Schneider Electric introduces intelligent drives for up to 700-HP motors

Raleigh, NC—Schneider Electric reported at its Telemecanique press event on June 15-16 that motor control for up to 700-HP motors is now available in its new Altivar 71 variable-speed ac drive.

By Control Engineering Staff June 21, 2005

Raleigh, NC— Schneider Electric reported at its Telemecanique press event on June 15-16 that motor control for up to 700-HP motors is now available in its new Altivar 71 variable-speed ac drive. Dual microprocessors and motor control algorithms that provide superior torque performance and speed regulation, along with advanced materials that make it 15% smaller than previous generations, reportedly make Altivar 71 the most advanced ac drive for constant torque applications.

Schneider adds it’s pioneered motor control technology since Telemecanique invented the first contactor in 1927. Now one of the world’s top four manufacturers of variable speed drives and soft starts, Schneider specializes in motor control for industrial and facility applications. As a result, Altivar 71 is designed to meet users’ needs for a complete product line with advanced functionality that incorporates a common user interface, common I/O options, and flexible communication options from 0.5 to 700 HP.

Altivar 71’s operator-friendly design includes a large, easy-to-read, customizable LCD screen that uses plain text, and includes a navigation wheel that allows users to easily scroll through menus. This new Telemecanique drive family also features a quick-start menu with macro-configurations for easy and fast commissioning.

Integrated Modbus and CANopen protocols assure low-cost integration into any device level network. PowerSuite software that can be used to program all Altivar drives allows configuration, monitoring and diagnostics of the Altivar 71 through an Ethernet or Bluetooth wireless connection. Among the many new features is an integrated oscilloscope function to detect operational drift on machines.

Highly expandable with I/O, communication cards and programmable controller cards, and with more than 150 built-in functions that reduce application costs, Altivar 71 reportedly is ideal for material handling, packaging, hoisting, and process applications. A long product life and reliability are assured by protective features at all levels, including advanced thermal protection, an integrated power removable safety function, drive protection and environmental protection in accordance with the WEEE regulations and RoHS standards. The new drive meets IEC, EN, CSA and UL 508C standards. The power removal function was certified by an independent body for e-stop requirements.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com