Schneider Electric introduced the engineered-to-order Altivar Process Drive Systems at the Hannover Messe 2015, providing customers with fully customised solutions with dedicated support from an in-house team.
The product will include technology for lower harmonics and also addresses a number of challenges such as lack of space and equipment life cycles.
A low-harmonics concept based on a 3-level technology will reduce the total current distortion factor THD to a value less than five per cent (in accordance with IEEE 519).
In order to extend the motor’s life span, the solution will utilise a common mode structure reducing voltage stress and peaks in voltage for a smoother waveform.
Saving space within the factory commercial floor was also taken into account, and the Drive Systems features internal filter components that are much smaller than the conventional 2-level low-harmonic technology.
Schneider Electric has also simplified the installation and operation processes, including an enclosure that will be ready to connect and fulfil requirements for total current distortion factors
With plans to extend power needs up to 1500 KW, the current version will deliver 110 up to 800 KW. Engineering will start with a base model, which will use standard enclosures and will be ready to connect.
The modular construction will make it possible to adapt the enclosure unit to individual requests, making planning easier, and installation and commissioning quicker.
Furthermore, custumers will also receive support for customisation from engineering teams at Schneider Electric, which will help clarify specifications and ensure that the Drives meet each client’s industrial requirements.
The Altivar Process Drive Systems will be made available in three different levels.
The ‘light engineering’ level will incorporate a number of predefined options while the ‘engineered to order’ level will include both predefined options and additional customer-specific engineering adaptations.
The top of the range ‘fully engineered to order’ will be a completely customised system solution.
The Altivar Process Drive Systems are built to be "service-oriented". The embedded "Internet of Things" technology will enable improvements to customers’ businesses through automation, real-time data management and connectivity for process performance, energy, and asset management.
Alain Dedieu, Senior Vice President of Industry Controls and Drives, said: "Drive Systems are an important development in our variable speed drive offering that enables us, more than ever, to meet specific customer requirements and to resolve their unique problems, particularly with our new low-harmonics 3-level technology, which is a first on the market.
"Our engineered-to-order drive systems consist of well-proven Schneider Electric products that are adapted to requirements.
"Customers can define their needs and we will custom build, test, and validate their system, and, if necessary, commission the drive on-site and train staff."