Industry’s First 50-kA-Rated, Arc-Resistant, Medium-Voltage Regenerative Drive Reduces Safety Risks

Rockwell Automation has introduced the industry’s first 50-kA, arc-resistant medium-voltage drive featuring full regeneration capabilities. The advanced ArcShield technology from Rockwell Automation adds to the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 medium-voltage drive product line. Combined with an integrated arc-resistant Allen‑Bradley CENTERLINE starter, the new PowerFlex 7000 drive system with ArcShield technology provides a fully integrated, arc-resistant starter-and-drive system.

The ArcShield technology redirects hazardous energy and gases created from an arc-flash event away from personnel. This helps reduce safety risks and protect equipment in heavy process industries, such as oil and gas, mining, power generation, and water and wastewater treatment.

The arc-resistant system is certified to meet the most stringent and comprehensive set of global arc-resistant standards. It provides a 50-kA arc rating and also meets Type 2B protection to provide full perimeter personnel protection, even when the low-voltage control door is open for maintenance purposes.

“The PowerFlex 7000 drive system with ArcShield technology is the latest addition to our growing portfolio of arc-resistant products. It has been developed to support the increasing requirements of the electrical safety programs implemented by our customers,” said Henry Craukamp, ETO Sales Manager, Rockwell Automation, Southern Europe and Africa Rockwell Automation. “The new drive system offers an integrated safety solution to reduce the safety burden put on industrial end users. Our unique designs were influenced by direct feedback and requirements requested by customers.”

The ArcShield drive system delivers the efficient and reliable motor control that has made the PowerFlex 7000 medium-voltage drive a staple in heavy industries around the world. The drive system meets a diverse range of requirements for applications that require frequent starts and stops. It also uses regenerative drive technology, allowing users to slow down and stop motors more quickly and efficiently compared to other technologies. Instead of wasting energy by converting it into heat in the drive or the motor, regenerative drive technology captures energy and pushes it back to the utility grid for better energy management, less stress in the drive and motor, and greater cost savings.

The drive system has been tested to meet North American and global arc-resistant standards, including IEEE C37.20.7, IEC 62271-200, IEC 62447-2, CSA C22.2 No. 22-11 and EEMAC G14-1.