DTC drive gives servo performance from AC motors

Citation

(1999), "DTC drive gives servo performance from AC motors", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319aaf.007

DTC drive gives servo performance from AC motors

DTC drive gives servo performance from AC motors

Keyword Motors

A closed loop AC drive with built-in motion control and positioning has been launched by ABB Industry Oy. The company claims the ACS 600 MotionControl offers servo performances from standard AC induction motors.

Aimed at OEMs, machine builders and system integrators, this high performance direct torque control (DTC) drive has precision positioning and synchronisation modes. It is said to be the only one of its type on the market covering the range from 2.2kW to 315kW, in the 380-500V range (see Plate 6).

New integrated positioning software eliminates the cost of traditional external motion controllers. The software moves the ACS 600 into applications previously employing servo-drive technology.

Plate 6New high-performance drive gives servo performance from standard AC induction motors ­ ACS 600 MotionControl

Accurate positioning is obtained from a fast response to changes in the motor's shaft position. This is the result of the positioning software's 1ms cycle time and a refresh rate of 1ms for the inputs' value. The fast reaction is essential for applications like textile fibre production where quick motor shaft reactions are needed to avoid fibre breakage.

The drive is available as wall mounted units up to 90kW, protected to IP22 and IP54; modules for integration into cubicles from 55kW to 250kW, or as complete cubicles from 55kW to 315kW in IP21, IP22 or IP54.

PositioningThe drive is position-controlled from a pre-defined start position to a fixed target position by means of a "motion profile" generated by the software. Data can be given in mm, inches, degrees, increments or revolutions.

This mode is used for single or multiple linear axes and is designed for a wide range of applications such as conveyor lines, stacking machines, package handling and hoists.

SynchronisationThe drive is synchronised to a moving target. The moving target can be a master encoder on the machine or another motor. Intended applications are where the shaft angle between two or more axes in motion needs to be accurately controlled.

Integrated electronic gear functions can be used as a fixed or variable ratio with fine angle offset control to eliminate mechanical gears, shafts and couplings.

Applications include web handling for delicate materials, shaftless co-ordination of multiple motors such as lift tables, textile machines and wire drawing.

The drive can be linked to all major fieldbuses, says the company.

For further information contact: Finland (International enquiries), ABB Industry Oy, Drives, Products and Systems, Tuomo Merentie, PO Box 184, FIN-00381 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 10 22 2000; Fax: +358 10 22 22287.