Product Overview
A host of innovative features built into ABB's all-new component drives line, model ACS150, means very fast, trouble-free installation, start-up and worry-free operation for users - no specialized drive knowledge required!
Offered in a 0.5 - 5.0 horsepower range, with a +10VDC output potentiometer reference, the drives' user interface incorporates the same logic as that found in higher-powered ABB drives. The integrated control panel is designed for ease of use, with a backlit LCD display and ergonomically designed keypad buttons. Motor speed can be set using the integral potentiometer – the most intuitive frequency control method for many users.
Easy, Easy, Easy!
"Ease of use distinguishes everything these drives offer - from unpacking the box to quickly selecting parameters via the panel, or adjusting speed with the potentiometer," said Jukka Nurmi, product line manager, ABB Inc., Low Voltage Drives. "It works like a variable-speed starter, and is ideal for new installations, or easy integration into existing panels, replacing contactors and motor starters. All the features are designed to work with the natural intuition users already have in setting up and operating electronic devices."
And, for machine and panel builders, there are built-in features and programming technology that makes multiple-unit production of machines and panels fast, easy - and more profitable, he said.
Typical applications for the new drives include pumps, fans, conveyors, packaging machines, centrifuges, mixers, and a host of OEM machines built for the food and beverage, material handling, textile, printing, rubber and plastics, and woodworking industries.
New FlashDrop Technology Replicates Parameters in Seconds – No Power to Drive Needed
ABB's patented FlashDrop technology, an option with the ACS150 drives, makes parameter selection and setting easy and quick. Critical parameters can be quickly and safely downloaded into the new drives, using a hand-held FlashDrop unit.
"The FlashDrop can store several parameter sets and, for extra convenience, each set can be named to clearly show the associated application," Nurmi noted. "This parameter setting can be done without a power connection to the drive; in fact, it is not even necessary to unpack the drive. The FlashDrop probe simply is inserted into the receptacle on the face of the drive."
This makes it easy for distributors to pre-configure drives prior to delivery - and helps OEMs replicate exact parameter sets across machines, easing further the machine start-up process for customers.
Long and short menus are available via the control panel, with the parameters in the short menu selected to meet the requirements of 80 percent of basic applications. FlashDrop also allows the menu structure to be customized.
Parameters can be set and hidden, changing the appearance of the menu for faster set up and configuration. This makes it easier for the end user to use the machine, and also ensures that they only can adjust the parameters that the machine builder wants them to. The FlashDrop unit can be connected to a PC for creating and editing parameters using the interface, and to tap into the PC's additional storage capacity. FlashDrop is quick and convenient to use, and no specialized knowledge is required.
"This technology respects the reality that end users need the OEM machines they purchase to get into operation very very quickly, and start-up for most of these applications should not require a specialist," Nurmi said.
Compact and Cabinet Compatible; Filter, Chopper, Built In
The new ACS150 drives incorporate both a built-in EMC filter and a braking chopper as standard. The 2nd environment filter complies with IEC61800-3 for usage of the drives on machines and applications around the world, and the chopper gives users the freedom to choose their resistor supplier.
Compact design distinguishes the drive line, too – a critical consideration on machines and panels where real estate is a premium, according to Nurmi. The drives are designed for convenient installation in control cabinets and optimal use of space within them. All drives across the range feature unified height and depth, with only the width changing for different power ratings. As a result, all screw holes for mounting any of the drives are located at the same height, and cable trays can be mounted horizontally. In addition to mounting screws, the drives can be mounted using a DIN rail. They can be mounted side-by-side or, when space is limited, they can be mounted with one side to the back of the cabinet.
"For machine builders, this small space requirement, and the ability to maintain a horizontal plane across all horsepowers, makes product design and machine construction easier," Nurmi said.
And Fast Wire-up
The supply and I/O connections for ABB's new component drives are located side-by-side at the bottom of the front panel for easy access. The connections are clearly marked and include one analog and five digital inputs (of which one can be configured for pulse train), and one relay output.
The drives' own housing provides IP20 protection. They are available for 1-phase and 3 phase 240V operation, in a 0.5 to 3 Hp range; and in 3-phase 480V, from 0.5 to 5 Hp. ABB Inc., Automation Technologies, Automation Products, Low Voltage Drives, is the world's largest manufacturer of electric motors and drives. In the USA, an integrated channel of sales representatives, distributors, and system integrators allow ABB, New Berlin, Wisconsin, to supply a complete line of energy-efficient electric drives, motors and engineered drive systems to a wide range of industrial and commercial customers. Products manufactured include AC and DC variable speed drives for electric motors from 1/8th through 135,000 HP, and application-specific drive system solutions to meet diverse customer needs (http://www.us/drives.)
ABB (www.abb.us) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 102,000 people. The company's U.S. operations employ about 9,000 in manufacturing and other facilities in 40 states.
