Rockwell Automation has announced the expansion of the Allen-Bradley Powerflex 400 HVAC drive offering to include increased power ratings of up to 250 kW. This allows variable frequency motor control to be applied to a far broader range of motor driven applications. The drives have been optimised for commercial fans and pumps and the installation can result in significant energy savings. PowerFlex 400 AC drives feature built-in network connectivity for seamless integration into building automation systems, as well as flexible packaging options for easy installation and start-up.
“Applications involving large centrifugal loads and changing flow rates, such as air handlers, cooling towers and chillers, are prime targets for significant energy savings,” said David Mantey, product marketing manager, Rockwell Automation. “PowerFlex 400 variable frequency drives deliver optimum speed control to help users improve air handling efficiency, optimise energy consumption and reduce overall energy costs.
An integral RS485 communications interface provides support for most standard building automation networks, including Modbus RTU, N2 and Siemens P1-FLN. These protocols are parameter selectable and require no additional hardware or software. For expanded communication capability, optional add-on modules provide connectivity to LonWorks and BACnet networks.
PowerFlex 400 HVAC drives feature an embedded PID controller that automatically adjusts the output frequency to maintain a process variable. Three programmable skip frequencies and bands prevent the drive from running continuously at resonant speeds, which could result in mechanical breakdowns. Selectable fan and pump curves provide reduced voltage patterns for centrifugal fan and pump loads.
A sleep function allows the drives to be cycled off when the system demand drops below a preset level, and restarted automatically when the demand increases. For applications that require unattended operation, a ‘Start At Power Up’ function allows the drives to resume running once power is restored after a power outage. Users also can connect the drives to fire and safety systems via freeze/fire and purge inputs. Users can easily program, monitor and control the drives using Allen-Bradley DriveExplorer and DriveTools SP software.
New motion platform for tube laser processing
Motion Control & Drives
Aerotech has announced the LaserTurn280, a motion platform for laser machining of cylindrical medical device components, offering calibrated accuracy of plus or minus 1 micrometre and designed for integration into high-volume production lines.
Read more...Functional safety in modern factory automation
Motion Control & Drives
Functional safety in modern factory automation allows machines to operate at controlled speeds or hold axes at standstill rather than shutting down entirely. Kollmorgen’s Safe Motion monitor software now supports additional safety-rated encoder protocols, extending these capabilities to precision and linear motion applications.
Read more...Improving material handling with autonomous mobile robots Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
Autonomous mobile robots offer flexible, AI-driven material handling that adapts to shifting demand, fills labour gaps, and generates the operational data needed to optimise end-to-end facility performance.
Read more...Sinamics G210 versatile drive for continuous motion applications
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has expanded its drive portfolio with the Sinamics G210, a versatile converter for continuous motion applications that combines motor openness with modular hardware, software options and flexible communication on a scalable OEM platform.
Read more...Trends and outlook for actuators in humanoid motion
Motion Control & Drives
The humanoid robotics industry is shifting from prototype development to early commercial adoption, with electric actuators dominating current designs and materials innovation set to define next-generation hardware. IDTechEx forecasts a 47% compound annual growth rate for humanoid unit sales over the next decade.
Read more...Specialist girder frame trailer solves challenging transformer delivery
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet used its high-capacity girder frame trailer to transport an oversized Hitachi Energy transformer 130?km by road from Ludvika to Köping Port in Sweden, then completed a RoRo transfer to a heavy-lift vessel bound for China.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE to exhibit energy-efficient automation at Propak Cape SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its MOVI-C modular automation portfolio at Propak Cape, demonstrating how integrated drive and automation technologies can help processing and packaging companies reduce energy consumption and improve production consistency.
Read more...XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, achieving micrometer-precise workpiece positioning and dramatically shorter lead times compared with traditional tool-based manufacturing.
Read more...Sinamics G210X for advanced pump, fan and compressor applications Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has introduced the Sinamics G210X, a frequency converter for pump, fan and compressor applications combining easy engineering, IP55 protection and integrated S2 system redundancy for reliable operation in demanding infrastructure environments.
Read more...Pittsburgh’s Commercial Street Bridge replaced in under 24 hours
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet used specialist skidding equipment to slide a 10?000 ton replacement bridge into position on Pittsburgh’s Commercial Street in a single day shift, cutting what would have been four years of traffic disruption to just 17 days of closure.
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.
printer friendly version