Cost effective variable speed drives

A new cost-effective range of inverter drives that gives exceptional performance for three-phase induction motor control has been launched by WEG. The CFW500 range features state-of-the-art technology to deliver a high level of control, but at an affordable price, enabling industrial manufacturers to improve processes and make significant cost savings.

This new range of CFW500 inverter drives is robust, flexible and smart, and available in power ratings from 0.18 kW up to 22 kW. It has been designed to be versatile for many industrial automation applications including centrifugal and process pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors.

The CFW500 drives are based on modular plug and play design, extremely easy to use and program. The drive includes a built-in micro-PLC, which can be programmed according to standard protocol IEC 61131-3. It also comes with pre-programmed macros for a range of applications, for example positioning, timer and acceleration. Users can simply program the drive using the LCD HMI display, or via a computer through a variety of interfaces (RS232, USB, RS485). In contrast to other providers, WEG offers its WLP software for programming and monitoring to customers free of charge.

Designed with simplicity of installation and operation in mind, it can identify up to 64 different plug-in modules. CFW500 is ideal for supporting decentralised automation concepts and is easy to connect to all the major fieldbus systems including Profibus-DP, DeviceNet and CANopen. The drive features expansion plug-in modules, which makes it easy to customise even for bespoke applications.

The simple-to-use and intuitive LCD HMI gives indication of up to three simultaneous variables, such as speed, as well as indication of the main units and performance statistics of the inverter. The inverter drives are reliable and can operate in ambient temperatures up to 50°C.

“Our CFW500 range has been developed to be extremely easy to use and operate,” says Paulo Krüger, European Automation Centre Manager at WEG. “I’m delighted that our customers can now benefit from advanced programming and control features to increase productivity and improve the quality of their processes, but at a cost-effective price. Typically applications do not run at full load all the time and by installing the CFW500 drive customers can save money by controlling the speed of their process and adjusting it to the specific load at any time.”