BONFIGLIOLI Transmission managing director Malcolm Lewis has explored the potential of frequency inverters to extend applications across a variety of industries.
Frequency inverters are used in applications ranging from continuous drives in simple conveyor belts through to networked manufacturing plant equipment. They can also act as a portable power supply.
However, they are most commonly used to drive gearmotors. In this capacity they can perform a variety of software and hardware duties.
Lewis says the company has two ranges of frequency inverters, both of which feature frequency conversion technology, machine network functions and simplified setup and controls. The models extend from 0.37 to 800kW.
He gave the example of an application where the unit was part of an operating system a non-ferrous metal separation machine. The machine was part of a larger waste separation system and extracted the metals for recycling.
The system had a rapid rotating magnetic cylinder at the end of a conveyer belt. The magnetic field generated by the cylinder caused Foucault currents to build up in the passing metal. With this build up the pieces would be separated from the material flow into collection hoppers.
Lewis says the system was controlled by a series of the manufacturer’s Vectron Active frequency inverters. The systems network connection was established through the inverters’ own CAN-Bus interface. The plants entire array of sensors and actuators could be connected to the inverters. This eliminated any needless connections to monitor plant operations.
He says the frequency inverters can also be equipped with Cold Plate technology to replace conventional heat sinks. Active Cold Plate devices can use any flat-counter surface and allow a number of units to be cooled by a single liquid-based heat extractor. Typically heat extractors are incorporated into the inverter.
Lewis says this can save space and reduce the problems caused by inefficient heat sinks.
He says the frequency inverters use the company’s VPlus 4.0 software. This includes a terminal monitor, setup window, variable presentation of real-time values, a four-channel oscilloscope and bus capacity.
Lewis claims the Vecton units can be simply configured for an application and then monitored easily. In more complex situations, the devices have the ability to determine their own optimal configuration and automatically find the data they require. Remote access, telephone assistance and a service kit are also included in the package.
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