Motion Control & Drives


Altivar drives in IP54 enclosures

April 2009 Motion Control & Drives

Schneider Electric scales up plug-and-play.

Users have come to expect plug-and-play in complex industrial control systems. Suppliers of variable speed drives have embraced this concept with drives’ ability to match themselves to connected motors. Now Schneider Electric is upping the ante by offering its Altivar drives fitted in fully equipped IP54 enclosures.

Altivar 71 Plus drives rated above 800 kW are available pre-assembled in enclosures with various cooling options
Altivar 71 Plus drives rated above 800 kW are available pre-assembled in enclosures with various cooling options

The ready-assembled VSD (variable speed drive) concept, which is available for 380–690 V, 3-phase asynchronous motors from 90 kW upwards, simplifies installation and ensures optimal ventilation for the Altivar drive: something that end-users do not always get right when equipping their own enclosures.

The enclosure assembly’s offer comprises: one or two ready-assembled enclosures, depending on the drive rating; a drive mounted on a heatsink; a switch and fast-acting fuses; harmonic reduction circuits; and an IP65 remote graphic display terminal kit.

Benefits and savings

In developing these kits, Schneider Electric has performed thermal and mechanical studies and the assemblies have been tested and approved under full load conditions. Users of these ready-assembled drive kits can be confident that their installed drive solution has been assembled from components that are well matched.

The Altivar 71Plus pre-assembled enclosures are built using a range of standard enclosure, drive, electrical and control components
The Altivar 71Plus pre-assembled enclosures are built using a range of standard enclosure, drive, electrical and control components

A significant benefit of this pre-engineered approach is the time savings that it yields: when quoting, ordering, installing and commissioning.

Electrical installation of these pre-assembled drives is limited to only the connection of power supply and motor cabling. The enclosures are sized and the components are laid out to provide generous space for these connections while keeping the drive footprint compact.

Altivar 71 Plus

Equipped with an Altivar 71 Plus VSD these assemblies can be used for constant torque control of motors rated up to 2000 kW for variable speed control of equipment such as fans, pumps, compressors and screw feeders.

There are several cooling alternatives for Altivar 71 Plus drives of 800 kW and above. Internal cooling circuits are either air or water cooled. Internal cooling isolates the fully enclosed power electronics section from the external cooling air via a heat exchanger, providing the best protection in a harsh environment. Alternatively an external heat exchanger system can be selected, reducing airconditioning costs by removing hot air from the motor control room.

Customisation possibilities

Schneider Electric offers various options for customising the ready-assembled drive modules. These include fieldbus cards for drive integration into automation systems, encoder interface cards, an emergency stop button, Preventa safety relay, panel-front meters, braking units, heating, cooling and lighting option choices.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Prefabricated data centres for an AI-focused future at the edge
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
As AI technologies continue to advance, data centres are being pushed to the edge, reshaping their operations to meet daily demands. To meet the relentless demands of AI workloads at the edge, prefabricated data centre solutions offer a scalable, efficient and fast alternative to traditional builds.

Read more...
New generation soft starter ranges
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric has launched its new generation Altivar ATS430 and ATS490 soft starter ranges in Anglophone Africa, the latest innovations in motor control technology.

Read more...
Machinery maintenance and the hidden cost of fuel adulteration
Motion Control & Drives
Fuel adulteration is one of the most insidious threats to industrial machinery, safety and environmental compliance. Craig FitzGerald, chief executive officer of ISO-Reliability Partners, discusses how this widespread issue undermines mechanical performance and operational safety, and also poses significant legal and financial risks.

Read more...
Sensorless control of brushless
Motion Control & Drives
Many applications would benefit from a brushless motor without a sensor. A method developed by maxon is now setting new standards for precision and reliability.

Read more...
Precise information in the cockpit with FAULHABER stepper motors
Motion Control & Drives
For the display of Bugatti’s upcoming luxury model, Tourbillon, something truly special will be presented. Instead of a digital version, the driver will see a genuine Swiss timepiece behind the steering wheel.

Read more...
TechAccess and Schneider Electric partnership goes from strength to strength
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric, together with its longstanding partner TechAccess, is poised to take the Southern African market by storm.

Read more...
Complete mine hoist systems
Motion Control & Drives
From friction to single and double drum hoists, ABB is a complete supplier of various types of mine hoist systems.

Read more...
Innovative braking technology for heavy-duty hoists
Motion Control & Drives
The electro-hydraulic disc brakes in the DX series from RINGSPANN have been re-engineered, and are proving to be a trendsetter in the holding and emergency stop systems in the hoists of heavy-duty and container cranes.

Read more...
Africa’s pragmatic approach to AI and how data centres are enabling it
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
In Africa, the current AI momentum is driven by a fundamental need, building a resilient digital infrastructure that addresses the real-world challenges of the continent’s communities.

Read more...
Platform to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has launched Zeigo Hub by Schneider Electric, a powerful new digital platform designed to help organisations decarbonise their supply chains at scale.

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