In 1968, Danfoss was the first to start mass producing electronic frequency drives, causing a revolution in process optimalisation and energy savings. Since then, Danfoss have been using their experience to further develop electrical drives, resulting in a new generation of VLT drives.
These new frequency drives consist of the VLT AutomationDrive for general industrial applications; the VLT HVAC Drive for applications in climate control; the VLT AQUA Drive for water and wastewater applications; and the VLT Micro Drive for low power OEM applications. All of these drives are built around a new control and power platform developed by Danfoss.
To ensure a system that is as user-friendly as possible, a group of users was involved in developing the new VLT drives in general, and the user interface in particular. The result was a series of drives that are very easy to install, configure and use. The development of a new user interface was one of the reasons why Danfoss won the international and prestigious IF Design Award in 2004. All new drives are equipped with the same user interface, so the theory is that if you know one drive you know them all. This user interface can be disconnected at runtime and used to transfer settings from one drive to another, making the configuring of drives even easier and more user-friendly; thus saving the end-user time and money.
Danfoss have strived to make their drives extremely reliable, and believe that their drives will reduce unwanted stoppage to a minimum, and optimise dependability. The practical knowledge that Danfoss has in many different electrical drives applications was used to design the most powerful functions and options for the new drives. Functions and options not only optimise processes, but also reduce wear in installation and reduce the need for maintenance to a minimum. At the same time, the lifetime of the installation is prolonged. The modular character of the new VLT drives makes it possible to save money, as the customer is buying the drive with only those functions and options that the application asks for, leaving the option to add these at a later stage.
Except for reliability and user-friendliness, the new Danfoss VLT drives are amongst the most energy-efficient drives available. Virtually no energy is lost, and so therefore heat dissipation is limited to a minimum. Because each watt of heat will cost 0.5 watt to cool, energy consumption will be reduced even further. Powerful functions such as Automatic Motor Adaptation (measuring the motor while stood still), Automatic Energy Optimalisation, Sleep Mode and Advanced Cascade Control will reduce energy consumption even more. Moreover, intelligent heat management protects the electronics of the drive, prolonging the drive's lifetime and improving reliability.
The new Danfoss VLT drives are intelligent frequency drives. The built-in Smart Logic Controller offers simple PLC functions, making the need for an external controller obsolete. Auto tune PID controllers monitor the way that the installation reacts to changes, and uses this information to achieve smoother and faster control. Safe Stop functions prevent unwanted start and controlled stoppage of the drive system. Digital communication (Profibus, DeviceNet, CANOpen and others) makes it possible to use the new VLT drives as part of an automated system. Locally, a PC or laptop can be connected using the standard USB connection on the drive.
The VLT AutomationDrive, VLT HVAC Drive and VLT AQUA Drive are available in the power range from 0.25 to 1200 kW and drives are available in an IP00, IP20, IP21, IP55 or IP66 housing.