Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Altivar 61 and 71 VSDs - Simply Smart drives

First Quarter 2008 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

According to drive manufacturer Telemecanique the Altivar 61 and Altivar 71 variable speed drives are Simply Smart. The company says that its Simply Smart label means that the devices incorporate more ingenuity and intelligence for continually improving ease of use.

According to drive manufacturer Telemecanique the Altivar 61 and Altivar 71 variable speed drives are Simply Smart. The company says that its Simply Smart label means that the devices incorporate more ingenuity and intelligence for continually improving ease of use.

Telemecanique’s Altivar 71 for fixed torque applications
Telemecanique’s Altivar 71 for fixed torque applications

This generation of variable speed drives (VSDs) is characterised by the breadth of its power range, a feature that enables control of asynchronous motors from 0,37 up to 800 kW for voltages of 200 to 240 V a.c. and 380 to 690 V a.c. This broad power range means that plants can standardise on one product range for all their VSD needs. The Altivar 71 is tailored for constant torque applications, whereas the Altivar 61 is built for applications that require variable torque and is dedicated to pump and fan applications.

Features and benefits

Telemecanique boasts the following for these drives:

* A comprehensive suite of functions is incorporated, including preset speeds, torque control, advanced hoisting functions, functions for textile machines, PID regulation, master/slave function, acoustic noise reduction, underload and overload detection and detection of absence of fluid.

These functions, open loop and closed loop performance make the drives suitable for use in complex and/or high power machines in diverse applications.

* The drives are reliable and robust for continuous service. They withstand supply voltage drops of up to 50% and operate in ambient temperatures of up to 50°C without de-rating. A range of enclosures with various IP ratings is available where the drives are to be used in harsh environments.

* Safety is engineered into the drives. Their protective functions are simultaneously active at drive level, motor level (with its electronic relay and PTC probes) and machine level. High level safety is taken into account with Altivar's 'Power Removal' safety function, which prevents any unintentional starting of the motor, thus ensuring the safety of personnel. The controllers conform to category 3 of the standard AS4024-1 (EN954-1) and to level SIL2 of AS/IEC/EN 61508.

* Simple to use, the Altivar's front panel incorporates a graphic terminal which enhances dialogue through easy to read messages, graphics, navigation, function keys for short cuts and online help. The 'Simply Start' menu enables quick start-up using a single menu for simple applications.

* Application specific macro-configurations simplify drive programming and numerous services offered simplify setting-up as well as monitoring and diagnostics of machines. A 'user' menu can also be created.

* Ease of commissioning is ensured by the use of a Bluetooth wireless link as an interface with the PowerSuite software workshop available on PC. This configuration tool is available to the entire range of Altivar VSDs and Altistart starters.

* With its 150 specialised functions, numerous I/O points, onboard Modbus and CANopen communication protocols, the Altivar provides a complete and economical solution that is suitable for the majority of applications.

Function cards

For automation systems, specific functions such as additional I/O, alternative communication networks and incremental encoder interfaces are often required. These functions are provided by cards that simply install in the drive.

The 'Controller Inside' programmable card adds IEC 61131-3 programming capability at the drive level, converting Altivar into an intelligent automation node. Using this card, the drive can act as master to other drives and supports data exchange with other intelligent devices. Installing intelligence as close as possible to the motor control improves responsiveness.

With Multipump cards, Altivar 61 provides flexibility and adaptability for the management of several pumps working together. The card facilitates monitoring and full control of the pumping installation by switching between pumps and spreading wear and tear across them.

Open and available

With integrated Modbus and CANopen, Altivar integrates in industrial automation systems without any extra costs. It has over 10 communication cards that cover all industrial communication networks.

On Ethernet, its Web server function offers worldwide accessibility, regardless of location or time.

For more information contact Sean Naude, automation product manager, Schneider Electric South Africa, +27 (0)11 254 6400, [email protected], www.schneider-electric.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly
Beckhoff Automation Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.

Read more...
Smart features increase crane safety
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.

Read more...
Redefining industrial lifting
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.

Read more...
Seven years of uninterrupted service
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A set of hydraulically operated Corflex pinch valves, installed in 2018 at a major North African gold mine, has delivered in one of the continent’s most demanding slurry-handling applications.

Read more...
New generation soft starter ranges
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric has launched its new generation Altivar ATS430 and ATS490 soft starter ranges in Anglophone Africa, the latest innovations in motor control technology.

Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.

Read more...
Reinventing the wheel
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Once a curiosity in the early automotive age, in-wheel motors are now re-emerging with real promise. From electric cars to commercial vehicles and even aircraft, they are on the verge of transforming transportation engineering.

Read more...
NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.

Read more...
PC-based control for sustainable fertiliser production on an industrial scale
Beckhoff Automation Electrical switching & drive systems & components
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...
Redefining motion control with Festo’s vision for seamless and intelligent automation
Festo Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The quest for precision, flexibility and efficiency continues to shape the future of industrial automation, and Festo, as a long-standing leader in automation technology, stands firmly at the forefront of this movement, driving innovation and setting the benchmark for excellence.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved