More than 100 years committed to technical progress has made us the leading manufacturer in the fields of variable AC drives, servo drives, control technology and robotics.
U1000 - Energy efficiency thanks to power regeneration
Interest in sustainability in industrial production and operation has long been more than simply a trend. However, there is still a great deal of untapped potential. For example, inverter-controlled motors are still not in global use, although even a conservative estimate suggests that they use between 15 and 30 percent less power than non-frequency regulated drives. Even greater savings can be achieved by using ultra-low harmonic matrix converters such as the U1000.
Sustainability is becoming the top priority for an increasing number of businesses, construction companies and other operators, especially now that the EU Commission has issued new guidelines and incentives to encourage sustainable business practices (such as the EU Green Deal and EU Taxonomy classification system). As a consequence, these businesses are now demanding the same of their own suppliers and supply chains. Measures for saving energy and using power more efficiently are playing a central role in meeting these ambitious objectives, especially when it comes to machines and technical components.
Ultra-Low Harmonic Matrix Converter with regenerative technology
A good example of this is our U1000 matrix converter: this highly efficient AC converter can be used to drive synchronous or asynchronous machines, with or without an encoder, whilst simultaneously feeding back the power it generates. The models in the series cover a wide operating range from 2.2 to 500 kW. In contrast to traditional regenerative power solutions, the U1000 has no DC bus, instead switching three-phase grid power directly to the motor coils.
The U1000's power flows are close to sinusoidal, no matter whether it is running in motor-driven or regenerative mode. This represents exceptional energy-saving potential, especially in Germany, where electricity costs are internationally amongst the highest found.
The power returned from a regenerative system can then be used "in-house" in industrial plants. When it comes to cutting electricity costs, the U1000 Matrix Converter's unique ECO (electronic bypass) mode makes it stand out from the field. Thanks to its innovative design (with no internal DC bus), the U1000 can switch grid voltage to the output 1:1 when operated at grid frequencies (50 Hz in Europe or 60 Hz in USA/Japan). There is no need to switch the IGBTs in this state, so up to 300 percent of potential lost power can be saved, in comparison with competitor products.
Its ECO mode and 4-quadrant applications are not the only advantages of the U1000, which make it the best choice here. The U1000 Matrix Converter is also an ultra-low harmonic inverter which meets the IEEE 519 standard and limits grid power harmonics (THD) to less than 5 percent when running at full capacity. This reduces harmonics to a minimum and also reduces the amount of power lost in network components such as transformers, cables and wiring. It also significantly reduces the potential interference affecting other system components, preventing outages whose causes would usually take time and effort to identify and would mean shutting down the entire system.
Matrix Converters up to model 414 A come supplied with a class C2 EMC filter. There's no need to install external chokes or LC filters, as would usually be the case. The U1000's footprint is also up to 50 percent smaller than standard integrated solutions that use sinusoidal input and return power. As there is no need for external components, the Converter is highly compact and can be installed quickly and easily.
The U1000 has an integrated SIL3 STO input which guarantees operational safety with a minimum of components.
Optional cards for all standard fieldbuses can be supplied. Connecting the U1000 to EtherCat, Powerlink, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP and other systems really is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Another stand-out feature is the option for installing a multi-protocol Ethernet communication card so that customers can use DIP switches to select the exact protocol they need (EtherCAT, Profinet, EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCT).
The U1000 is an innovative and effective solution for any application in which energy efficiency and the protection of the power grid are key factors, and also when large volumes of excess braking energy are generated. The U1000 can be installed quickly and easily in ventilation systems, centrifuges, passenger and freight elevators, cranes and escalators and many more applications where there is a potential for saving energy.
Sustainability as a strategic company policy
We have also set ourselve ambitious sustainability targets as a company: not only in Europe, but world-wide, this technology corporation is focusing its activities on meeting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. It promotes the use of its products in sustainable projects such as irrigation, packing, sowing and efficient food production as part of "smart" agricultural schemes for a more sustainable future and a world worth living in. By selling products that use resources more efficiently, we aim to reduce the amount of CO2 that it emits by 100 times by 2025.