Next-generation voltage drives launched

27th January 2017

Earlier this month, power generation and transmission systems supplier Siemens announced the release of its next generation of the Sinamics Perfect Harmony GH180 medium-voltage drive.

The company says that the new-generation drive, manufactured in Pennsylvania, US, features an innovative printed circuit board with a 70% reduced part count on the previous design. This increases reliability and makes it the most compact medium-voltage drive in the market.

The new Sinamics Perfect Harmony GH180 drive provides customers with a highly efficient solution for low-power applications.

Moreover, the new Sinamics Perfect Harmony GH180’s power cell design allows for less maintenance and greater availability. Siemens adds that, when combined with up to 90% savings on cable costs, as well as substantial savings on the conduit, the result is a significantly lower cost of ownership over the drive’s life cycle. “No other drive offers the savings and reliability that the Sinamics Perfect Harmony GH180 does, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of applications,” the company details.

Further, the company highlights that this next-generation drive offers a simplified system, with enhanced serviceability and reduced commissioning. Sinamics Perfect Harmony GH180 drives are IEEE 519-compliant and compatible with any motor type, including induction, synchronous, permanent magnet and round rotor motors. The drive also supports 480 V or 600 V input voltages of up to 400 A – making this drive ideal for new or retrofit applications of existing motors.

Additionally, the company says that customers can upgrade to this new drive without giving up critical space. “The new drive offers incredible flexibility to suit virtually any application with fast lead times to meet even the most demanding schedule,” says the company.

The new Sinamics Perfect Harmony GH180 offers a three-year payback on fan and pump applications and up to 4% improved efficiency on low-power applications, compared with high-low-high solutions. In addition, the Sinamics Perfect Harmony drive offers up to 96.5% energy efficiency through the entire speed range.

The company concludes that Siemens Process Industries and Drives helps its customers improve productivity, safety, reliability, efficiency and time-to-market for plants and processes with innovative, integrated technology across the entire life cycle.