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Energy-saving VSD targets fans, pumps and compressors
Published:  30 November, 2016

At last week’s SPS IPC Drives exhibition in Germany, ABB unveiled a new general-purpose variable-speed drive designed to optimise pump, fan and compressor operations, efficiently and simply. The compact ACS480 drive – which is available in ratings from 0.75–11kW, 380–480V – is said to offer users all of the functions they will need to control standard applications easily and intuitively.

The main role of the new drive is to cut energy consumption. A built-in energy optimiser gives direct access to critical energy efficiency information, helping users to monitor and reduce the amount of energy used in their processes. The VSD can also control high-efficiency synchronous reluctance motors.

The IP20-protected VSD incorporates pre-programmed functions including PID (proportional integral derivative), pump and fan macros, and timers, needed to manage common variable-torque applications. Built-in EMC C2 filters comply with European and international standards. To protect both people and machinery, safety functions such as TÜV-certified safe-torque-off (STO) are standard.

Fieldbus adapters are available for Profibus DP, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and Profinet IO, and the drive can also communicate via Bluetooth with mobile devices for easy configuration and monitoring.

ABB's new general-purpose drive is aimed at energy-saving applications

The ACS480 uses the same user interface, tools and options as other ABB drives, simplifying drive selection, installation and operation. It also supports seamless transition to the ACS580 if more power or features are needed.