Danfoss Vacon Drives
Danfoss VACON 20 drives provide fast installation and set-up due to their easy-access terminals, integral DIN rail mounting and parameter copying tools. The parameter list can be modified and application-specific parameter sets can be created. VACON 20 can be connected to almost any fieldbus system based on RS-485 or Ethernet.
Danfoss VACON 100 Industrial drives are designed for a wide range of constant power/torque applications. The motor controls improve the efficiency and reliability of all AC motor types, including induction, permanent magnet and synchronous reluctance motors. Integrated RS-485 Ethernet interfaces support all major industrial protocols and the built-in PLC functionality enables integration of new functionality into the drive.
Danfoss VACON NXP Air Cooled drives provide optimized motor control for both permanent magnet and induction motors, as well as paralleling solutions for high-power motors and gearless drive applications. Programming flexibility and fieldbus options ensure the drives are easily integrated into any automation system.
Danfoss VACON X Series variable speed AC drives are designed for harsh industrial environments. IP66/UL Type 4X and IP55/UL Type 3R enclosures are available for protection from moisture, dust and extreme temperatures. The VACON X Series features a built-in multistep sequencer that can replace a small PLC in many applications. X4 supports 9 steps and X5 supports 25 steps.
Motor Starters, Soft Starters and VFDs
Motor Starters
Motor starters safely start and stop a motor in industrial applications. They are designed with a contactor, overload and circuit protection. They are used when basic motor control is required, where torque on the motor is not a concern and speed control is not needed. The advantages of motor starters include: lower cost, allows for remote operation, allows for monitoring of motor state (with the use of auxiliary contacts) and they are safe and efficient. The disadvantages include: high inrush current that can cause fuses to blow and breakers to trip if the inrush is too high, and the starter will allow a full torque to start the motor which can cause the motor to ramp up to full speed very quickly potentially causing the motor to wear and degrade prematurely.
Soft Starters
Soft starters protect motors from inrush current by gently ramping up the motor to full speed. They provide all of the same functions as a traditional motor starter. The advantages of soft starters include: they are less expensive than a VFD when only startup control is needed, they are a smaller system than a VFD where space is a concern and they prevent unwanted torque upon startup, prolonging the life of the motor. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive than a traditional motor starter and they do not allow for full speed control.
VFDs
A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) allows for the slow ramp up of a motor during startup and the slowing down of the motor during shutdown. It also allows for full speed control during the entire run cycle of the motor. VFDs provide the same functions as both the traditional motor starters and soft starters. The advantages of VFDs include: full speed control (start, stop and in-between), more custom control and monitoring, energy savings due to efficient motor usage and less wear and tear on the motors. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive and larger than other motor control options and they generate heat that may require fans or AC units.