ABB has extended its offering of general purpose ACS580 variable speed drives which includes plug-in simplicity, protection options for harsh environments, and connectivity with smart phone apps for advanced services.

ABB’s all-compatible general purpose drive portfolio extends the ACS580 offering to a new power range with new drive modules for cabinet installations, complementing the wall-mounted drives offering for IP21 and IP55 protection classes.

The ACS580 drive module range supplies 250 to 500 kW of power in a 380 to 480 V voltage range. The new drive modules for cabinet installations complement ABB’s wall-mounted drives offering which is available with IP21 and IP55 protection class cabinets for harsh operating environments. The drive modules feature a robust IP00 enclosure with coated circuit boards as standard for improved reliability.

The ACS580 is virtually plug-in ready to control a variety of pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors, mixers and other variable and basic constant-torque applications. It features an advanced pedestal system and ramp for quick and easy installation, and takes very little time for setup and commissioning.

Easy drive selection and advanced diagnostics

As standard, the control panel and control unit are mounted to the module. The drive module provides reduced harmonics with built-in choke and has integrated EMC class C3 filter and common mode filter as standard. Drive modules are small and compact offering significant power density. Other built-in features include Modbus RTU fieldbus interface and dual-channel safe torque off with SIL 3 PL e. The drive modules are also designed for standardized installation with ready part lists and easy installation instructions. As all the essential features are built into the drive module as standard, the need for external components, extra cabling and space requirements is reduced to minimum. This makes drive selection and use easy, and gives users better management of energy use and savings. The drives feature advanced diagnostics allowing operators to intuitively analyze and resolve any issues. The control panel diagnostic menu displays detail on the drive’s current operating state, and shows active faults, warnings and limits, as well as providing guidance on resolving active limitations. This includes a (patent pending) ‘active inhibits feature’ which allows the drive to detect the root cause behind a denied start request.

Wall-mounted drives with high protection class for harsh conditions

The wall-mounted power range is 0.75 to 250 kW and voltage range is 380 to 480 V. ABB’s drive with IP55, UL Type 12 protection class is designed for applications exposed to dust, moisture, vibrations, and other harsh environments. The drive is similar in size to ABB’s compact IP21 drives with only slightly more depth, which provides very compact IP55 protection over the whole power range for various harsh environment applications.

The robust and protective design ensures that no additional enclosures or components are needed, which enables straightforward installation on to the wall. There is also an assistant control panel in a protective door that eliminates the need to sacrifice IP55 protection while connecting a control panel to the drive. The ACS580 IP55 drive guarantees safety of the machines and personnel while leading to savings in space, maintenance, engineering and material costs, as well as in setup and commissioning time.

Improved process control with new pump and fan features

The ACS580 has features that improve energy efficiency and reduce operating wear without the need of additional external programmable logic controllers. In pumping applications, the drive can momentarily raise levels or pressure to extend energy-saving sleep mode. The pump and fan control (PFC) can operate auxiliary pumps in parallel to balance pumping duties between motors while meeting variable demand. This results in reduced stress on main equipment and system as well as in lower maintenance and operation costs.

Mobile connectivity for advanced services

The ACS580 drives support connectivity to mobile applications with built-in features. Drives together with mobile connectivity open a world of opportunities for data management, analysis, services and support that can improve performance and uptime.

ABB has already released Drivebase, a mobile application for AC drives that allows customers to register and access their installed drive base, ABB contact details, user documentation and service recommendations. The Drivebase app is available on AppStore, Google Play and Windows Store.

ABB’s drives have the ability to create a QR code on the control panel screen with information such as serial number, firmware version, user modified parameters, fault history as well as status and diagnostics data. By scanning the QR code with a smart phone, users receive error code descriptions and recommendations on how to troubleshoot the drive through the Drivebase app.

Now ABB is introducing integrated Bluetooth technology between the drive and a mobile device. This enables the user to monitor and control the drive on the go. The user is simultaneously connected to the drive and the Internet via 3G/4G or Wi-Fi. This gives users access to powerful cloud-based services and information through an intuitive touch-screen app with visualizations.

The user can manage his drive-base, analyze service needs, quickly solve possible issues and utilize other applications on the mobile device.

These mobile technologies allow users to take full advantage of the advanced engineering and capabilities of ABB drives, with better informed operating and maintenance decisions. At the same time, the comfortable and familiar smart phone apps allow them to realize these advantages while focusing on their core business.

The benefits unlocked by integrating intelligent devices and services are part of the Internet of Things, Services and People (IoTSP). Technologies such as cloud-based computing and mobile communication are creating a new generation of advanced services, more empowered workers and improving productivity, flexibility and safety.

Internet of Things, Services and People

ABB has been advancing technologies for the “Internet of Things, Services and People” for more than a decade via its control systems, communication solutions, sensors and software. Its technologies allow industry, utility and infrastructure customers to make more intelligent use of data to optimize their operations, increase productivity and flexibility. The product featured in this release extends the offering of ABB in this field.