The West Sussex based business, which has traditionally focused on DC drives, has been has been collaborating with the University of Nottingham on the AC technology since 2018. The patented AC drives provide will precise control of AC motors, combined with efficient energy regeneration – a capability which most traditional AC variable-speed drives do not offer.
The Generis drive provides full four-quadrant control, as well as unity power factor and minimal input current distortion. Four-quadrant control removes the need for active front-end drives or braking resistors, simplifying the control of AC motors in complex applications. The technology will reduce heat generation, and improve motor accuracy and system efficiencies.
The Generis drive is the product of a five-year partnership between Sprint Electric and the University of Nottingham
“There is currently no range of inverters (AC VSDs) available that delivers effectively on efficient regeneration,” says Sprint director, Gary Keen. “Sprint Electric is capitalising on the gap in the market by creating an AC drive capable of regenerative operation and ultra-low harmonics.”
