Modern processing plants need control panels built in accordance with specific design details. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, authored an article for the July 2022 Processing magazine titled Process Control Panel Design Basics. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Processing plants typically incorporate extensive automation. The control panels…
Variable frequency drives are devices for starting, stopping and varying the speed of AC motors to improve control of equipment control and save energy. A variable frequency drive (VFD) is an electronic device used to vary the frequency of an AC voltage to adjust the speed of an AC motor. VFDs also provide start and…
Trickle-down technology has resulted in modern micro VFDs with capabilities formerly available only on top-tier models. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer with AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the May/Jun 2022 issue of InTech titled Micro VFDs Gain Macro Features. This article points out the many advanced features now available even on micro VFDs, which help…
AutomationDirect washdown-rated VFDs help users add control functionality and realize cost savings even in challenging locations. Kevin McClelion, product engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the May 2022 issue of Processing titled Reducing complexity and cost with NEMA 4X VFDs. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. VFDs are…
ApplicationApplication StoriesIssue 49, 2023Machine ControlMotorsPLCProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives
Opening the Automation Door
A home project to upgrade a garage door system with an AutomationDirect PLC, HMI, and VFD made the equipment run better, added many functional features, and provided extensive visibility and diagnostics. Industrial automation components have many applications outside the factory. Home and hobbyist projects can be a great way for learning how to execute larger…
Automation of a tabletop coffee roaster demonstrates how home automation projects can help users explore new technologies and develop their skills. Michael Hoffman, who works at Dragos and is a member of the SANS Technology Institute, wrote a success story for the October 2021 issue of Design World titled Brewing Up DIY Automation Solutions. Here’s…
New VFD features and technologies improve the control, safety, networking, and efficiency of motor control for a growing number of applications. Jeff Payne, product manager for the drives & motors group at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2021 issue of Plant Services titled Advanced Variable Frequency Drives are Working in More Applications. Here’s…
Let’s say you have a system with some Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and you want to integrate those VFDs into your emergency stop circuit to ensure the VFDs will place the motors into a safe state upon an emergency stop condition. How do you do this? There were many ways this was done before advanced…
AutomationDirect has recently introduced the NEW GS20 sensorless vector, general-purpose VFD. The GS20 was introduced to not only replace the GS2 series VFD but to also fill the gap between the lower cost GS1 VFD and the GS3 that is on the higher end of features for a general-purpose VFD. As the features of the…
Modern variable frequency drives incorporate several control modes to help users fine-tune operation for various applications. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2020 issue of Processing titled Choosing VFD Control Modes. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) always…