A series of variable frequency drive (VFD) devices, for demanding industrial and building automation applications, was recently launched onto the African market by power management company Eaton.

The company’s new PowerXL DG1 series is suitable for power ratings from 0.55 kW to 160 kW. It features an enhanced energy algorithm, robust design, extreme short-circuit current capability, extensive and integrated functionality; it is also extremely user friendly.

The device enables users to implement electrical equipment, systems and machinery with greater efficiency, safety and reliability.

The PowerXL DG1 adjustable frequency drive has been specifically designed to reduce energy use and improve motor performance and system reliability. Product features include Eaton’s patented active energy control algorithm to boost energy use, a kilowatt meter for power monitoring and an on-board energy savings calculator to capture the cost savings provided by the PowerXL DG1 drive.

The active energy control feature enables the drive to control a motor based on a linear volts-per-hertz relationship. Eaton’s patented active energy control algorithm dynamically adjusts the voltage down at a given reference frequency, enhancing the performance of the motor, while reducing power use.

The active energy control algorithm is active as standard when using the factory default setting for the volts-per-hertz mode. Once the drive is given a run command, it will output a given reference frequency and voltage level, which is determined based on the initialised volts-per-hertz relationship.

“The algorithm on the PowerXL DG1 has been tested against other manufactured out-of-the-box drives configurations and the test results yield a 2% to 10% cost savings when compared against a standard linear volts-per-hertz curve performance,” says Eaton Africa drives and soft starters product manager Kyle Danielson.

Additionally, the algorithm has been compared with both the static and dynamically adjusting control algorithms of other manufacturers, and active energy control still exceeds the competition’s performance in the overall percentage of cost savings, he adds.

The DG1 offers an overload-withstand capability of 110% for variable torques and 150% for constant torques. The VFD’s short-circuit capability, measured in kilo Amperes (kA), is 100 kA of interrupting capability, which will well over the average..

Owing to an integrated direct- current link choke, the VFD only has a small harmonic component, eliminating additional external components. Electromagnetic compatibility filters are likewise standard for all devices.

The VFD series comes in six sizes, with protection class IP21 for all housings. A special coating protects the electronic boards from dust, humidity and chemicals.

For harsher environmental conditions or remote operations, the housing can be retrofitted to conform with IP54, with a conversion kit.

The operating range of the DG1 ranges from 35 °C to 50 °C with the use of a special heating mode. With derating, it can also be operated at up to 60 °C.