New Decentralized Electronic Drive System Rapid Link 4.0
Bonn . . . As one of the leading manufacturers of components, systems and solutions for electrical engineering and automation, Eaton’s Electrical Sector is launching new decentralized electronic drive system. The Rapid Link 4.0 decentralized drive system will enter its second generation, bringing with it an extended performance range. The latest motor starters and frequency inverters stand out on account of their improved operating values so that Rapid Link 4.0 offers a real added value with regard to engineering and plant installation.
Thanks to a new housing concept, Rapid Link 4.0 is impressive in every respect. The motor starters and frequency inverters up to 2.2 kW thus have the same fixing dimensions. As only one fixing bracket is required for the entire range, this simplifies plant design. The benefits are also apparent during installation and commissioning: The swapping of a frequency inverter for a motor starter requires little effort since both the dimensions and all connections are identical.
The rectangular housing style also allows the feeding in of the power and motor cable from the left or right and not only from the bottom. In this way, the operator level and the cooling fins of the frequency inverter are always in the optimum position. Any derating of the electrical values for the side entry of power and motor cables is unnecessary. A guard ring largely protects the operating elements and electronic terminals from mechanical damage.
A new feature of the housing concept is also the optionally integrated and lockable isolating switch. This enables the Rapid Link unit itself and also the connected motor to be disconnected safely from the mains supply for maintenance tasks. All sizes and variants are still provided with IP65 protection.
With considerably improved electrical values, Rapid Link 4.0 offers an outstanding performance during operation. The RAMO4 motor starter is suitable for motors up to 3kW. Thanks to the electronic motor start, the lifespan of the new devices has been considerably increased compared to the RAMO3, and has tripled with up to 10 million operating cycles at 3 kW. An operating frequency of up to 3000 operations per hour is also possible, as well as a motor load of 2.2 kW. Furthermore, one single frame size now covers the range from 0.3. to 3 kW. This is also the case in an increased temperature range up to 55°C without derating. The RA-SP4 frequency inverter can now be switched from V/f mode to speed control, thus reducing the number of variants required. In addition to the previous frame sizes for 0,75kW, 1,1kW and 2,2kW Eaton is also offering a 1,5kW rating class. All frame sizes have the same mounting dimensions, thus improving engineering and flexibility during commissioning. The external fan unit with IP65 protection is standard for frame size 2,2kW, and it can be used for all other frame sizes, thus expanding the temperature range to 55°C without derating.
In addition to the well-known Quick Stop function, users can now program cyclical sequences with fixed frequencies in the RA-SP4. Repeating sequences can thus be stored in the RA-SP4, so that the processing required in the PLC is reduced. Another highlight of the new RA-SP4 series is the integrated brake chopper which can be factory shipped for any frame size. In this way, time consuming installation work on site is no longer necessary.
Communication via AS-I has also been improved. Eaton has ensured with the 7.4 protocol compatibility with previous versions. This also opens up a number of new communication options between the PLC and the motor starter. These include enhanced diagnostics messages such as motor currents or the transfer of parameter data. Users can now change the set frequencies via the fieldbus, such as the RA-SP.
More Infos: www.eaton.com/moellerproducts, Quicklink ID: ES2304
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Eaton's electrical sector
Eaton's electrical sector is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and industrial automation products and services. Eaton's global electrical product lines, including Cutler-Hammer®, Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, Santak®, and MGE Office Protection Systems™ provide customer-driven PowerChain Management® solutions to serve the power system needs of the data center, industrial, institutional, government, utility, commercial, residential, and OEM markets worldwide.
Eaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.
For more information, visit www.eaton.com.