OEM drive has ‘one of smallest footprints’ in its class

Published: 19 October, 2018

The Welsh drives-maker Invertek has developed a new variable-frequency drive (VFD) which it claims is one of the smallest in its class, allowing OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to save panel space and cut machine costs. Called the Coolvert, the drive was launched at the recent Chillventa exhibition in Germany, alongside a new CO₂ condenser controller from the Danish company, Reftronix.

The drive can be used with induction, permanent magnet (PM), brushless DC, synchronous reluctance and line-start PM motors, from 1.5–11kW. It has single- and three-phase inputs rated at 200–480V. It has a wide ambient temperature operating range from –20°C to +60°C, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of environments.

“Coolvert’s wide voltage and power range and open RS-485 Modbus serial port allows the OEM to seamlessly connect any manufacturer’s application controller,” says Mike Carmen, Invertek’s international business development manager. “Its compact design – one of the smallest in the market – makes it an ideal solution for machine-builders who have limited panel space and want complete system design flexibility.”

The drive has an IP20-rated front and IP55-rated rear, allowing OEMs to use small panels, while removing heat generated by the drive and maintaining the IP rating. The drive offers SIL3 protection and an STO (Safe Torque Off) input. Bluetooth communications are an option.

Space-saver: Invertek’s new Coolvert drive

The Coolvert is expected to become commercially available during the second quarter of 2019.