
Toshiba VFDs

Toshiba AS3 low voltage drive with enhanced real-time communications is equipped with embedded dual-port Ethernet/IP. The dual-rated AS3 is ready for use out-of-box with no optional devices required. AS3 UL Type 12/IP55 adjustable speed drive is designed with increased protection from falling and splashing water, dust, dirt, lint and fibers, to operate in the harshest of environments.
Toshiba Plus Pack outdoor adjustable speed drive combines Toshiba’s Plus Pack technology and Virtual Linear Pump (VLP) technology. VLP technology allows the Plus Pack to directly control temperature, pressure, level or flow using single or multiple devices while balancing the load between them. The Plus Pack outdoor adjustable speed drives are designed with NEMA 3R enclosures, up to 1500HP low voltage and are capable of 12 pulse or 18 pulse front end for harmonic mitigation solution.
Toshiba S15 adjustable speed drive is a micro-drive capable of working with permanent magnet (PM) motors, which allows for greater flexibility in selecting motors for applications. The expanded PID control provides a greater level of precise control and operation of difficult level control applications. Toshiba AS1 adjustable speed drive features modular construction which allows the unit to be installed into nearly any application. The drive can operate with little or no programming, while at the same time maintaining one of the most expansive parameter sets in the industry. Toshiba G9 adjustable speed drive is the most advanced severe duty drive with a 115% continuous overload rating and dual 32-bit processor controls. Toshiba P9 low voltage adjustable speed drive is designed for pump control with VLP technology that directly controls temperature, pressure and flow. Toshiba NC3 ASD is a RoHS compliant, nano-sized drive with a full range of features to meet the demands of most 120/220 V industrial or HVAC applications. The NC3 may be operated from either a single or three-phase power source and is a reliable option for OEMs, allowing for easy installation and drop-in replacement for 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 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.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allow for the slow ramp up of a motor during startup and the slowing down of the motor during shutdown. They also allow 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.