VFD Comm

[FrischEng]

I am implementing motor controls in a new treatment plant, that consists of a variety of VFD’s, Soft Starters, and across the line starters. Since this is a new plant, I am considering using communicating with my VFD’s and soft starters using Ethernet/IP rather than the digital and analog PLC I/O that I typically incorporate.

I am concerned about the reliability and the operation of motor control I/O, as I seem to remember an issue in the past, in which VFD’s ended up dumping gobs of data onto the network and were responsible for data collisions, and generally bogging down network traffic.

Can anyone direct me to a web site that reviews and/or compares the VFD’s of different manufactures, with particular interest in the Ethernet communication feature?

Would anyone like to comment on their experience communicating to drive from their plant PLC via Ethernet?

Thanks for your input.
Paul

 

[roydm]

ScumPunk, Sorry I was so long getting back to you.
My drives were Siemens MidiMaster 1 - 40HP with a clip on module 6SE3290 for the Profibus.
I had 10 drives and 5 PLC racks on the same network.
It worked really well except for the Hang-up after a power fail.
I suspect it was my driver.
Regards
Roy

 

[ScumPunk]

Matthew,
There is an IP65 ET200 drive available (just released), but I think it's a max. of 1.5kW. It was developed in parallel with the G120D distributed "standalone" drive - up to 7.5kW, IP65. The MM4 range are gradually being superseded by the Sinamics range, which are a significant step forward. Again, apologies for sounding like a salesman.
Roy, thanks for the reply, no problem, I'm sure everyones busy (except me, first week off this year ). The midimaster is an old drive, mass production stopped in ~2004, I think. I'm sure you would find much better Profibus functionality with the newer stuff. Alternatively, contact legacy support and ask if they have an updated GSD file for the profibus module?
Cheers,
Mort

 

[ScottyUK]

Have a look at A-B's Powerflex 70 range for a through-panel mounted IP rated drive in higher ratings. Only downside I'm aware of is the cooling fans on the outside of the drive have a really tough time with abrasive dust. Rockwell have been pretty good about replacing them but it is a pain in the ass. We stopped replacing them a while ago and installed a venturi airmover fed from our compressed air system.


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