RS, a trading brand of RS Group plc and a digitally enabled global distributor of product and service solutions for industrial customers, has officially rolled out its MEAN WELL’s energy-saving VFD Series variable frequency motor drive modules. According to certain reports, the stated VFD Series happens to be inspired by an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, which markedly revealed that electric motors and systems are the single-largest end-users of electricity, accounting for a staggering 43 to 46% of global electricity consumption. This consumption, on its part, is driven by industrial (64%) and commercial (20%) market segments. Having said so, the IEA report would go on to reveal how cost-effective efficiency improvements could reduce this sum by around 25%, eventually causing a reduction of about 10% in global electricity demand. Anyway, MEAN WELL would take the stated data to reach upon its compact, fanless variable frequency drives (VFDs) that are engineered for use with energy-efficient three-phase brushless DC (BLDC), induction, and synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motors. They are also designed to help industrial customers improve energy efficiency, decrease energy costs, and achieve ESG goals like net-zero certification. More on the same would reveal that MEAN WELL’s VFD Series motor drive modules are currently available in eight fanless models, with PCB and semi-potted chassis enclosure form factors built in respect to international safety standards (IEC/EN61800-5-1) and electromagnetic compatibility standards (IEC/EN61800-3). Further boasting the means to deliver a silent operation and long-lifetime performance, they are compatible with AC and DC input voltages and rated for up to 93% efficiency, high peak current up to 200% for five seconds, output switching frequencies extending from 2.5–15KHz, operating temperatures extending from -30°C to +70°C, and 20–90% non-condensing relative humidity.
Beyond that, series also, markedly enough, features integrated short-circuit protection and standard hardware control and sensor signal interfaces, including three-phase switches and gate drivers, as well as three-phase output current and temperature sensors. These sensors enable external motor direction and speed control via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and can be programmed using an external control card.
“Power solutions aren’t one size fits all, and the motor drives and controllers that comprise them aren’t interchangeable across applications. So, it’s imperative that you select the ones that will best suit your needs,” said Harland Chen, field application engineer for MEAN WELL. “Partnering with a trusted brand, like MEAN WELL, and a trusted distributor, like RS, can help ensure that you select the right motor drives and controllers for your systems and provide you with valuable product expertise and reliable support throughout every stage of the product lifecycle — from concept and design through to procurement, implementation, and maintenance.”
Next up, we must go back to the DC and AC input voltages. In the former’s case, motor drives here are rated for 20–55VDC input voltages, 4.3–10A output current, and 150W–350W output power and measure 4 x 2 x 1.13″ (L x W x H). As for AC-input VFD Series motor drives, they are rated for 90–264VAC input voltages, 0.8–3A output current, and 200–750W output power and feature power factor correction (PFC) capabilities spanning 150–750W. PCB-type models measure 5 x 3 x 1.38″ (L x W x H). In case the whole thing still doesn’t impressive enough for you, then we must mention that each model hailing from the VFD Series is specifically conceived to be implemented alongside a coordinating external motor drive controller in logic level and analog I/O, and at the same time, it will also have the support of a three-year warranty.
Talk about some possible applications of this technology, they include powering 48VDC and 200–240VAC three-phase BLDC, induction, and SynRM motors that, in turn, are used to support machinery ranging from fans, power tools, water pumps, fitness equipment, and automatic doors to conveyors, robotic arms, HVAC systems, smoke extractors, and medical devices.
