Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Energy efficient drives from Danfoss

4th Quarter 2015 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

BMG Drives, distributors of Danfoss electronic variable speed drive systems, offers the local market a range of energy efficient products designed to enhance food preservation, care for the environment, improve comfort and optimise productivity.

Danfoss, leading manufacturers globally of electronic, mechanical and intelligent mechatronic devices, offers the VLT drives range, which provides fully automated operation and substantial energy savings in diverse applications.

“VLT drives ensure easy and efficient control of any application powered by an AC motor. These applications include a fan, pump, compressor, centrifuge or hoist,” says Mick Baugh, BMG electronics sales manager. “What sets these drives apart from conventional units is that these applications require less energy when idle or operating with partial loads.”

VLT drives, which have a customised programming facility, enable the user to increase its automation capabilities. With this modular system – which encompasses specific power sizes, features, enclosure classes and fieldbus protocols – each plant can determine what parameters are essential to meet specific requirements.

Included in the VLT portfolio are new lift drives designed for quiet, comfortable and stable elevator operation. A recent installation of this system was the upgrade of an ageing, unreliable elevator. A modular Danfoss VLT lift drive LD 302, with optimised software to control the motor, as well as the hydraulic valves, was installed in the existing lift system and cabin. New components of the elevator resulted in faster, more comfortable and energy efficient daily operation. This system has also reduced the operating noise levels of the elevator.

A new range of VLT line filters, which reduces line current by up to 40%, has also been launched on the local market. The MCC 107 line filters improve overall reliability of the system by combining a harmonic filter and an EMC filter.

By reducing the voltage ripple on the DC link, drive performance is enhanced, service life is extended and operational and maintenance costs are significantly reduced. These filters also reduce the RMS value of line current, which means higher true power-factor (PF). Typically, line current can be reduced by 40% and the PF can improve from 0,4 to 0,7 for single-phase drives and from 0,47 to 0,9 for three-phase drives.

These line filters ensure compliance with EN55011 Class A1 for up to 50 metres of motor cable and Class B up to 10 metres of motor cable. This means the VLT micro drive and VLT line filters have outstanding EMC performance in the micro-inverter class, even with relatively long motor cables.

With high immunity against grid disturbances, these line filters also reduce the harmonic current drawn from the grid. Another advantage is that one line filter can be used for filtering several small micro drives.

The VLT Flexconcept provides system manufacturers and end-users with fully integrated drive solutions to reduce running costs and maximise efficiency. The matched design of drive components has been designed for optimum energy efficiency to exceed current and projected EU motor efficiency standards in new, retrofit or modernised systems.

This system, with fewer variants than conventional systems, simplifies project planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance. This is especially important in conveyor applications, irrespective of whether a centralised or de-centralised plant design is required.

Danfoss has recently been presented with a prestigious ‘Special Automation Ecohitech Award’ in Italy, in the ‘components, technologies and systems’ category. In the motivation for this award, the judges emphasised the balance between business productivity and environmental impact made possible by integrating mechanical components and advanced electronics.

By optimising motors, gear units and frequency converters, it is now possible to reduce power consumption by up to 30%. The design of the Danfoss solution, which has been developed according to strict industry hygiene regulations, also meets the requirements of eco-compatibility of the system.

BMG Drives provides a sales, training, repair, maintenance and spare parts service for the Danfoss range of electronic variable speed drive systems throughout southern Africa.

For more information contact Mick Baugh, BMG, +27 (0)11 620 1538, mickb@bmgworld.net, www.bmgworld.net



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Precise detection of complex rotational movements
Beckhoff Automation Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.

Read more...
Energy management system for electrohydrostatic actuation systems
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the machine manufacturing industry, more drive systems are being converted from servo-hydraulic throttle to electrohydrostatic actuation systems. The four-quadrant capability of the electrohydrostatic pump unit and servo drive used in this technology, in combination with the new Moog energy management system, allows regenerative power flows generated during braking or pressure relief to be stored and reused.

Read more...
Drive solution for stacker reclaimer
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hägglunds Drives South Africa recently completed a retrofit project on the bucket wheel of a stacker reclaimer at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The project entailed replacing a gearbox drive solution with a direct drive solution from Hägglunds Drives SA.

Read more...
Kamoa-Kakula power pack order for SEW-EURODRIVE
SEW-EURODRIVE Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With well over 100 units already delivered, SEW-EURODRIVE is set to continue supplying Ivanhoe Mines’ prestigious Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Read more...
Seven ways to reduce production downtime on the plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Production downtime is one of the biggest risks in the manufacturing industry. Follow these seven tips to reduce machine downtime in your production line.

Read more...
The time is now to implement a motor management strategy
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.

Read more...
Rapid overhaul of compressor motors
ACTOM Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia was requested by a smelter based in the Copperbelt to provide an in-country repair solution for its two critical 4,5 MW compressor motors. The company was given only three weeks in which to overhaul and commission the motors.

Read more...
PC-based motion control on a labelling machine
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.

Read more...
Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.

Read more...
Precise knowledge for precise applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech has been supplying standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning tables since 1970. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with undercarriage and vibration isolation, and also external measurement systems.

Read more...