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System drives use new technology to boost performance

09 November, 2016

At its annual Automation Fair in the US, Rockwell Automation has announced a family of modular system drives that use a new field-oriented control technology called TotalForce which, it claims, will deliver superior motor control through precise, adaptive control of velocity, torque and position. The technology incorporates several patented functions designed to optimise the operation of systems and to boost productivity.

TotalForce has been implemented in a new family of drives, called Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755T, which includes models dedicated to harmonic mitigation, regeneration and common-bus applications. According to Rockwell product manager, Brad Arenz, the drives have been designed “to provide savings from installation, through operation and maintenance, with advanced features that allow you to optimise use of your assets”.

The freestanding drives, which have small footprints, span ratings from 160kW–2.4MW, 400–690V. They incorporate predictive diagnostics that estimate the remaining lifespans of components such as fans, relay contacts, power semiconductors and capacitors. The drives comply with IEEE 519.

Modules can be removed completely from the cabinet, creating space to install wiring with ease. The power wiring stays connected while a module is rolled out. Installation and maintenance is simplified by using accessory carts that allow one person to insert or remove modules without needing ramps or hoists.

The three dedicated PowerFlex drives are:

•  the 755TL low-harmonic drive, which uses active front-end technology and an internal harmonic filter to reduce harmonic distortion in applications from 160–1,250kW;

The PowerFlex 755TM common DC bus version of the new drive is aimed at multi-motor installations

•  the 755TR regenerative drive (130–2,300kW), which includes both regenerative and harmonic mitigation technologies and helps to reduce energy consumption and costs by feeding energy back into the incoming supply; and

•  the 755TM common DC bus drive which allows users to build systems for multi-motor installations using modules with ratings from 130–2,300kW.

The drives can be configured using Rockwell Software’s Studio 5000 design environment, which can also be used to program Rockwell’s Logix controllers, thus saving programming time, simplifying start-ups and streamlining diagnostics.

Deliveries of the new drives are expected to start in early 2017.




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