is often just a selection of load type and fine-tuning of the motor nominal current and speed.
The mechanical design is compact. The super-cooling principle employed allows high ambient temperatures and high switching frequencies without de-rating. CHI claim that the IP54 units are the smallest AC drives on the market and all units are suitable for either wall mounting or installation in enclosures.
CHI Control Components has a nationwide service and support footprint through its extensive network of branches and distributors and also offer support into sub-Saharan Africa. Its 24/7/365 service centres are manned with highly experienced service engineers.
For more information contact Rob Hare, CHI Control Components, +27 (0)11 824 7400, [email protected], www.chicontrol.co.za
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