The Finnish drive-maker Vacon has announced three new AC drives products, including a new flagship range that it describes as one of the most important products in its history. The other new products are part of Vacon`s recently-announced range of rugged, decentralised AC drives for applications where space is limited.

The new multi-purpose Vacon 100 drive is designed to be adapted to a variety of different applications. “It offers the lowest cost of ownership and the best usability,” declares Heikki Hiltunen, Vacon’s executive vice-president for market operations. “That`s why we`re really excited about it.

“With the features Vacon 100 offers – such as an easy-to-use, fully graphical, multilingual display, and extended built-in block programming for drive customisation – we`re expecting it to be the AC drive of choice throughout a whole range of industries,” he adds. “Pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors – all these are applications which benefit massively from energy efficiency and improved productivity, and this product is ideal for these purposes.”

The drives incorporate a Safe Torque-Off function, on-board Ethernet-based communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet IO and Modbus TCP, as well as Atex-certified motor over-temperature protection.

The Vacon 100 will be available in ratings from 0.55–90kW, 230V and 1.1–160kW, 500V. The wall-mountable modules are IP21-protected as standard with IP54 as an option. Two frame sizes are also available as IP00 for installation in cabinets or enclosures.

Efficiency is said to better than 97% and there is a built-in energy counter. The drives offer dedicated features for key applications.

The new Vacon 100 X and 20 X decentralised drives (on the left and right in the photo above) have IP66 / Type 4X enclosures, avoiding the need for additional enclosures in harsh conditions. 

“By placing the drive as close to the motor as possible, or in the most appropriate location, allows considerable savings to be achieved as no separate electrical rooms, long shielded motor cables or drive cabinets are required,” explains Hans Carlsson, Vacon’s product marketing director for motor drives. “This is one of the ways for our customers to achieve the optimum total cost for their drive solution.”

The 100 X power range up to 30kW has built-in harmonic filtering chokes, making it suitable for public networks. Its robust, die-cast metal frame is strong enough to withstand 3g vibrations, and the enclosure is powder-coated for protection against corrosion and outdoor environments. A Gore snap-in vent prevents dust or moisture from reaching inside the drive, while offering “in/out” pressure equalisation to stop the seals from being worn down.

The 100 X has built-in PLC functions using IEC61131-1 programming, allowing logic and parameter list definitions to be modified using the optional Vacon Programming Tool. This will allow users to customise the drive to their requirements, making it an attractive option for OEM customers.

The cooling system allows the drive to be used in temperatures up to 60°C with derating. Unlike most motor-mounted drives, it does depend on motor airflow and uses a speed-controlled fan.

The smaller 20 X model covers ratings from 0.75–4kW, 208–240V and 0.75–7.5kW, 380–480V. It offers a wide array of fieldbus connections, and Safe Torque Off mode. An optional built-in main switch can cut installation costs. The drive resists vibrations up to 2g and temperatures up to 40°C.