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Focus on Motors and Drives

| By Gerald Ondrey

New version of drive-analyzer app now available

Siemens

At SPS 2019 (Nuremberg, Germany; November 26–28), this company presented its latest solutions for smart and networked drive technology (photo). By networking entire drive systems, machine and plant builders, as well as users, can simulate machines and plant more accurately using digital twins, perform commissioning, reduce downtimes and therefore increase productivity. The new version V1.0 of the Analyze MyDrives MindSphere application (app) offers users new powerful diagram libraries for faster visualization. The new “Pan & Scan” function enables users to specify a precise timeframe for monitoring. Users can freely configure trend analytics. A new dashboard provides the key status information for all relevant drive components at a glance. — Siemens AG, Munich, Germany

www.siemens.com/digital-drives

 

 

Brother Gearmotors

IPM gearmotors that are small and run cool

IPMax (photo) is a line of lightweight, compact interior permanent magnet (IPM) gearmotors that are highly efficient with a wide synchronous speed range. IPM motors are suited for conveyors, fans and pumps, and are frequently used for factory automation, material handling, packaging and food processing. The gearmotors can operate fanless up to 1 hp, and do not require encoders for sensor control. When stopped, a servo lock feature holds the motor in position. IPMax gearmotors are 23% smaller than comparable IE3 motors, and run 24% cooler for longer lifespan, says the manufacturer. — Brother Gearmotors, Bridgewater, N.J.

www.brothergearmotors.com

 

Minarik Drives

Save costs, simplify sizing with this new servo system

The new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5100 servo drive has multiple control modes available to support a wider range of high-speed, low-power motion-control applications. The drive can be used with a Micro800 controller, a Logix controller or even by itself, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to choose how the product best functions in their applications. Bundling the drive, motor and cable together creates more competitive system pricing. With built-in safe torque off (STO), users can remove motor torque without removing power from an entire machine, allowing a machine to restart faster after it has reached a safe state. Dual-port EtherNet/IP also supports device-level ring topologies. — Rockwell Automation, Inc. Milwaukee, Wis.

www.rockwellautomation.com

Versatile new controls for brushless d.c. motors

The MDBL Series (photo) is a new family of configurable controls for brushless d.c. motors. MDBL drives control motors ranging from 90 to 280 V d.c., up to 5 A/1.5 hp, using either 115- or 230-V a.c. line sources. An onboard microprocessor allows for custom programming the MDBL Series for tasks as simple as changing the purpose of a jumper or trim pot, or as complex as programming an entire application-specific routine. The MDBL also seamlessly integrates PLC-like functionality into operations, eliminating the need for a separate PLC altogether or enhancing systems without PLCs. — Minarik Drives, South Beloit, Ill.

www.minarikdrives.com

ABB

New drives bring enhanced control to d.c. installations

Built on this company’s all-compatible drive platform, the DCS880 (photo) controls a variety of d.c. motor applications with unmatched safety, simplicity and interconnectivity. The new series of d.c. variable-speed drives (VSDs) allow users with a large installed base to get better performance from their existing systems. With the new DCS880 VSDs, users who are heavily invested in a d.c. system have the option to continue using d.c. technology while better aligning with modern a.c. advancements. The d.c. VSDs are also easily integrated with the company’s Ability monitoring services — a unified, cross-industry, digital offering that provides realtime data about drive status and performance from any location. Monitoring parameters include drive availability, environmental conditions and fault events. Optimized for safety, simplicity, and user-friendliness, the drives feature built-in functions, such as STO, which prevents unexpected startup of machinery. — ABB, New Berlin, Wis.

www.abb.com

 

Single Phase Power Solutions

The world’s first 100-hp single-phase electric motor

The Belle single-phase motor (photo) uses Written-Pole technology to deliver a 100-hp single-phase motor that is compatible with readily available single-phase utility services. The utility-friendly starting and operating characteristics provided through the use of Written-Pole technology minimize voltage sags and flicker on long single-phase distribution lines. Ideal for industrial applications in areas where three-phase power is not readily available or cost-effective, this technology eliminates the need for phase converters or complex variable-frequency-drive (VFD) installations. Rated as a 100-hp, 460-V, 1,800-rpm electric motor, this design delivers 95.5% efficiency at rated load with a near-unity power factor. — Single Phase Power Solutions, LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio

www.sppowersoluitons.com

Sensata Technologies

These slim hybrid motor starters extends motor life

The Crydom DRMS Series hybrid motor starters (photo) integrate the benefits of both solid-state and electromechanical-relay technologies to produce a compact device that can control electrical power delivery to motors as large as 4 kW. Suitable applications range from access control, packaging equipment, lifts and escalators to industrial process control and machine tooling systems. Unlike many motor starters of similar size, the DRMS Series offers features such as soft start, soft stop and an internal-mains disconnect relay in case of a fault. The starter’s soft start/soft stop function allows for the gradual increase or decrease of power control, thereby extending motor life. Built-in overload protection eliminates the extra cost and space otherwise needed for an additional overload relay. The compact 22-mm wide DIN rail-mount motor starter package features an output rating of 9 A at 480 V a.c., 24 V d.c. control voltage and four easy-to-see LED status indicators. — Sensata Technologies, Inc., Attleboro, Mass.

www.sensata.com

 

 

Nidec Motor

This vertical inverter-duty motor is available off-the-shelf

To respond to the growing demand for variable speed motors used to drive vertical pumps in municipal and industrial applications, this company now stocks a line of totally enclosed-fan-cooled Corro-Duty Vertical HollowShaft Inverter Duty Motors (photo). These “U.S. Motors” brand motors are cast iron, and designed with full Class H insulating materials to withstand the steep-wave-front voltage impressed by the VFD waveform. They are designed to run smoother and cooler on inverter power supplies, which can lead to improved system efficiency and reliability. The motors are NEMA Premium Efficient, and are available in 5–300 hp, with two and four poles (3,600 and 1,800 rpm), and with frame sizes 184–449. — Nidec Motor Corp., St. Louis, Mo.

www.nidec-motor.com

 

 

Phoenix Contact USA

Modular hybrid motor starters streamline installation

Contactron pro (photo) is a hybrid motor starter that simplifies wiring and safety integration. The auxiliary contact modules allow feedback of the motor state and implementation of self-sealing motor circuits. When used with the PSR-MC38 safety relay, the Contactron pro can easily permit a SIL 3/PLe group of emergency shutdowns via one interface. Like the original Contactron, the pro modules incorporate this company’s Hybrid Technology, which offers three-phase motor switching up to 5 hp. Compared with traditional contactors, it reduces wiring time and space by up to 75%, says the company, adding that the device has a service life of up to 30 million switching cycles, which is up to ten times the service life of electromechanical solutions. — Phoenix Contact USA, Middletown, Pa.

www.phoenixcontact.com

Festo

‘Plug and work’ with electric drives

Solving simple motion tasks electrically and intelligent communication from the controller to the cloud via IO-Link are now possible with the Simplified Motion Series from this company. The electric drive series combines the simplicity of pneumatics with the benefits of electric automation. The electric drive series, which is part of the Simplified Motion Series, is an integrated drive solution for simple motion tasks that enables operation without any software in accordance with the plug-and-work principle. The parameters for the advancing and retracting speed, as well as the pressing and clamping force, can be set directly on the drive, along with the reference for the end position, cushioning path and manual operation. The motion can be simply controlled via digital I/O, as with a pneumatic valve. At its launch, the Simplified Motion Series will include the following electric drives: spindle and toothed-belt-axis units ELGS-BS/-TB, mini slide unit EGSS, toothed-belt-axis unit ELGE-TB, electric cylinder unit EPCS and rotary drive unit ERMS (photo). — Festo AG & Co. KG, Esslingen, Germany

www.festo.de

 

 

Mitsubishi Electric Europe

Servo amplifier with multi-network interface

The MR-J4 servo amplifier series (photo) incorporates a multi-network interface called Servo Open Network. It enables the user-friendly drive to be compatible with all relevant motion-control systems worldwide. Communication is simplified by offering mainstream industrial Ethernet protocols, including CC-Link IE Field, Profinet, EtherCAT and Ethernet/IP. Network protocol selection is easy and user-friendly thanks to the plug-and-play concept applied to the servo amplifiers. A Quick Start Guide is available for each of the networks alongside immediately usable and expandable sample projects and function blocks, which are supplemented by flexible connection options. The servo systems for the power range from 0.05 to 22 kW are highly compact, occupying up to 50% less volume than comparable products. They are also supported by a large selection of motors with high power densities, offering maximum flexibility in design and efficiency with a minimum footprint. — Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., Ratingen, Germany

https://de.mitsubishielectric.com

Kaeser Compressors

A new variable-frequency-drive compressor

With an advanced SynRM motor-drive combination, the new SFC 18 is a 25-hp variable frequency drive compressor that delivers 31–156 ft3 /min of compressed air with superior part-load efficiency, longer service life and reduced maintenance costs, says the manufacturer. Developed in partnership with Siemens and specifically designed to work with this company’s SFC models, the SynRM motor-drive combination achieves top-tier IES2 classification. This results in better specific performance, especially in the part-load conditions that call for variable-speed compressors. SynRM motors do not use aluminum, copper or expensive rare earth metals in the rotors. Instead, they are made of electrical steel and feature a special profile. With this unique rotor design, the motors run cooler, resulting in lower bearing and winding temperatures and increased motor life. And because there are no magnets in the rotor, motor service is safer and easier. — Kaeser Compressors, Inc., Fredericksburg, Va.

https://us.kaeser.com

NORD Gear

New single-stage gear units with high thrust-load capacity

This company has added three single-stage gear units to its Nordbloc 1 product line (photo). The new SK 871.1, SK 971.1 and SK 1071.1 are said to provide industry-leading thrust-load capacity per case size. The new products have a power range of 30 to 60 hp and a torque range of 3,540 to 8,850 lb-in. With durable cast-iron housing and optimized bearings, they can reliably handle large axial and radial forces and are well suited for use with pumps, mixers, conveyors and industrial fans. With single-stage gear units, users can benefit from improved thermal performance, increased bearing ratings and more compact designs. — NORD Gear Corp., Waunakee, Wis.

www.nord.com

 

 

Integrated motors with power over Ethernet

Applied Motion Products

The TSM14POE StepServo Integrated Motor (photo) with Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality commonly used in IT applications, such as wireless access points, IP cameras and VoIP phones. PoE technology provides d.c. power and Ethernet communications over a single cable, enabling innovative solutions for space-constrained and remote locations. The TSM14POE StepServo Integrated Motor with PoE technology offers a complete motion-control solution with a motor, encoder, drive and controller combined in a single integrated motor package. Eliminating the need to connect motor power and feedback cables to an external motor controller, the integrated motor receives its power and Ethernet communications over a single cable for greater design modularity and installation simplicity. The motor is built upon the company’s StepServo Closed Loop Stepper Technology, which provides numerous benefits over conventional, open-loop step motor systems including higher torque and greater efficiency. — Applied Motion Products, Watsonville, Calif.

www.applied-motion.com