ABB Variable Frequency

ABB Variable Frequency Drive Repair, Procedure Summary

ABB variable frequency drive repair should beginwith checking the electric motor connections and driveterminal connections. Motor and driveconnections can be missed, installed loosely or wired to the incorrect terminals, so checking all connections is recommended before pulling the drivefor a repair evaluation. Heat cycles and mechanical vibration can lead to sub-standard connections. Reusing torque screws is not a good idea, and further tightening an already tight connection can ruin the connection. Bad connections eventually lead to arcing. Arcing at the drive input terminal can result in over voltage faults, clearing of input fuses, or damage to protective components. Arcing at the driveinput or output terminals may result in over-current faults or damage to the power components. Loose connections can cause erratic operation. For example, a loose START/STOP signal wire can cause uncontrollable starting and stopping of the motor. A loose speed reference wire can cause the drive speed to fluctuate, resulting in scrap, machine damage, and personnel injury.

 

Diode and IGBT Testing

Prior to applying power during the ABB variable frequency drive repair, the input and output power sections aretested. If there is a short on the input side or output side of the drive, further damage can be caused to the unit if power is applied to it. For this reason, special meters should be used to properly test the input and output power sections of the drive prior to applying power to the driveunit. If a short is found, the drivecan be disassembled and the cause of the short can be diagnosed and quoted for repair. If the driverepairs are too costly, drivereplacement should be considered.

 

Power Up

If the input and output power sections test healthy during the ABB variable frequency driverepair process, power can be applied to the driveto perform amp reading and output frequency testing. Slowly increasing the power voltage during this step of the driverepairs process is suggested to gather accurate meter readings and to protect the motor. The power voltage is slowly increased on the driveuntil the rated input voltage of the drive is reached. Depending on whether or not the driveprovides a display will determine what further action will be taken. If display is unavailable, disassemble and diagnosis of the internal power supply of the control section of the drive is necessary to further evaluate cause of failure and establish cost and lead time of the driverepairs.

 

Motor Testing

If the previous three tests have passed during the ABB variable frequency driverepair process, a basic JOG/ RUN function of the drive can be performed with a simple template program. When a drivecomes into our facility, repair techs will backup all existing programs stored in the drive prior to installing a test template program for testing. Backing up the driveprogram ensures that we have a backup copy of the program to install after the repair is complete. The best method for backing up driveprograms will depend on the series and model of drive that’s being repaired. After the driveprograms have been backed up, the driveis reset to factory default through the keypad and then recommissioned to a basic START / STOP function of the driveconnected to its motor. Closed loop testing will be necessary when an encoder or tachometer is involved. If the motor will not run, the output voltages and motor current ratings are tested to verify that the drive is functioning properly to rotate the motor.

 

Safety Precautions

Manufacturers are encouraged to ensure that their ABB variable frequency driverepair are being performed at the actual site of whoever is offering the service. Driverepairs should be taken with extremecaution and only be performed by technicians who have required training and experience to work with electrical equipment. Precision Electric strongly recommends to consult an expert in the field when repairing all industrial electrical equipment. Many drive controllers have an internal DC bus that retains a charge after power has been cut to the drive, and as a result, electrical current is still present afterpower is shut down. Technicians performing VFD repairs must always take extra precautions to ensure proper safety measures are taken, or injury or even death may occur.

 

Precision Electric receives ABB variable frequency driverepair everyday from companies who offer drive repair services; those third party repair companies will have Precision Electricperform the repair, and then they will mark up the repair cost to their customers. Going straight to Precision Electric for drive repairs will prevent these added costs and prevent extensive lead times.For ABB variable frequency driverepairs and replacements, contact Precision Electric.