2nd Quarter 2016Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Simple drive tasks demand straightforward, cost-effective solutions. Siemens is therefore expanding its Sinamics portfolio to include the new single-axis Sinamics V20 inverter. It comes in four sizes covering the performance range from 0,12 to 15 kW and is used to operate pumps, fans, compressors and conveyor systems, as well as for simple drive tasks in the processing and handling industries.
This compact inverter can be connected directly in line or mounted as a push-through installation in addition to the conventional wall-mounting method. Since no further modules or add-on options are required for operation, the installation time is reduced to a minimum. The integrated Basic Operator Panel (BOP) enables trouble-free on-site commissioning and operation. Besides the universal serial interfaces for easy connection to Simatic controllers, the terminal also incorporates a Modbus interface for communication with third party controls. Pre-built connection and application macros facilitate application-specific settings. For units with a power rating higher than 7,5 kW the brake resistor can be connected directly to the integrated brake chopper.
Operation of the new Siemens inverter is as easy as its commissioning. Parameters that have been optimised for one application can easily be transferred to other units. SD or MMC cards may be used to save user data via the BOP interface or the battery-operated Parameter Loader. The current firmware can also be loaded. Tailored interconnection and application macros (also for pumps, fans and compressors) provide the right settings for each particular application. The ‘Keep Running’ mode automatically adapts the Sinamics V20 to the power supply conditions to achieve higher availability when it is operated on unstable networks. Here, line fluctuations are compensated internally or error messages are acknowledged autonomously. Due to the enhanced cooling concept and coated PCBs and electronic components, the Sinamics V20 is an extremely rugged drive, both electrically and mechanically, and is highly reliable in harsh environments.
The demand-driven regulation of the motor speed results in high energy savings, even for basic applications. The V20 is equipped with an energy-optimised control mode (ECO Mode) for increased energy efficiency, which automatically adapts the magnetic flux in the motor to the prevailing operating point. Furthermore, the DC link coupling enables efficient energy utilisation of two inverters in a grouped system.
The Sinamics V20 can also be set to hibernation mode, which prolongs the service life of the motor and also reduces wear, for example in pumps. The current energy consumption is shown in the display so that the operator always has the energy and cost efficiency of the drive in focus.
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