Bearings supplier BMG’s VACON 100 alternating current (ac) drives have been designed to save energy, optimise process control and improve productivity in many sectors.

Through VACON 100’s economical solutions, BMG is able to ensure a quick return on project investments for its customers, says BMG electromechanical division electronics manager Mick Baugh.

VACON 100 ac drives, available from 0.55 kW to 800 kW, allow its customers to use the most efficient motor for each application, with the ability to run new motor technologies – including permanent magnet and synchronous reluctance motors – for improved efficiency.

All VACON 100 ac drives are equipped with integrated Ethernet, which means there is no need for additional interface cards to communicate with process automation. Integrated Ethernet also provides access for commissioning and maintenance through the VACON Live configuration tool and makes local or remote monitoring, configuring and troubleshooting possible.

Baugh explains that VACON 100 ac drives use electrolyte-free direct current link technology that extends the life of the system. Because there is no need to replace electrolytic capacitors – which wear over time – interruptions and maintenance costs are minimised.

“This energy-efficient system works in harmony with the environment and conforms to stringent global environmental standards for reduced emissions.”

He adds that although VACON 100 Industrial looks like a traditional ac drive, this single drive has integrated smart features and is dedicated for a wide range of constant power/torque applications. This user-friendly system is easy to integrate into all major control systems and is quickly adaptable to different plant automation requirements and retrofit situations.

Meanwhile, VACON 100 Industrial has standard features, such as built-in input/output with three option slots, integrated RS485 and Ethernet-based fieldbus support and varnished boards.

Easy-to-use motor control features improve reliability and efficiency of all ac motor types, including induction motors, permanent magnet motors and synchronous reluctance motors, he says.

Further, VACON 100 Flow is an ac drive with dedicated functionality for improving flow control and enhancing energy savings in pumping and ventilation applications.

This system combines the core functionality of VACON 100 Industrial with specific flow-control functions that optimise pump and fan performance, at the same time protecting pipes and equipment, to ensure reliable operation and extended service life.

A standard Proportional Integral Derivative controller eliminates the need for an external controller, by using a sensor to control pump speed. This is particularly useful when reacting to fluctuations in demand for flow and pressure during operation.

Baugh adds that there are three multi-pump control solutions in the VACON 100 Flow range to suit exact demand for water or ventilation that fluctuates throughout the day.

Multi-pump control is a single drive solution in which one ac drive controls the leading pump. If the demand exceeds the capability of the pump, additional fixed-speed pumps can be connected online directly, or with a soft starter. Users can choose between fixed set-ups and solutions in which the leading and auxiliary pumps alternate in roles, to equalise wear and tear.

“All VACON 100 ac drives have a user-friendly keypad that allows for fast set-up and installation, easy commissioning and trouble-free operation, VACON Programming software tools enable original-equipment manufacturers to achieve a high level of machine performance.”

Additionally, safety features of this system include the Safe Torque Off (STO) facility that prevents the ac drive from generating torque on the motor shaft and prevents unintentional start-ups.

Safe Stop 1 (SS1) initiates motor deceleration and starts the STO function after an application-specific time delay. The optional integrated STO and SS1 safety options have several advantages over standard safety technology using electromechanical switchgears.

An optional ATEX-certified integrated thermistor input has been designed for temperature control of motors used in areas where potentially explosive gas, vapour, mist or air-mixtures are present, or where there is combustible dust. If over-heating is detected, the drive immediately stops feeding energy to the motor. As no external components are necessary, cabling is minimised, improving reliability, reducing space requirements and optimising costs.

Another notable feature is VACON Save – a savings calculator for pump, fan and compressor applications, which is used to estimate costs and energy savings. An energy counter and real-time clock enable easy monitoring of energy savings and optimised control of the cooling fan. They also reduce the noise levels of the system.

VACON 100 compact wall-mounted drives have all the necessary components integrated in a single drive. Benefits include reduced installation space, cost efficiency and greater reliability in harsh environments.

VACON 100 IP00 drive modules are designed for installation into any enclosure. These modules offer improved reliability by separating the main cooling air flow from the rest of the drive electronics. Other features include integrated components and a wide power range, using only four frames.

BMG’s distribution and engineering facilities at BMG World in Johannesburg, comprise electronic workshops and a technical resource centre for the repair, maintenance and commissioning of the Danfoss and VACON product ranges.

BMG’s VACON 100 ac drives have been designed to save energy, optimise process control and improve productivity in many sectors.