Following its global release at Automation Fair 2016, Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa is launching new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755T drives to local markets at Automation University Classic 2017, held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, on the 17th and 18th of May 2017. 

Rockwell Automation has introduced a suite of drive solutions that will help users reduce energy costs and increase machine uptime for assets running in high-demand applications. The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755T drives provide harmonic mitigation, regeneration and common bus system configurations.

The latest PowerFlex drive offering marks the introduction of TotalFORCE technology from Rockwell Automation. This new drive technology delivers superior motor control through precise, adaptive control of velocity, torque and position for electric motors. TotalFORCE technology incorporates several patented features that are designed to help optimise a user’s system and maintain productivity.

“AC drive technology is an important investment for our customers, and they want their application up and running every possible minute,” said Adrian van Wyk, Business Manager for Power and Components, Rockwell Automation, Sub-Saharan Africa. “The PowerFlex 755T drives have been designed to provide savings from installation, through operation and maintenance with advanced features that allow you to optimise use of your assets.

”The expanded Allen-Bradley drive portfolio now includes the PowerFlex 755TL low-harmonic drive, PowerFlex 755TR regenerative drive, and PowerFlex 755TM common DC bus drive system, all compliant to the IEEE 519 specification. These new drives offer the additional advantages of a world-class footprint, comprehensive diagnostic and maintenance features, and simplified startup and installation.

PowerFlex 755TL drive: The PowerFlex 755TL drive uses active, front-end technology and an internal harmonic filter to reduce harmonic distortion. The drive is available from 250 to 1 800 Hp (160 to 1 250 kW).

PowerFlex 755TR drive: Delivering power from 250 to 3 000 Hp (160 to 2 300 kW), the PowerFlex 755TR drive includes both regenerative and harmonic mitigation solutions. The drive helps reduce energy consumption and costs by delivering energy back to the incoming supply, resulting in a more energy-efficient solution. 

PowerFlex 755TM drive system: This allows users to build the system that best fits their needs for regeneration and co-ordination of multiple motors in common bus configurations. To optimise their system requirements and meet power-consumption needs, users can select from a series of predesigned modules with a power range from 250 to 3 000 Hp (160 to 2 300 kW).

The three drive solutions have advanced, predictive diagnostics to estimate and provide notification of the remaining life span of drive components, such as fans, relay contacts, power semiconductors and capacitors. Users can actively monitor parameters, such as temperature and runtime, of the drive and motor to allow for preventive action if necessary.

Key to simplified installation and maintenance is a design that allows complete removal of a module from the cabinet. This creates ample space for wire installation and allows the power wiring to stay connected while the module is rolled out. Installation and maintenance is further simplified with an accessory cart that allows one person to easily insert or remove a module without the need for a ramp or hoist.

The drives can be fully configured in the Rockwell Software Studio 5000 design environment as part of the Premier Integration experience when working with Logix controllers. This helps to reduce programming time, simplify startup and streamline diagnostics.

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755T drives are supported locally by Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa through its dynamic sales and technical teams, along with stock availability and training.