New solution for high peak loads

KEB Automation, a system provider of automation and drive technology, has introduced the new Peak Power Drives. This provides a drive solution optimized for applications involving high peak loads and increased starting torque. Peak Power Drives demonstrate their strengths in intralogistics, crane applications, and other scenarios requiring demanding load and acceleration characteristics. The units are based on KEB’s proven Combivert F6 drive controllers.

With integrated safety functions, high scalability, and a wide range of options for motors, encoders, and communication, COMBIVERT F6 drives are true all-rounders. It is hardly surprising, then, that these drives are found across virtually all major sectors of plant and mechanical engineering. However, certain areas require powerful, robust drives specifically designed to handle high breakaway torques or dynamic loads. KEB introduced the Peak Power Drives to address this need and fill a gap in its product portfolio.

"To ensure stable, precise control during startup and when overcoming breakaway torque, the Peak Power Drives feature enhanced current reserves. Significantly higher current limits and trip currents, improved overload capability, and optimized control algorithms deliver the necessary performance—especially during dynamic load changes," says Rüdiger Sabon, Sales Engineer at KEB. Specifically, the overload capability reaches up to 200 percent for 60 seconds, giving the drive the robustness required for challenging applications. A key advantage is their increased power density: they deliver more power while maintaining the same physical footprint as standard F6 drives. This not only saves valuable space in the control cabinet but also reduces material and installation costs, while simplifying integration into existing systems. Optimized for these applications

Like the Combivert F6 Standard drive controllers, the Peak Power Drives offer exceptional application flexibility thanks to their scalable sizes and power ranges. Intralogistics, crane operations, and high-duty applications—such as extruders, rolling mills, or presses—particularly benefit from the drives' specific features. Rapid, highly dynamic movements and frequent start-stop cycles are commonplace in many intralogistics processes. "Conveyor belts, storage and retrieval machines, and shuttles must accelerate and decelerate rapidly while transporting loads of varying weights. The Peak Power Drives' overload capability is essential, for instance, when starting up fully loaded systems," says Sabon. Precise, smooth movements—achievable with this drive—ensure gentle material handling.

Crane applications often require striking a balance between high breakaway torque and smooth startup. The new drive features ensure that precise positioning and reliable movement—even with very heavy loads—are not mutually exclusive. During dynamic movements, such as rapid lifting or travel cycles, high current limits prevent performance drops. High-duty applications—where drives are frequently subjected to sustained high thermal and mechanical stress—also benefit from Peak Power Drives. They combine thermal reserves with a robust design, handling recurring peak loads without shutting down. The result: reliable application performance, reduced downtime, and highly cost-effective operation.