A new range of IP66 outdoor rated variable frequency drives has been launched by Invertek Drives at Hannover Messe 2018, Hannover, Germany. (Hall 14. Stand K11, 23-27 April 2018).
The Optidrive E3 IP66 enclosed drives range is rated at one of the highest levels of protection for outdoor use, making it an ideal solution for external fans, pumps, marine and HVAC equipment, among others.
Invertek’s innovation team has developed the new range to be easy and fast to commission, while being able to withstand outdoor conditions with its IP66 rated dust tight and power wash protected polycarbonate plastic housing. This material also withstands degradation by ultra-violet light, greases, oils and acids.
“A drive with such outdoor capability opens up a whole range of opportunities for drives solutions within a wide range of industry sectors,” said Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director at Invertek, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of VFD technology.
“Capable of being direct machine mounted, the Optidrive E3 IP66 reduces the need for additional external cabinet protection or housed away from the machinery it’s controlling. It also provides a very clean and energy efficient control alternative to the traditional gearboxes, belts and chains often used in outdoor applications.”
With Ethernet IP included as standard and conformal coating of all printed circuit boards to the C3C environmental class, developed for arduous applications, flexible communication and reliable performance are key features of the new range.
They can also be commissioned and configured with the new OptiTools Mobile app and OPTISTICK Smart, ideal for in-the-field situations. Both of these products were also launched at Hannover Messe.
The OPTISTICK Smart also allows the duplication of drive parameters to multiple drives.
The drives will be available in four frame sizes, with frame sizes one and two available immediately, followed by three and four later in the year.
The range has power outputs up to 22kW and is designed to provide precise motor control and energy savings just using the factory settings. This includes IE2, 3 and 4 types of induction, permanent magnet, brushless DC and synchronous reluctance motors.
“The drive default settings are suitable for most applications with 14 parameters for basic set up making further adjustment very simple. To make things even easier, the drives come with pre-set modes for industrial, pump or fan operation that can be used to optimise the drive set up at a touch of a button,” added Rhydian.
For ultimate convenience, switched versions of the drive are also offered. Users can simply wire up the drive, turn the in-built potentiometer and the motor will start running – allowing immediate energy savings.
Media enquiries:
Owain Betts, Invertek Drives
T: 07787 437052 / 01938 55 68 68
