November/December 2020

n TECHNOLOGY November/December 2020 www.drivesncontrols.com 20 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC has released a new generation of VSDs which, it claims, are the first to incorporate internal detection of corrosive gases. Combined with AI (artificial intelligence) functions, this could extend their operating lives and reduce downtime. The compact FR-E800 drives also have built- in support for multiple networks – including CC-Link IE TSN (Time Sensitive Networking), Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Modbus TCP/IP – without needing costly option cards. The drives, announced in Japan last year and now available in Europe, initially cover ratings from 0.1–7.5kW and will be extended within a few months up to 22kW. They have autotuning functions not only for standard induction motors, but also for surface and interior permanent magnet motors (SPMs and IPMs) and, in the future, for synchronous reluctance motors as well, reducing the need for users to stock spares. The drives can be incorporated into SIL3 PLe, Cat 3 safety systems and have built-in STO, SS1, SBC and SSM safety functions. Also built in is a 2,000-step PLC which avoids the need for an external controller and allows several VSDs to be controlled by one master. It also helps to reduce set-up times, with an entire system being set up via the master. There are two Ethernet ports which support line, ring and star topologies. The bookshelf-format drives can be mounted side-by-side, without gaps. The corrosive gas detection system can identify the presence of any corrosive gases, including hydrogen sulphide, allowing operators to improve the drives’ operating environment, thus extending their lives. The system uses tiny (1.6 x 0.8mm) PCB- mounting sensors incorporating thin metal films, and relies on the fact that corrosive gases cause metals to rust, increasing their electrical resistance. Mounting several of these sensors on a drive PCB and monitoring their resistance allows the presence and progress of any corrosion to be detected without needing external sensors. AI-based predictive maintenance functions also analyse the remining lifetimes of critical components such as capacitors, relays, fans and in-rush current-limiting sensors, allowing troubleshooting without needing expert knowledge. The fans and capacitors have ten-year design lives. Android and iOS apps are available to set drives’ parameters and to monitor their performance. A QR code on each drive takes users to a Web site where they can find manuals, FAQs and set-up instructions. The FR-E800 drives – which supersede the earlier FR-E700 series, with no increase in price – will build into range of about 120 models. Mitsubishi, which claims to be the world’s largest producer of VSDs by volume, expects to sell around 850,000 of them in 2021. https://gb3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/ solutions Compact VSDs are ‘the first with on-board corrosive gas detection’ BONFIGLIOLI HAS has launched a range of “intelligent’ frequency inverters in four sizes, initially spanning ratings from 0.25–15kW, with versions up to 400kW to follow. Adriano Chinello, marketing director for Bonfiglioli’s motion business, says that the AxiaVert drives represent “a quantum leap for smartness”. Condition-monitoring and predictive maintenance functions are built into the drives, both for key components in the inverter, and for monitoring parameters of attached gear-motors from Bonfiglioli’s new Evox series. The drives can provide real-time diagnostics, energy optimisation and predictive maintenance functions for an entire machine. For example, they can predict the remaining lifetimes of gearbox components. Digital and open communications protocols that are compatible with a variety of fieldbus protocols and machine controls, simplify integration into automation networks. Integrated safety functions that comply with EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 61508, are available in various combinations, allowing users to choose the most suitable in terms of cost, performance and their application needs. This capability is said to simplify configuration and to reduce the need for external safety components, while ensuring safe, controlled operation of applications such as lifting. A modular structure and PLC programmability (using five IEC 61131-3 languages) allow systems to be adapted and customised to different applications. Users can define software parameters and functions, and select the most suitable hardware, such as communications or encoder modules, and accessories. There is a variety of frame sizes, mounting variants and cooling systems. The drives can be used with a wide range of motors, including induction, permanent magnet, asynchronous, synchronous, and synchronous reluctance types. They offer accurate speed, position and torque control, both for open- and closed-loop applications. https://www.bonfiglioli.com/international/en/Axiavert Mitsubishi’s FR-E800 compactVSDs support several different communications technologies, includingTSN, and have advanced condition-monitoring capabilities Inverters monitor the condition of motors