ABB Frequency Converter

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ABB frequency converter modules are used for electric motor control to reduce energy consumption. ABB frequency converter modules offer plug and play motor control convenience, straight from the box. When you are looking for simplicity and intelligence in a self-contained solution, general purpose ABB frequency converter modules cover your options wisely. Wherever your business needs are, the ABBglobally renowned reliability and service easily matches all aspects of industry requirements.

ABB Frequency Converter Modules For Waste Water Utilities

It is not only water utilities but every major industry thathas a need for water. Water is critical to industry. Water isthe most common heat transfer fluid, cleaning fluid andsolvent – and often forms a significant proportion of thefinal product.Yet water is the most untapped source of financial and energysavings within a plant. The challenge is to use water of theappropriate quality and cost, effectively throughout the wholeproduction process.The responsible and sustainable treatment of water is oneof the most important global issues. The efficient use of water and for the purification ofwaste water, ABB frequency converter modules play a major role in in managing this challenge.

With the help of ABB frequency converter modules, ABB aims to optimizethe water supply, process use and effluent treatment to giveindustry a competitive advantage.ABB frequency converter modulesare used in every phase of water supply andwastewater plants: from the moment water is taken in from thereservoir or river, through the water treatment and pumpingstations, into the distribution system, back into the sewagesystem and, then, as final effluent, returned to the environment.ABB frequency converter modules are used for regulating a variety of pumps, fans andcompressors used for flow and pressure control throughout thewater process. They regulate the processes according to actualdemand, based on inputs from flow meters, pressure transmittersand other sensors. ABBfrequency converter modulesbring many benefits, including large plant efficiency improvements, energy savings and less wear and tear on moving equipment.

ABB Frequency Converter Modules For Food And Beverage Applications

Competitiveness in the food and beverage sector is highlydependent on the efficiency of the entire value chain,with the primary focus being on the performance of theproduction processes. Examples of todays increasingchallenges are high process uptime, permanenttraceability, uncompromising hygiene and unbroken coldchain. Additional requirements include lowering energyconsumption and minimizing maintenance costs. Thisleads to increased demand for ways to boost processcontrol throughout the supply chain.ABB frequency converter modules bring superior process control, savings in energyconsumption as well as in operational and maintenance costs. ABB frequency converter modules can help offset the squeeze on profitscaused by changes in buying behavior and increased qualitydemands, whether in processing, packing, transportation orstorage.Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the level ofautomation and, in particular, the use of low voltage frequency converters.Automation leads to less errors in production, while optimizingprocesses and making them easier and faster.

For more information about ABB frequency converter modules, visit the ABB Website. For ABB frequency converter repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

 

ABB Drives With BACnet For HVAC Applications

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ABB drives with BacNet for HVAC applications were introduced in 2004. Today ABB’s standard drive is the markets leading AC drive with native BACnet as standard. Several thousand of these drives have been installed worldwide since their launch. ABB standard drives for HVAC require no plug-in cards or gateways. The drives operate direct on an MS/TP (master slave/token passing) network, supporting all standard baud rates up to 76.8 k. The ABB standard drives I/O points can be freely used by other devices through the BACnet protocol, such as the building management system (BMS) or direct digital controllers (DDCs). Using ABB standard drives for HVAC with native BACnet saves time, reduces installation costs and makes monitoring and fault finding easier. ABBs new BACnet router, RBIP-01, enables connection from BACnet/IP to drives. The RBIP-01 snap-on module, fitted inside the drive, is fully compatible with all ABB standard drives for HVAC, including older product generations. The module is easy to use and simple to install with built-in Help functionality. Web server functionality enables access and configuration from a standard web browser.

The drives can either be equipped with one RBIP-01 module each, or can be daisy-chained into a subnetwork. In this case, one router can manage up to 31 drives. The router is powered by 24 V AC or DC supply. The power for the router can be supplied by the drive itself, or by an external power supply. A range of different network technologies for various performance requirements is supported by BACnet. BACnet can be used to fully integrate the BMS with the HVAC system, fire alarm, intruder protection and other systems in the building, from field level up to management level. Being an open system, and with no cost associated with its use, BACnet gives users the freedom to select the most suitable equipment from a range of manufacturers. All BACnet devices communicate in the same language, without the expense of additional hardware. Equipment using BACnet is integrated without effort and gives more comprehensive information than other communication technologies when in use.

The ABB standard drive for HVAC supports 73 objects (device object, binary inputs, binary outputs, analog inputs, analog outputs, binary values and analog values). The drive can be started and stopped from an external controller. Remote interlock ensures that run commands from the external controller can be disabled with a feedback signal. The built-in energy counter is used to monitor energy consumption. The BMS can store these values for reporting, trending or to produce instant energy consumption reports. The ABB standard drive for HVAC uses MS/TP, which is designed to run over RS-485 twisted pair wiring. MS/TP is cost-effective and can handle up to 31 drives plus a router on the same subnetwork without additional components.

Most BMS and DDCs use BACnet/IP that allows integration to the same network. ABBs new RBIP-01 module provides a simple way to connect the ABB standard drive for HVAC to these BMS and DDCs.

For more information about ABB Drives with Bacnet for HVAC applications, visit the ABB Website.

Preventive Maintenance VFD

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A VFD (variable frequency drive) controls the speed, torque and direction of an induction motor. A VFD takes fixed motor voltage and AC frequency and converts it to a variable voltage and frequency AC output. In very small VFDs, a single power pack unit may contain the converter and inverter modules. Preventive maintenance VFD programs preventmanufacturing downtime while maintaining optimal production performance.

Clean Environment– Preventive Maintenance VFD:

Most VFDs fall into the NEMA 1 category or NEMA 12 category. Drives that fall in the NEMA 1 category are susceptible to dust contamination. Dust on VFD hardware can cause a lack of airflow resulting in diminished performance from heat sink and circulating fans. Dust on an electronic device can cause malfunction or even failure. Dust absorbs moisture, which also contributes to failure. Periodically spraying air through the heat sink fan is a good PM measure. Discharging compressed air into a VFD is a viable option in some environments, but typical plant air contains oil and water. To use compressed air for cooling, you must use air that is oil-free and dry or you are likely to do more harm than good. A non-static generating spray or a reverse-operated ESD vacuum will reduce static build-up. Common plastics are prime generators of static electricity. The material in ESD vacuum cases and fans is a special, non-static generating plastic. These vacuums, and cans of non-static generating compressed air, are available through companies that specialize in static control equipment.

Control boards and other electronic components can be damaged when subjected to periodic moisture or water. Some VFD manufacturers include a type of condensation protection on certain product versions. If you operate a VFD all day every day, the normal radiant heat from the heat sink should prevent condensation. Unless the unit is in continuous operation, use a NEMA 12 enclosure and thermostatically controlled space heater where condensation is likely.

Keep Connections Tight – Preventive Maintenance VFD:

Checking connections is a step many people miss or do incorrectly, and the requirement applies even in clean rooms. Heat cycles and mechanical vibration can lead to sub-standard connections, as can standard PM practices. 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 VFD input could result in nuisance over voltage faults, clearing of input fuses, or damage to protective components. Arcing at the VFD output could result in over-current faults or even damage to the power components.

Loose connections can cause erratic operation. For example, a loose START/STOP signal wire can cause uncontrollable VFD starting and stopping. A loose speed reference wire can cause the drive speed to fluctuate, resulting in scrap, machine damage, or personnel injury.

Additional Considerations – Preventive Maintenance VFD:

  • As part of a mechanical inspection procedure, don’t overlook internal VFD components.
  • Check circulating fans for signs of bearing failure or foreign objects.
  • Store spare VFDs in a clean, dry environment, with no condensation allowed.
  • Power spare VFD’s every 6 months to keep the DC bus capacitors at their peak performance capability.
  • Regularly monitor heat sink temperatures.
  • Inspect DC bus capacitors for bulging and leakage. Either could be a sign of component stress or electrical misuse.

You wouldn’t place alaptop computer on the roof of a building or in direct sunlight, where temperatures could reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit or as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. A VFD, which is basically a computer with a power supply, needs the same consideration. Some VFD manufacturers advertise 200,000 hours-almost 23 years-of Mean Time between Failures (MTBF). Such impressive performance is easy to obtain, if you follow these simple procedures.

By integrating a preventive maintenance VFD program, you can ensure your drives provide minimal repair service while maximizing production.Always call certified variable frequency drive integrators or experienced technicians to perform preventive maintenance VFD services to prevent injury or death.

To learn more about preventive maintenance VFD programs or for VFD repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.