Many VFDs now have on-board logic programming and I/O, enabling them to perform real-time control for localized applications. Jeff Payne, Product Manager for the Drives & Motors Group at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the April 2020 issue of Design News titled The Logic of Balancing VFDs and PLCs. Here’s a summary, click on the…
Application StoriesDrivesHMIIssue 44 - 2020Notebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductVariable Speed Drives
Automating the Hendrick’s Gin Grand Garnisher
The Grand Garnisher has been turning heads as it tours the United States and Europe. AutomationDirect hardware and software automation underpins the attractive, steampunk contraption. By Stuart Ostroff, Salmon Studios Picture this: you are in the back garden of the grand duke’s estate, enjoying social hour with great company, a botanical cocktail in your hand….
ApplicationApplication StoriesDrivesHMIIndustryIssue 42 - 2019Machine ControlManufacturingMotorsNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives
Crushing the Control System
Upgrading to a modern control system platform with the help of a local system integrator transforms a rock crushing plant from manual to fully automatic operation. By Todd Timpa, Assistant General Manager at CTC Crushing Impact Sand and Gravel is the leading supplier of aggregate and sand in the Las Vegas area, producing and distributing…
Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMotor ControlsOnline BlogProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives
Programming and Setup Considerations for VFDs with Integrated PLCs
Control capability built-in to VFDs are moving machine intelligence to the edge. Jeff Payne, Product Manager for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the March 2019 issue of Design World, titled VFDs with integrated PLCs for motion and machine controls: Programming and setup considerations. Payne explains how AC drives can be controlled by either an external…
When powering AC motors, the electrical supply can be at full power to run at full speed, or at variable power to run at variable speed. Applications with fluctuating loads benefit from the variable speed provided by an AC drive because less power is used at lower loads and speeds, and this article explains how…
Have you seen the latest Automation Video Cookbook Chapter? There are over 40 videos showing you step by step how to use all the amazing features of the GS4 Variable Frequency Drive and more being added all the time! Want a quick start with the bare minimum info you need to get up and running…
It may be tempting to size a variable frequency drive (VFD) based on horsepower alone. Did you know there are six other factors you should take into consideration to ensure that you specify the correct AC drive for your application? Six Factors to Consider When Choosing a VFD: Full Load Amperage Overload Application Type Altitude…
VFDs, RS485, PLCs — these terms may seem like names of droids or faraway galaxies and planets in a “Star Wars” movie. However, they really refer to earthly based components that Vermont Technical College engineering student Dan Rapoza learned about when he set out to help a dairy farmer save time and money by automating…
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 marked the beginning of energy conservation standards for industrial, commercial and consumer products and equipment. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) created 60 plus categories of applications and equipment, affecting 30 percent industrial energy use.
For well over 30 years, variable frequency drives (VFD) have been controlling the speed of three-phase alternating-current (AC) induction motors. In addition to saving energy, there are many things to consider for maximum efficiency, control, operation and motor life when using VFDs.