Decentralised inverters open up new perspectives for energy efficient production

Machine builders and operators in the intralogistics, automotive and consumer goods production sectors are the main beneficiaries.

The increasing digitalisation of industry plays a key role in public discourse. Ueli Allenspach, product manager for inverters at Lenze, says: Digitalisation also opens up scope for sustainable innovations in drive technology. We use intelligent technologies and comprehensive connectivity in the i550 and i650 motec frequency inverters. This opens up new standards for efficient production processes.

Digital in every respect

With its digital functions, the frequency inverter takes on several tasks at once: It acts as an efficient sensor in the system, collects data and forwards it to IIoT platforms and higher-level edge systems in a standardized and reliable manner. The connectivity of the motec accelerates and facilitates ongoing production processes. The DrivesDataHub software provided by Lenze enables direct access to important drive data via numerous communication interfaces.

The integrated IO-Link master in particular provides machine operators with high-quality information about the drive technology. The sensor data analysed in real time paves the way for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. This gives customers a comprehensive overview of the condition of their machine, enabling them to plan service and maintenance activities in advance, thereby saving time and money, explains Allenspach.

Before and during commissioning, the decentralised frequency inverter makes an essential contribution to an improved value chain, as important product data can be viewed at any time. The digital nameplate supports asset management standards and can be read via a smartphone or directly via the frequency inverter. This gives machine operators quick and easy access to relevant data such as product codes, CAD files and spare parts information.

Energy-efficient through and through

An important lever for saving energy is the motecs integrated energy recovery unit. Machine operators can rest assured that regenerative energy is not lost in braking resistors, as it is fed back into the grid automatically and without additional hardware costs.

The inverter also controls synchronous motors completely without sensors. The compact drive package consisting of gearbox, motor and inverter is particularly energy efficient. In combination, the three components ensure a minimal CO2 footprint for the application. Lenze says the savings are particularly evident in intralogistics, as conveyor lines can be several kilometres long with thousands of drives in use that adds up.

In addition, functions such as VFC eco improve the energy balance of the system. If Lenzes EASY System Designer is also used, optimum system design is guaranteed. The intelligent software avoids oversizing and leads to energy savings of up to 30 percent compared to previous designs.

Powerful, user-friendly, secure

The connectivity of the frequency inverter supports the entire system and simplifies the process chain right from the start. Voltage-free parameterisation, simple menu navigation and practical factory settings are other noteworthy features that make commissioning easier.

With integrated positioning, the motec also masters dynamic motion control, which previously only a servo inverter could fulfil. This opens up new applications for the inverter, creating further potential for cost savings. In addition, scalable, integrated safety levels from STO to Extended Safety with functions such as SLS through to STO over CIP ensure comprehensive machine protection and guarantee constant productivity.

Overall, our customers have the opportunity to solve decentralised safety applications without sensors, quickly and in a space-saving manner, adds Allenspach.