acs880 series products are seen on many different applications, for many different reasons.

ABB ACS880 Multidrives

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The three products that make up the ABB acs880 series are:single drives, multidrives, and drive modules.In this article, I will discuss product features and specifications of the ABB acs880 multidrives; which is one-third of the entire acs880 product.

ABB acs880 multidrives

ABB acs880 multidrives are available from 1.5 horsepower to 7,500 horsepower, withpower ranging from 200 / 400/ 600 Volt AC (Alternating Current) to700 Volt AC. The acs880 multidrives are stock products; with the option of built to order customization, to meet every user need. ABB acs880 multidrives come with various types of supply units. The supply units available are diode supply units and regenerative supply units; and these can meet technical challenges through a wide selection of options. A single supply and DC bus arrangement with multiple inverters reduce line power, cabinet size and investment costs.

The ABB acs880 multidrives have built-in safety features to reduce the need for external safety components. The acs880 multidrives support the CODESYS programming environment according to IEC 61131-3. Learn it once, use it everywhere. The ABB acs880 multidrives architecture features the same control panel, parameter menu structure, universal accessories and engineering tools as its predecessor, the acs800.

The acs880 multidrives features and options include extended I/O, fieldbus options, EMC filtering, brake options, fuses and main switch. The new cabinet design is more compact than the acs800, including efficient thermal handling. Several ingress protection (IP) classes with IP22 and IP42 offering cabinet solutions for different environments are also available. Induction motors, synchronous motors and induction servo motors are all supported as standard, without any additional software. The drive can control them in either open loop or closed loop, through its high precision motor control platform, direct torque control (DTC).

The new acs880 control panel is equipped with an intuitive and high-resolution, color control display that enables easy navigation. Many flexible data visualizations including bar charts, histograms and trend graphs help users to analyze processes, with assistants available to simplify setup. The menus and messages are customizable for the specific terminology of different applications. An integrated USB port allows easy connection to the PC tool – Drive composer, which offers fast and harmonized startup, commissioning and monitoring.

The built-in energy calculators, including used and saved kWh, CO2 reduction and money saved, help the user fine-tune processes to ensure optimal energy use. The energy optimizer control mode ensures the maximum torque per ampere, reducing energy drawn from the supply. The ABB acs880 multidrives reduces system size with premium motor control. The ABB acs880 multidrives are used in applications such as: winders, rolling mills, cranes, drilling, processing lines, and many other similar applications.

To learn more about the ABB acs880multidrives, visit the ABB Website. For ABB acs880 multidrives repair or replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

 

 

ABB ACS250 VFD

ABB ACS250 VFD Now Replaced With ABB ACS255 Series

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The ABB ACS250 VFD has reached the end of its life cycle. The new ABB ACS255 VFD will now supersede the ABB ACS250 VFD. ABB will no longer build the ACS250, so once ACS250 stock runs out, ABB will fill all ACS250 orders with the ACS255. These changes were announced in January but ABB ACS250 VFD stock is now diminishing. Fortunately, there is solid availability of the new ABB ACS255 VFD.

The ACS255 VFD has the same price, footprint and dimensions as theABB ACS250 VFD. The only differences are a few internal upgrades to make the product more competitive with similar drives offered by ABB competitors. ACS255 Changes for 120V thru 480V control board:

  • The Advanced parameter menu was added to include:
    • Sensorless vector control of AC induction and permanent magnet synchronous motors
    • BLDC open loop speed control as hidden option (requires factory approval and support)
    • Motor parameter auto-tune
    • Operating mode selection: general, pump, or fan
    • Speed and current parameters for DC injection braking

The ACS255 also features enhanced ground fault detection for full protection against phase to earth faults at start-up (as well as phase to earth and phase to phase faults at enable and on running).An added temperature sensor on the control board gives O-hEAt error message indicating:

  • Ambient is too high in upper section of drive
  • Switching frequency is too high without applying a de-rating factor
  • Drive is not mounted vertically
  • Upgraded control board with higher capacity processor
  • New type codes and MRP numbers

The new part numbers for the ACS255 drives is a very simple change: the 0 in ACS250 changes to a 5. For example: ACS250-01U-04A3-1 is now ACS255-01U-04A3-1…that’s it!

All of the ACS255 changes are internal to the drive or on the nameplate. In fact, unless you go looking for the Advanced parameter menu, the only difference you will notice is the new part number. Most of the accessories will work with both the ABB ACS250 VFD and the ABB ACS255 VFD. The only accessory that wont work on the new ACS255 is the remote control panel (RCRP). ABB has a new remote control panel (RCRP-02) for the ACS255. Please note: the old remote control panel is not compatible with the new drive and the new remote control panel is not compatible with the old drive.

For additional product information, please visit the ABB Website. For ABB VFD replacement or repair, contact Precision Electric.

Lenze AC Tech

Lenze AC Tech Corporation Announces Product Price Increase

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Lenze AC Tech Corporation Announces Product Price Increase: Lenze iscommitted toproducing the most innovative products in the industry. Lenze AC Tech Corporationlatest product offerings of the i500 and the g500 are proving to give our customers a competitive edge in their marketplace with their motion control solutions.

Due to lower productionlevels on Lenze phase-out products, Lenze is forced to implement apriceincrease, effectiveMay 1, 2017. The increase will mostly affect some olderLenzedrive models. Please see the chart below for the products impacted. Products not listed will not be involved in the increase.

 

Price Increase EffectiveMay 1, 2017

Submicro Series (SCM, SCF, SCL, TML)*
Global Drives (82v, 82m, 93s, 93v, ECS)*
Global Drives Series Accessories and Filters		15.00%
Electromechanical Small Drives (SSN)10.00%
Controls – EL100, X80010.00%
Controls – EPM-H15.00%
Intorq products, brakes, clutches, couplings,belts, pulleys2.0%

 

*The Sub Micro Series and Global Drives Series have been in the market for over 15 years and are beginning their phase-out.While the phase-out period is two years away, we would like to assist you in your migration process as it is convenient for you. Please contact Precision Electric: 877-625-2402 for any application or migration assistance.

Single Phase Power To Three Phase

Single Phase Power to Three Phase – Solutions For The Electric Motor User

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When someoneneeds to runa three phaseelectric motor and only single phase power is available, they look for a solution. There are a couple options to go from single phase power to three phase. This article will discuss options available for going fromsingle phase power to three phase., pros and cons for each option, and,links to our website for products that will go from single phase power to three phase. There are two different methods to go from single phase power to three phase:

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)
  • Rotary Phase Converters (RPC’s)

When going from single phase power to three phase, either avariable frequency drive or rotary phase converteris required. Variable frequency drivescome with a number of differentsingle phase input for three phase output options.Variable frequency drives that go from single phase power to three phase are availablein a wide range of voltage and power ratings: From120 Volt single phase input for 240 Volt three phase output, up to 1.5 horsepower; To208-240 Volt single phase input for 240 Volt three phase output, up to 3 horsepower.

Variable frequency drivescan also be derated to run three phase motors above 3 HP from single phase supply. Derating a VFDallows customers with 208-240 volt single phase power the ability to run 240 volt three phase equipment. Derated VFD’s are available up to 20 HP for 208-240 Volt single phase supply. Derating a VFD incorrectly for single phase supply can be easily avoided by contacting an experienced technician before purchasing equipment.

Rotary phase converters (RPCs) will change single phase power to three phase but RPC’s are heavy and use many moving parts. RPC’s are old technology but RPC’s will be around for years to come because some applications that go from single phase power to three phase cannot use a VFD; VFD’s can go from single phase to three phase forelectric motor driven applications; but RPC’s can go from single phase to three phase on applications with and without electric motors.

Single phase motors cannot be used on variable frequency drives. When customers with single phase motors wantto control the speed of their electric motor, the only option available is to replace the single phase motor with an equivalent three phase motor, and then apply a variable frequency drive to that three phase motor.For VFD and RPC repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

 

ABB Solar Power Products

ABB Solar Power Products

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ABB solar power products are designed and manufactured by ABB. ABB provides an extensive portfolio of products, systems and solutions along the solar powervalue chain that enable the generation, transmission and distribution of solar power for both on-grid and off-grid applications.

Environment friendly energy is one of the biggest global challenges we face today and major companies are at the heart of this issue. This is because the world expects major companies to come up with new technologies and systems that create energy with reduced pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; which are widely recognized as one of the main causes of global warming.

Renewable energy plays a fundamental role in future energy policies. Renewable energy helps safeguard the environment and the search for more efficient uses of energy resources, with the recognition that traditional fossil fuels will not last forever. The sun is unquestionably an energy source of huge potential, one that can be exploited without harming the environment. At any time, the hemisphere of the earth exposed to the sun receives over 50,000 TW of power, nearly 10,000 times the quantity of energy consumed all over the world.

ABBs portfolio of products, systems and solutions for the solar power industry is extensive. It ranges from turnkey photovoltaic power plants to complete power and automation solutions for CSP plants and for commercial, industrial and residential rooftop PV installations. ABB also supplies robots and robot-based systems for solar panel factories, and electrical, control and instrumentation solutions for silicon processing factories, the material that is used to make solar cells. In smart grids, ABB is at the forefront in developing the technologies and solutions that will make possible the electrical transmission and distribution systems of the future. These systems will integrate traditional types of large-scale, centralized power generation with small scale, localized types of renewable energy like solar and wind, creating a single optimized network with multi-directional power flows and real time grid monitoring able to operate as an efficient energy market.

The ABB solar power products in low voltage range includes circuit breakers, switch and fuse disconnects, fuses, residual current-operated circuit-breakers, grid connection relays, metering devices, surge arresters, voltage & current sensors, remote switching contactors, consumer units and enclosures suitable for outdoor installation, all specially designed for these applications.

To learn more about ABB solar power products, visit the ABB Website. For ABB solar power product repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

 

 

ABB Automation Builder

ABB Automation Builder

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ABB Automation Builder is PLC programming software made by ABB. ABB Automation Builder allows for machine builders and system integrators the ability to automate machines and systems in a cost-effective way. Industrial automation has been around for decades. Many processes have now become so complex that the job of efficiently automating processes has become cost-prohibited for traditional approaches. This complexity also means that no one supplier can supply all the components of the production line so these will come from different vendors, raising potential incompatibility issues.

To address this and other related issues, the United States and Germany started the Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives. These initiatives use, as a foundation, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which links machines, sensors and actuators via Internet protocols. These two initiatives have one important common denominator: they allow the easy connection and interaction of all the components sensors, actuators, controllers, production equipment, etc. in a plant. It is necessary to fulfill two key engineering conditions to ensure efficient and effective execution of automation projects in this new, connected world with an ever increasing demand for shorter project execution times: Development work in the relevant disciplines eg., mechanical engineering, electronics and software needs to be more parallel-ized. This requires, among other things, that the overall conceptual design covers all disciplines and that inter-dependencies between disciplines are described explicitly.

Virtual prototypes have to be available in all phases of the engineering process so that the required functionality can be tested as soon as it is developed. Also, due to the trend toward increasingly decentralized control functionality, it must be possible to test the distributed control logic design without real control hardware.The second point predicates the development of a virtual model of the process with all its actuators and sensors, or of the control system, or both. ABB Automation Builder helps do this. ABB Automation Builder combines the tools required for configuring, programming, debugging and maintaining automation projects under a common intuitive interface. Automation Builder can integrate AC500 programmable logic controllers, programmable drives, control panels and robots into one coherent automation solution. This includes data management as well as the exchange of data with the mechanical and electrical elements of the system.

By linking these data sets, virtual models for commissioning or prototype testing can be generated and processed faster. Automation Builder is capable of creating virtual machines and entire production lines to addresses the largest single cost element in most of todays industrial automation projects: software.

ABB Automation Builder AndIndustry 4.0 – Integration.

ABB Automation Builder is available for download and in various editions suitable for different scales of a project. A convenient setup helps to configure the installation and handle license registration, maintenance and software updates. All relevant data from Automation Builder are transferred into a model of the system. Data from ABBs offline robot programming and simulation tool, RobotStudio, is also included. RobotStudio, which is included in the Automation Builder distribution, serves as a 3-D simulation engine where virtual controllers, HMI and drives meet the virtual mechanical prototypes and interact with each other and with the virtual world. To allow for scalability without needing ultrafast computers, the concept of virtual time is introduced. Using virtual as opposed to real time enables the execution speed of the simulation to be reduced when the performance limits are reached on the PC.

Industry 4.0 facilitates the implementation of Automation Builder in several ways. For example, it enables devices and tools from different vendors to communicate certain sets of standardized data. Further, the wider bandwidth of the Ethernet-based communication used by Industry 4.0 allows large quantities of data to be transferred easily. Where mutual-help organizations have sprung up in social networking communities for a whole range of other activities, they are expected to appear to assist those engaged in automating factories. The diversity of circumstances where information can be gathered and applied with ABB Automation Builder is nearly endless.

To learn more about ABB Automation Builder, visit the ABB Website. For ABB LVdrives repair and replacement, contact Precision Electric.

Cutler Hamme

Cutler Hammer VFD Repair

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Cutler Hammer VFD repair should be taken with extreme caution andonly be performed by trained technicians. Only experts in the electrical field should repair or troubleshoot industrial electrical equipment. Mostdrive controllershave an internal DC bus that retains a charge after power has been cut to the drive, and as a result, the power being cut doesn’t mean that the drive issafe to work with. Technicians working with variable frequency drives and other electrical equipmentmust always take extra precautions to ensure proper safety measures are taken to prevent injury or death.

Variable frequency drives have become a cost efficient way to reduce power costs and increase system efficiency over the past decade. Manufacturers within a wide range of industries are finding more ways to apply Cutler Hammer VFDs to their rotating equipment for improvements in: production, quality control, safety measures, environmental concerns, energy efficiency, and much more.Cutler Hammer VFDs below 10 horsepower typically fail in eight years from initial installation date, and, are more often replaced thanrepaired. Product replacement is necessary when product repair is cost-prohibited to the customer.Cutler Hammer VFDs above 10 horsepower outlast smaller VFDs by virtue ofqualityroutine repairs. Routine VFD repairs often require consistent replacement of circuit boards and other electrical components.

Cutler Hammer VFD repairis preferred by end users and VFD maintenance departments because Cutler Hammer replacement is more expensive than repair.Most companies who offer Cutler Hammer VFD repair outsource the VFD to third party repair centers, or they send it to Cutler Hammer. Cutler Hammer usually holds onto VFD repair jobs for several weeks before responding to customers. Most of the time Cutler Hammer will tell customers that their VFD is not worth repair and they will recommend replacing the VFD with anewerCutler Hammer product.

Precision Electric offersCutler Hammer VFDrepair and all Cutler Hammer repair jobs are performed in house at Precision Electric. Precision Electric is the third party repair center that most companies offering Cutler Hammer VFD repair, send the job to. It is not uncommon for Precision Electric to restore a Cutler Hammer VFD back to its original or better than original condition after Cutler Hammer says the VFD cant be repaired / isnt worth repair

ContactPrecision Electrictoday for Cutler Hammer VFD repair quotes or Cutler Hammer VFD replacement quotes.

Lenze USA VFD Drives

Lenze USA VFD Drives

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Lenze USA is a manufacturer based out of Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Lenze USA is also known as Lenze Americas and AC Tech. Lenze USA manufactures high-performance VFD Drive products used to optimize new and existing machinery. Lenze USA is one of the leading drive and automation specialists in the field of machine engineering. Rapidly changing times present manufacturers with new and varied challenges. To succeed in the future, manufacturers will need to handle more extensive tasks in even shorter time frames; Lenze USA aims to reach this ideal.

SMV Series: The SMV series of Lenze USA VFD drives offer sophisticated auto-tuning and fast dynamic torque response. The SMV is designed for motor applications where dynamic speed and torque control is demanded. The SMV series is an attractive solution for a broad range of applications including: food processing machinery, packaging machinery, material handling, conveying systems, HVAC systems, and more. The SMV series uses an Electronic Programming Module (EPM) for programming. Maintenance techs can easily use the EPM to reconfigure drive parameters or reset the drive. When a drive reset is necessary on the SMV, customers can reset to factory default or preset settings within seconds. When SMV drives must be replaced, the parameter configuration can be saved by the user by simply plugging in the pre-programmed EPM.

MC1000 Series: The MC1000 Series of Lenze USA VFD drives are the intelligent, versatile and cost-effective choice for industrial applications. From harsh environments to high torque loads, the M1000 Series drives meet the toughest requirements with reliability, at a low cost. Customers can easily program the MC Series and integrate extensive I/O with an array of programmable functions. The M1000 is available in power ranges of 1/4 to 150 HP. The MC1000 offers Enhanced Torque System (ETS). ETS allows maximum starting and accelerating torque and tight speed regulation, even under fluctuating load conditions. M1000 drives feature manual boost for high starting torque, and auto-boost for high torque acceleration at any speed. The M1000 features power-up & auto restart modes, sleep mode with adjustable speed threshold and time. The MC1000 also offers an optional Form C Relay and Dynamic Braking.

M3000 Series:The M3000 series of Lenze USA VFD drives are for process control demands with fast acceleration and response. The M3000 is rated for constant torque applications but can easily be configured for variable torque applications. Most Process Control drives are designed for variable torque applications where the motor is driving a centrifugal fan or pump. As such, these drives are limited to 110% current for overload situations such as acceleration or responding to a feedback change. The MC3000 is a true Constant Torque drive rated for 180% of rated current for 30 seconds and 150% for one minute. This allows faster response to system changes and the ability to apply the MC3000 to non-centrifugal applications such as compressors, conveyors and other constant torque loads. The M3000 is available in the same power ranges and voltages as the M1000.

MCH Series: The MCH series of Lenze USA VFD drives are available from 1 to 250 HP. The MCH series were designed for the HVAC market and specific requirements of industrial and commercial installations. The MCH series are designed to operate standard induction motors. The MCH Series offers intuitive operator interface using simple programming and operational information. The MCH series allows drive software to adjust the motor speed to maintain a preset pressure, flow, temperature or other variables using PID setpoint control. The MCH Series include UL and cUL approved motor protection for single motor applications. The MCH Series is seen in applications such as fans, pumps and cooling towers.

To learn more about Lenze USA, visit the Lenze Website. For Lenze USA repair or replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

ABB Drive Browser

ABB Drive Browser Software

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ABB Drive Browser is an Ethernet network based drive monitoring and tuning PC tool that supports low voltage machinery, general purpose, and industrial drives throughout their life cycle. ABB Drive Browserhelps users monitor, maintain and set drive parameters on drives connected to an Ethernet network.

ABB Drives using an Ethernet adapter can share the same network where PLCs using Modbus/TCP or EtherNet/ IP protocols are connected. This allows users to take advantage of installed networks and reduces additional cabling and infrastructure communication costs. ABB Drive Browser includes a parameter browser allowing users to view and set individual parameter values. Parameter sets that have been saved can be used to commission new drives. Additionally, users can compare parameter sets to quickly identify changes over time or changes in configurations. Drive signals are also displayed in the parameter browser. The monitor functionality enables users to graphically view signals and parameters while the drive is running. Users select the parameters and signals and set the graphs minimum and maximum values. The resulting display shows each selected value on a graph while the drive is operating. This data can be used to tune the drive for improved performance. The collected data can be saved to a file. The ABB drive status window displays the drives current status, showing the drive’s control mode, operation status, output frequency, current, power, speed, and the drive state. Once the installed drives are connected to the network using a fieldbus adapter, users may assign meaningful names to each connected drive and identify drives by type. ABB Drive Browser provides a built-in drive control panel allowing users to reset faults, start, stop, set the direction, and speed reference values of the connected drive. This functionality may be disabled if the controlling PLC does not allow it for networks that are controlled by a PLC.

To learn more about ABB Drive Browser or other ABB drive software, visit the ABB Website. For ABB drive repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

ABB ACS880 VFD

ABB ACS880 VFD

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The three products that make up the ABB ACS880 series are:single drives, multidrives, and drive modules.In this article I will provide a brief product overview for each of the three ACS880 drives.

ABB ACS880 VFD products are designed to tackle all motor-driven applications, in all industries, and in allpower ranges. The ABB ACS880 is compatible with virtually all processes, automation systems, users and business requirements. The innovation behind the ACS880 drives is VFDarchitecture that simplifies operation, optimizes energy efficiency and helps maximize process output. The ACS880 series consists of single drives, multidrives and drive modules.

ABB ACS880 VFDsingle drives are complete drives and can be installed without any additional cabinet or enclosure. ABB ACS880 VFDsingle drivescontain a rectifier, optional EMC filter, reactor, DC link and an inverter in one single AC drive unit. ABB single drives are available as wall-mounted, free-standing and cabinet-built constructions. The key features of ABB single drivesare programming and configuration, during both ordering and commissioning, which makes adaptation to different applications simple for technicians.

ABBs ACS880 multi-drivesare mounted into a cabinet and the complete assembly isoffered and delivered as one package. Often, ABB ACS880multi-driveswill include additional accessories such as contactorsand earth fault protection units. ABBmulti-drives are built from ABB industrial drive modules connected to a common DC bus. This enables a singlepower entry and common braking resources for several drives.This construction simplifies the total installation, and results in many benefits, including: savings in cabling, reducedinstallation and maintenance costs, reduced line currents and more. The ACS880 multi-drives are stock products; with the option of built to order customization, to meet every user need.

ABB ACS880drivemodulesare designed for fast, cost-effective installation and integration into a customers own control cabinet. ABB ACS800drivemodulesenable OEMs, and system integration panel builders to build their own drive while maximizing benefits fromABB drive technology, such as DTC motor control, adaptive programming and a wide range of built-in and external options.ACS880 drive modules drives have a configuration that contains a rectifier, DC link and an inverter. ABB provides detailed cabinet installation instructions and other support material to help customers buildtheir own solutions.

ABB ACS880 VFD products provide endless possibilities for industries such as metals, oil and gas, mining, marine, offshore, material handling, pulp and paper, automotive, food and beverage, cement, power, water and waste-water. Visit the ABB website to learn more about ACS880 products. For ABB ACS880 repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric.

VFD Speed Controller

VFD Speed Controller

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A VFD speed controller is also known as a variable frequency drive, variable speed drive, adjustable frequency drive, VFD or, aninverter.

A VFD speed controller is asolid state electric motor control system, designed to control the speed of an electric motor. A VFD speed controller can reduce energy costsup to 50% by speed reduction on electric motorswhere the full speed of the electric motor is not needed. VFD speed controller functions allow an AC electric motor to only operate when needed, which allows an electric motor to last longer.Technology has allowed VFDs to reduce in cost and physical size, and has improved performance through advances in semiconductor switching devices, simulation, control techniques, control hardware, and software.

Approximately one third of electrical energy in the world is supplied by electric motors in fixed-speed centrifugal pump, fan, and air compressor applications. These fixed-speed applications do not usually require full load speed of the electric motor theyre operating. By installing a VFD speed controller to these applications, electric motor speeds are reduced and power costs can be reduced by 50% or more.Properly applied VFD speed controllers withelectric motorswill also significantly reduce energycosts for variable torque loads such as fans, blowers, and pumps.Blowers are often used with dampers to control air flow that operate either manually or automatically. When dampers are closed, 50% of the electric motor current will drop to approximately 60% of full load nameplate current. By utilizing VFD speed controllersin blower applications, the current draw of the motor will be reduced 30% for every 10% drop in speed. Electric motors controlled by VFD speed controllersat 50% speed will draw approximately 20% of the electric motor full load current.

VFD speed controllersare also used on rotating equipment toreduce amperage spikes upon start up of large electric motors.Adjusting the acceleration and deceleration time of electric motors can extend the lifespan of an electric motor. Using a drive on an electric motor provides the ability to increase or decrease the frequent starting and stopping of an AC electric motor. Limiting the starting and stopping of a motor, and controlling the ramp up and ramp down speed of amotor, allows for decreased wear and extended lifetime of the motor. VFD speed controllers are used in AC servo systems, air compressors, conveyor systems, lathes, mills, plastic extrusion, slitter lines, bottlers, packaging lines, pharmaceutical production, food processing, HVAC systems, waste water treatment systems, submersible pumps, fans, blowers, and many more electric motor applications.

To learn more about VFD speed controllers, or, for drive repair and replacement quotes, contact Precision Electric, Inc.

Compressor Speed Control Products – Repair Or Replace?

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A compressor speed control is also known as a VFD, variable frequency drive, adjustable speed drive,or an inverter. To repair the compressor speed control, unique experience and training are needed. Repairing a compressor speed control should be taken with extreme caution. Alwaysconsult an expert in the field when repairing or troubleshooting industrial electrical equipment. Most compressor speed controls have an internal DC bus that retains a charge after power has been cut to the drive, and as a result, the power being cut doesn’t mean that the equipmentissafe to work with. Technicians working with a compressor speed control and other electrical equipmentmust always take extra precautions to ensure proper safety measures are taken to prevent injury or death.

Compressor Speed Control, Repair Or Replace?

Compressor speed control repair services are an assetfor Sullair service centers and other manufacturers. In most cases, the replacement of a speed control is more expensive and more time consuming than a repair. The extent of damage present in a compressor speed control will determine whether or not the equipment can be repaired. The speed control must be tested, disassembled, and inspected thoroughly by trained technicians to diagnose the cause of failure and determine repair cost.

Most companies who offer repair services for speed control products, outsource the repair to third party repair centers. Then, the service center offering this repair service, will mark up the cost for being the “middle man”. Precision Electric performs these repairs for third parties every day. Sometimes the speed control manufacturer also offers repair services but then once they have the speed control in their possession, they tell the customer that the speed control cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced. Precision Electric repairs compressor speed control products all the time after manufacturers have deemed the equipment “not worth repair” or“needs to be replaced”.

Eaton Cutler Hammer, for example, is a manufacturer of speed control products, that offers VFD repair services for their products. Sending the speed control to Eaton for repair isn’t the most economical solutionbecause Eaton has extensive lead times for repairs, and Eaton almost always ends up recommending replacing the entire speed control.Precision Electric offerscomplete Eatonspeed control repair and all repairs are performed in house, at Precision Electric.

Over the past decadeVFDtechnology has become a cost efficient way to reduce power costs and increase system efficiency. Manufacturers within a wide range of industries are finding more ways to apply VFD’s to their rotating equipment.From past experience, smaller horsepower VFD’s typically fail in eight years and are more often replaced rather than repaired.Larger horsepower VFD’s last longer by virtue of repairs that often require replacement of circuit boards and other electrical components.

To repair or replace your compressor speed control products, contact Precision Electric.