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Variable frequency drives (VFD) provide speed, torque and direction control for AC motors such as those in conveyors, fans and pumps. Soft starters provide energy-efficient motor control. DC drives provide variable speed control for DC motors, ideal when requiring high torque at low speed.
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Drives and Soft Starters
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When motor control requires more flexibility than simple start/stop operation, drives and soft starters can provide speed control, power efficiency and other advanced functionality.
- Variable frequency drives (VFD) enable speed control for 3-phase AC motors such as those in conveyors, fans, pumps and shop tools. In ratings up to 300hp, the diverse lineup includes DURApulse GS series, IronHorse, Toshiba, and WEG brands, with various environmental ratings and control modes.
- Soft starters are used with AC motors to temporarily reduce load and torque during start-up as compared to discrete contactor switching. Soft starters lower energy use and reduce wear and tear on motors and connected mechanical equipment. WEG and Stellar brands offer a range of capacities, up to 950A.
- DC drives provide variable speed control for DC motors, ideal for applications requiring low speed control, torque, and power. Speed adjustment is simple, typically using a potentiometer or analog input signal. IronHorse DC drives are available with either DC or AC input voltage choices.
For part listings and specifications, go to Shop Now.
AC Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
A wide range of AC variable frequency drives (VFD) is available for motor speed control and other industrial control applications. Drives are available from a range of trusted brands including WEG, Toshiba, and AutomationDirect's DURApulse/GS series and IronHorse series.
Micro variable frequency drives (VFD) offer an affordable price in a compact footprint. For applications with smaller motors, many micro drives support single-phase input power and some have high-end features such as vector control or a built-in PLC. Micro drives are available in sizes up to 10hp.
General purpose variable frequency drives enable speed control for AC motors such as those in conveyors, fans, pumps and material handling. Various models offer V/Hz, sensorless vector or field oriented vector control modes. General purpose drives are available in sizes up to 30hp.
High-performance AC drives are usually specified when a high degree of precision in speed control is required, when full torque is needed through the speed range of the motor, or if a torque control mode is required. They offer advanced features such as STO, closed-loop vector control and a built-in logic controller. High-performance drives are available in sizes up to 300hp.
NEMA 4X-rated drives are suitable for washdown-duty applications. They offer V/Hz, sensorless vector or field oriented vector control up to 30hp, depending on series.
AC Motor Soft Starters
Solid state soft starters provide many advantages when used instead of electro-mechanical contactors, including reduced shock and starting stress on motors, resulting in an extended motor lifespan. WEG and Stellar brands offer a variety of choices.
Compact soft starters offer a reduced footprint for solid state motor control in ratings up to 85A (depending on series). Certain starters are available for 1- or 3-phase motors.
Basic soft starters provide dependable performance on motor starts and stops, in ratings up to 412A (depending on series) and a selection of trip classes.
Full-featured starters are fully digital, and use thyristors in all three motor phases for controlled reduced voltage motor starting and stopping. Models are available in ratings up to 950A, and AC or DC control voltages.
DC Drives
DC drives provide variable speed control for DC motors, ideal for applications requiring low speed control, torque and power. DC drives are available with either DC or AC input. DC drives and motors can provide several advantages:
- Inexpensive
- Low speed performance
- Low speed power
-
Simple
- DC drives typically use potentiometers for configuration
- No parameters or programming needed (for most models)
- Feature-rich (some models include communications)
- Default programming handles most applications
- IronHorse series is available in models from 1/50hp up to 3hp
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