Two variable speed drives add efficiency to pumps, fans

Schneider Electric Altivar line adds two new models of variable speed drive (VSD) designed to make pumps and fans more energy efficient.

July 5, 2011

Schneider Electric announced the new Altivar 212 variable speed drive and the S-Flex enclosed version, designed to provide OEMs and control panel builders with energy efficient and economical solutions for pump and fan applications. The new ac drives adjust motor speed to the required flow of air or fluids, reducing energy costs by 50 percent. Engineered to provide additional cost savings, both the Alivar 212 and S-Flex feature electronic motor controls that reduce the mechanical stress on belts, piping and ductwork and eliminate valve or inlet guide vane maintenance, the company said.

By eliminating the need for throttling valves, dampers or inlet guide vanes that are typically used to control the flow of fluids, the Schneider Electric Altivar 212 and S-Flex also lower installation costs and maximize building occupant comfort with accurate flow control.

The compact size of Schneider Electric’s Altivar 212 saves valuable panel space, while providing a high degree of performance and connectivity. It includes a full complement of integrated building automation networks and its reduced harmonic technology lowers component costs. Embedded reduced harmonic technology reduces the wire size and the size of upstream overcurrent protection devices and operates 10 percent more efficient than typical ac drives.

Additional features of the Alitvar 212 and S-Flex variable drives include:

  • The drive’s local/remote button which facilitiates a quick start-up
  • An optional remote-mount English text keypad that speeds troubleshooting
  • A lightweight S-Flex has a smaller enclosure size than its counterpart and features fewer points of electrical failure.
  • Embedded communications (Modbus, Apogee FLN P1, Metasys N2, BacNet) and LonWorks available via option card.

– Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com

https://www.controleng.com/new-products/motors-and-drives.html