Drives & Controls Magazine February 2023

28 n SPS REVIEW February 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com New-generation servodrives save space and deliver more power Baumüller has launched a new generation of servodrives which are up to 50% smaller than their predecessors as well as delivering peak currents that are 30-50% higher. The b maXX 6000 drives also incorporate newly developed safety functions that shorten machine cycle times, improving performance. They can can be used as sensors or sensor hubs and offer scalable IoT connections to the cloud. The new drives offer two forms of built-in control: softdrive PLCs with a cycle time of ≥62.5μs; and the PLC di with a fieldbus cycle time of ≥250μs. The softdrive PLC combines motion control and PLC functions and complies with IEC 61131. Simple computing of digital inputs or even complex control algorithms can be carried out decentrally. Using PLC di, more complex motion control and control functions can be carried out in the drive. It can also be used as a EtherCat master for the control of other servo converters. Up to 16 axes can be controlled. A smart energy reduction function can determine the energy consumption of individual axes per cycle. The energy measurements are carried out autonomously and in real time. A software module analyses the values and calculates, among other things, the energy consumption throughout the drive system. As well as the new controllers, new high-density power modules have been developed for the b maXX 6500 mono drives. A size 4 system delivering up to 75kW, for example, is 48% smaller than earlier systems. These drives can also deliver peak power that is 30–50% higher than the previous generation, saving space in dynamic applications. Scalable power modules are planned with power ratings up to 400kW. Higher outputs can be achieved by connecting devices in parallel. Integrated temperature models monitor components in the power modules, cutting energy consumption during operation and allowing the servodrives to be dimensioned optimally. Users can choose between resolvers, optical or digital encoders. They can also choose the signal bus, service options, digital and analogue I/Os, as well as brake connections. Safety variants range from simple hardware- controlled STO (Safe Torque-Off) to higher-level functions activated via FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCat) or hardware I/Os. Certification up to SIL 3 and PLe is being offered. New safety functions using built-in safety modules have been developed for applications with high dynamic and precision requirements. Safety-related encoder signals can be evaluated with higher resolution, improving position and speed accuracy. If, for example, a simple resolver is used, the speed resolution for safety monitoring is less than 1 rpm. On triggering the STO function, the drives are switched to torque-free with a delay of less than 1ms, allowing machine speeds to be increased. A new safety function transfers secure position (SP) via the FSoE protocol, allowing not only secure space monitoring, but also collaboration in applications with multi-dimensional movements – for example, laser cutting or robotics. To prevent slipping belts from affecting accuracy, a second encoder can be mounted on the load and be included in the secure monitoring. This allows higher machine speeds because they can decelerate faster and be stopped, if necessary. Another new function can record, pre-process and evaluate machine data in the servodrive. It can be used to register drive parameters and transfer them to other layers such as edge PCs or the cloud. www.baumueller.com Space saver: Size 4 of Baumüller’s new b maXX 6500 servo controller (left), occupies 48% less space than the previous generation (right) ABB has extended its family of machinery drives with a range of compact, easy-to-use VSDs for controlling induction and permanent magnet motors up to 22kW. The ACS180 drives can control conveyors, pumps, fans, mixers and compressors, in a variety of sectors including food and beverage, textiles, material-handling and commercial applications. “The ACS180 is an important addition to our machinery drives family that establishes a solid foundation for the majority of straightforward applications,”says ABB global product manager, YiRan Jia.“However, the ACS180 is definitely not a stripped-down version of the larger drives. It delivers a high level of performance, robustness, flexibility and functionality for machine-builders who want an affordable and simple-to-integrate drive option.” The cabinet-mounting VSDs come in five frame sizes with IP20 enclosures. They are said to provide optimised cooling airflows to ensure long, reliable service lives. A built-in Safe Torque-Off (STO) function brings motors safely to a no-torque state. The drives are said to offer good motor control without an encoder. They support both scalar control for robust, basic speed control, and vector control for more demanding regulation of speed and torque throughout the speed range. The VSDs can interface with automation systems via the Modbus RTU protocol or using digital/analogue I/O connections. Graphical icons make the control panel easy to use and reduce the need for translation – an important factor for OEMs selling into global markets. A small embedded PLC allows the drive’s functions to be tailored to suit specific applications. https://new.abb.com/drives/ low-voltage-ac/machinery/acs180 Compact machinery drives handle motors up to 22kW ABB’s machinery drives are suitable for applications up to 22kW