VLT AutomationDrive: smart application set-up for standard applications
27 May 2011
In addition to great functionality and high quality, user-friendliness nears the top of the agenda when it comes to choosing a frequency converter. In a survey recently carried out on behalf of Danfoss, most users said that this aspect was extremely important. Danfoss is determined to make the commissioning of its drives as easy and simple as possible, from the moment the drive is first powered up to those occasions when factory settings need to be restored.
The AutomationDrive display - which was introduced in 2003 and which received an IF Design Award for user-friendliness - has made considerable headway in achieving this aim. With its new Smart Application Setup feature, Danfoss has taken a further step by simplifying parameterization even more.
The increasing number of functions in the standard converter means that there is a wide range of parameters and configuration settings that users can change in order to satify a particular application's requirements. But, as is usually the case, a lot of parameters are required, this process must be simplified with the aid of an intuitive menu structure.
For the new VLT AutomationDrive FC 300 series, Danfoss has now integrated a new function in order to simplify initial commissioning and to get the drives speedily on line again following the restoration of factory settings; this is called 'Smart Application Setup'and it saves a considerable amount of time when putting standard applications into operation.
Danfoss developers have exploited the full potential of the graphical display in order to make programming as simple and as clear as possible. For many applications, this means that the user no longer needs to consult the manual during commissioning. Moreover, Smart Application Setup is intended for use with typical standard applications, which make up the vast majority of the VLT applications.
Danfoss has integrated three important applications in the first version:
- The configuration of a horizontal load such as a conveyor belt or transport conveyor
- The configuration of a vertical load such as a simple hoist with a mechanical brake control
- The parameterization of a PID controller as typically found in pump and ventilation applications
The macros can run automatically during the first commissioning of the frequency converter or after the restoration of factory settings. Alternatively, the user can access them at any time via the VLT AutomationDrive Quick Menu.
The Smart Application Setup then guides the user through the settings for the frequency converter. After asking the user which language he or she requires (the VLT AutomationDrive supports 27 languages) they are guided through basic parameterization steps. As part of this configuration process, the macro prompts the user to enter the motor data and specific application data required for initial commissioning. Examples of specific functions include settings for thermal motor protection and the sources of reference and feedback signals for the integrated PID controllers.
More applications are on the horizon. All the application setups have a modular design, which means that the range of setups can be extended gradually over time for specific applications. This means that the commissioning of many applications will get easier and easier - saving time and costs.
Contact Details and Archive...