Intelligent drive functions in additional applications

Rockwell Automation, Inc. has announced the expansion of its PowerFlex AC portfolio of variable frequency drives. This enables the company to cover an even wider range of motor control applications. This gives customers more flexibility, performance and additional smart features through TotalForce technology in advanced next-generation drives.

The new PowerFlex 755TS AC drive is the first six-pulse drive to feature Rockwell Automation's TotalFORCE technology - a technology that enables customers to get the most out of their equipment. TotalForce was previously only included in PowerFlex 755T drives with AFE technology, but the technology can now be used in a wider range of applications. This includes traditional blower, pump and conveyor applications to more advanced motor control processes, including those requiring high performance features typically found in specialised drive solutions.

Thanks to this addition, virtually any motor control application is simplified and made more consistent in three ways:

• Flexible high-performance control: The drive's power range, voltage classes and performance capabilities meet the needs of a wide range of motor control applications. In this way, users can use one central drive for multiple applications. This can simplify support and reduce staff workload.
• Operational Intelligence: Integrated predictive models use continuous operational monitoring to calculate the expected remaining life of drive components. These insights help users reduce unplanned downtime as well as maintenance costs by replacing components as needed rather than on a fixed schedule.
• Simplified commissioning and optimisation: With various functions such as Adaptive Control, the drive monitors machine performance characteristics that may change over time and automatically compensates for these deviations. This helps users to quickly commission the drive and maintain it throughout its lifetime without the need for an expert to make fine adjustments. This process also helps to reduce mechanical wear and optimise uptime.

"Many more industrial companies can now take advantage of TotalFORCE technology because it is now available in a traditional six-pulse drive," said Adam Davis, product manager at Rockwell Automation. "In doing so, no other drive offers a comparable combination of performance and intelligence as the PowerFlex 755TS. This can increase operational productivity and reduce worker strain."

The PowerFlex 755TS drive is available with an option for increased protection against corrosive gases (XT), which helps to improve service life and extend the life of the drive in environments with corrosive gases. The drive has been tested and validated using one of the most rigorous testing protocols for corrosive environments. These tests include a combination of industry-leading 30-day mixed gas tests in accordance with ASTM B845 Method K and additional proprietary tests that exceed any previously known industry standard requirements.

To enhance cybersecurity in industrial operations, the PowerFlex 755TS drive is eligible for CIP Security. Once implemented, CIP Security helps strengthen a control system by ensuring the authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of data. This allows companies to protect themselves from the risk of third parties accessing a network without authorisation and causing damage.

The 755TS drive is designed to facilitate migration from other PowerFlex 750 drives. In addition, the 755TS drive is a mechanical and electrical replacement for other PowerFlex 755 drives, even when using the same physical dimensions, mounting holes and wiring locations. It also uses the same slot-based architecture, which allows users to re-use existing I/O and safety cards from their existing 750 drives. Last but not least, its world-class integration with the Logix control platform makes configuring and programming the drive easy.

The PowerFlex 755TS drive will be available from spring 2022.