People's Choice for a Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient Solar-Powered Home
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightDrivesEducation/DIYEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryIssue 29 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives

People's Choice for a Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient Solar-Powered Home

UrbanEden, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s entry to the Solar Decathlon 2013, is a concept home consisting of four connected indoor and outdoor spaces that create a unique
Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs | White Paper
AC Motors and ControlsLearning ResourcesProductVariable Speed DrivesWhite PapersWhitepapers

Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs | White Paper

VFDs can significantly extend the life of motors and cut operating costs, but selecting the right unit is critical to achieving these benefits. This White Paper provides detailed information, such as determining load and braking requirements, to help users choose the right VFD. It also explains how to maximize benefits through various communication options and best operating…
AutomationDirect introduces IronHorse DC Drives
New ProductNewsPress ReleasesPress ReleasesProductVariable Speed Drives

AutomationDirect introduces IronHorse DC Drives

Cumming, GA — December 18, 2013 … AutomationDirect’s IronHorse line of motors and drives now includes the GSD series of DC drives. IronHorse GSD1 series DC drives are high-performance Pulse-Width-Modulated (PWM) controllers for 12 to 36 volt battery/solar-powered equipment providing smooth control with high-efficiency operation. Design features include adjustable maximum/minimum speed, current limit, I.R. compensation, and acceleration. The…
Automating a Donut Packaging and Labeling Line
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookDrivesFood and BeverageFood Beverage AutomationIndustryIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMaterial HandlingNotebook IssuePackagingPLCProductProgrammable ControlUser SolutionsVariable Speed Drives

Automating a Donut Packaging and Labeling Line

When people hear the name Mel-O-Cream, they usually think of donuts. Founded in 1932 as a retail shop in Springfield, Ill, Mel-O-Cream International (www.mel-o-cream.com) manufactures bakery products, primarily for wholesale distribution to supermarkets and bakeries.
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology BriefVariable Speed Drives

Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

This is part two of a two-part series on variable frequency drives. In Part One, we discussed how choosing the right variable frequency drive (VFD) can reduce energy consumption, improve realtime control, and lengthen motor life. Here are more expert tips to consider. Select the Proper Control Mode VFD control mode choice greatly depends on…
Automation NotebookCircuit ProtectionIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

Motors and Drives

Premium Efficiency Motors The IronHorse™ general purpose AC motor line now includes cast iron three-phase premium efficiency motors available in horsepower ranges from 1 to 200 hp. Motors are available in speeds of 1200, 1800, and 3600 RPM and are electrically reversible. The three-phase industrial duty T-frame and TC-frame TEFC motors feature ribbed cast iron…
Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part One of a Two-Part Series)
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 20 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnology BriefVariable Speed Drives

Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part One of a Two-Part Series)

This is part one of a two-part series on variable frequency drives. VFDs can reduce energy consumption, improve real-time control, and lengthen motor life; selecting the right one for your application requires asking the correct questions. Here are some expert tips to consider. Determine if a VFD is right for your application. The primary function of…
Motor Questions Answered
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

Motor Questions Answered

FAQS Question: Can IronHorse™ motors be used with a drive? Answer: IronHorse™ motors can be used with drives, but there are some limitations. Depending on your application, there may be good reasons to step up to an inverter-duty motor in your application. Question: What’s the difference between a General Purpose motor and an Inverter Duty motor? Answer: General…
Systems Integrator Brings Automation Into Skydiving
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEntertainmentIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives

Systems Integrator Brings Automation Into Skydiving

Thrill seekers around the world are forever looking for the next big adrenaline rush. More of them are finding that thrill through indoor skydiving, which is quickly becoming a way to satisfy the desire for excitement, and yet remove the element of danger. Indoor Skydiving Indoor skydiving facilities have been in existence globally for several…
VFDs Frequently Asked Questions
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 4 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

VFDs Frequently Asked Questions

AutomationDirect’s technical support team has compiled a list of customer frequently asked questions for many of our products. The complete listing can be found on the technical support page of our Web site. Here are some of the frequently asked questions for variable frequency drives (VFD). FAQS Q: What is sensorless vector control?A: Sensorless vector control…