ABB unveils new drives and motors to enhance energy efficiency

The ACS880-01 wall-mounted drives from the new industrial drive series simplify the customer's business because they are all-compatible and are designed to meet the requirements set by different users, processes, businesses and environmental goals.

The compact drive is customizable to the precise needs of many applications, including cranes, extruders, winches, conveyors, mixers, compressors, pumps and fans. They are available in nine frame sizes (R1 to R9) with a power range from 0.55 to 250 kW and voltage range from 380 to 500 V AC, with plans to extend to 690 V AC later.

With enclosure classes IP21 as standard and IP55 available later as an option, the drives are compatible with a wide range of industries such as oil and gas, mining, metals, chemicals, cement, power plants, material handling, pulp and paper, woodworking and marine.

Drive lowers environmental impact

The ACS880-01 features a new intuitive and easy-to-use control panel with USB connection and the control panel supports over 20 languages. At the heart of the ACS880-01 is direct torque control (DTC), ABB's premier motor control technology that precisely controls various motors, from AC induction to permanent magnet motors. Integrated safety features include safe torque-off (STO) as standard, with extended safety functions available later as options via a safety functions module.

The new drive composer PC tool comes in two versions: a free version for basic start-up and maintenance purposes and a professional version for advanced drive configuration and monitoring. Communications includes a wide range of fieldbus adapters and a built-in drive-to-drive link that will enable fast master-follower control systems. The built-in energy calculators will provide useful information, including used and saved kWh and MWh, CO2 reduction and saved costs.

Motor increases energy efficiency

In addition, the energy-efficient synchronous reluctance motor (SRM) and drive package was launched which is unique due to the design of its rotor - it has no windings, unlike traditional synchronous designs. The rotor suffers virtually no power losses and its temperature remains lower than in conventional rotors. ABB has succeeded in using this technology to achieve better power density and higher energy efficiency. The package includes a matched motor and drive with dedicated software. Optimized for variable speed operation it offers smooth, efficient process control and optimal use of energy.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.