Medium Voltage AC Drives feature transformerless design.

Rockwell Automation Canada Nov 02, 2004

Press Release Summary:

Suited for applications starting at 150 kW (200 hp), PowerFlex 7000 drives utilize Direct-to-Drive(TM) technology, which allows users to connect utility power directly to drive without isolation transformer. Symmetrical Gate Commutated Thyristor allows drive to be rated up to 6,600 V, while front end rectifier uses active switching and selective harmonic elimination that reduces harmonics to meet IEEE 519, EN61000-2-4, and G5/4 standards.

Original Press Release:

Rockwell Automation Leads Industry with Transformerless Medium-Voltage AC Drives

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 Medium-Voltage Drives with Direct-to-Drive technology deliver a transformerless option with improved efficiency, reduced size and weight, and lower total cost of ownership for applications starting at 150 kW (200 hp) and up

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, Oct. 28, 2004 - Rockwell Automation introduces the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 Medium-Voltage AC drive with new Direct-to-Drive(tm) technology, which allows customers to connect utility power directly to the drive without an isolation transformer. Direct-to-Drive technology represents advanced technology, offering customers a transformerless medium- voltage drive option with improved efficiency, reduced size and weight, and lower total cost of ownership.

The Direct-to-Drive feature combines three innovations designed to eliminate isolation transformers on applications with either new or existing motors.

The Symmetrical Gate Commutated Thyristor (SGCT) semiconductor's high-voltage rating and ability to be connected in series allow the PowerFlex 7000 to be rated up to 6600V, without added complexity, reducing total component count and increasing reliability.

The active front end (AFE) rectifier uses active switching and Selective Harmonic Elimination to reduce harmonics.

The common-mode voltage protection is the current technology designed to mitigate common-mode voltage stress generated by variable frequency drives without using an isolation transformer.

The Direct-to-Drive technology brings a lower total cost of ownership by eliminating cost of the transformer and transformer protection relays, reducing cable costs and eliminating line and motor filtering purchases.

Eliminating the transformer on a medium-voltage drive helps:

improve efficiency by eliminating transformer heat losses

reduce drive system size by 30 to 50 percent

reduce drive system weight by 50 to 70 percent

eliminate the need for increased air conditioning capacity for transformer cooling

The drive meets the world's most accepted harmonic standards (IEEE 519, EN61000-2-4 and G5/4) without using a phase-shifting transformer. Direct-to-Drive technology maintains near unity power factor and produces sinusoidal voltage and current waveforms to the motor.

This wide range makes the PowerFlex 7000 ideal for standard and specialty industrial and commercial applications ranging from fans, pumps and compressors to extruders and conveyors.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and services, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, Reliance motors and drives, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 20,000 people, serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on the PowerFlex 7000 Direct-to-Drive technology, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1766.

Allen-Bradley, Complete Automation, Direct-to-Drive, Dodge, PowerFlex, Reliance, and Rockwell Software are trademarks of Rockwell Automation.