Posted on 19th Aug 2022
No other scientific development has proved much beneficial for crane operation and maintenance as compare to the Darwin Motion Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). For crane and hoist control, the Flux Vector Motor Controls and Variable Frequency Controls have been set as the industry standard. VFD’s have reinstated the contemporary techniques of wound rotor motor control, stationary step-less and eddy- current. Even contactor-based two-speed control with two-speed motors is becoming less useful in the age of VFDs.
A new generation of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), sensor-less vector control, potent microprocessors with flash memory, and improved algorithms are just a few examples of recent advancements in drive technology that have made it possible to downsize power platforms while still including a variety of high-performance features.
Using a Darwin Motion VFD to manage a hoist or crane has many advantages, such as:
Greater speed adjustment is possible thanks to VFD controls that offer a variety of speeds, allowing you to tailor the hoist speeds to your application.
Better LOAD CONTROL:
When a load is positioned using a single-speed hoist, shock loading or load swings may occur. Due to their regular 3 to 1 or 5 to 1 speed range, two-speed may not provide you with the appropriate range of speeds for sensitive placement. A VFD has speed ranges of 100 to 1 or more in various applications and offers smooth operation by progressively slowing down a load.
Existing cranes and hoists can be retrofitted to easily support a 10 to 1 speed range. Additionally, smooth acceleration is possible with VFDs, preventing load swings during traverse motions.
CYCLES OF DUTY:
CMAA Classes A–F. Depending on the motion's duty cycle, a braking resistor and a VFD are c matched.
It is also possible to employ a regenerative drive, which is independent of duty cycle.
Effectiveness: Compared to contactors and soft-starters, a VFD only uses the energy that is required, conserving energy.
HOIST MOTOR LIFESPAN:
Some variable frequency drives safeguard the hoist motor from thermal overload and overcurrent by providing these features.
In addition, VFDs use a ramp-down-to-stop braking technique rather than braking using brake shoes.
When the brake is only applied in parking and emergency circumstances, it lives much longer and requires less upkeep and adjusting.
Reversing contactors, another component that requires maintenance and repair, are not required for motion and speed control when using VFDs.
REGENERATIVE ENERGY:
The motor generates regenerative energy when a hoist is slowed down and lowered. By utilising a braking resistor to convert this energy into heat or conditioning it before sending it back to the source, energy can be saved.
That energy, which would otherwise be squandered by being converted to heat by a braking resistor, will be redistributed by an AC regenerative motor.
DIGITAL DIAGNOSTICS:
Help with on-site or remote maintenance and troubleshooting. Features of CRANE 1
Magnetek VFDs include a variety of performance and safety characteristics and are specifically made for crane and hoist applications.
Some of these characteristics include:
SAFE TORQUE OFF:
This feature eliminates the need for external disconnects by offering a redundant hardware safety circuit that ensures motor and brake power are cut off when an E-STOP switch or safety controller opens the drive input.
TORQUE PROOFING:
The engine has been pre-torqued to ensure that the load can be supported before the brake is opened.
LOAD CHECK: Constantly monitors the hoist for overload conditions and stops the hoist from lifting when one is found.
BRAKE CHECKS: Keep an eye on a brake's opening and shutting to make sure it's secure and functional.
MICRO-SPEED:
Enables the user to move slowly and precisely.
SLOW DOWN AND STOP LIMITS ARE POSSIBLE WITHOUT PHYSICAL GEARED LIMIT SWITCHES WHEN USING ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMABLE LIMIT SWITCHES.
