Smart drive resolves blockages on its own
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS presented intelligent drives with an integrated PLC at the SPS IPC Drives exhibition in Nuremberg/Germany. The drives are fully equipped to execute control sequences in customer applications. Featuring numerous sensor interfaces and extensive diagnostic as well as process control functions, they can detect blockages and in many cases independently restore normal operation. This improves system availability and reduces servicing requirements.
If the drive is able to remove an obstacle, such as a blockage in a pipe, by repeatedly changing the motor speed and direction, it will then resume normal operation. If the problem persists, the inverter can submit an error signal to the control level and possibly initiate a fallback procedure, for instance by having other networked drive units unlock a bypass. Any such measures can be programmed individually specific to an application.
This gives users independently operating, intelligent plant segments and machinery such as sorters, portioning and packaging systems, single pumps or groups of pumps, crushers, or screw conveyors. At the same time, optimum integration into automation networks is ensured. The inverter PLC can pre-process drive and application data for a higher-level controller for various uses including diagnostics. NORD provides low-maintenance, versatile distributed drive electronics with exceptionally good electromagnetic compatibility for synchronous and induction motors up to 22 kW.
