Yaskawa drives new energy saving AC inverter

The new Varispeed E7 AC inverter represents the next generation of Yaskawa's advanced energy saving variable speed drives. The E7 incorporates a number of new features not found in any other drives to date and is designed specifically for fan and pump applications including heating and ventilation.

The company has been able to significantly reduce the acoustic noise at low carrier frequencies, leading to a quieter motor and drive combination. There is an automatic energy saving function that will win considerable favour from those looking to combat the new Climate Change Levy. Indeed, the new E7, when used in approved applications, qualifies for a tax rebate under the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme.

The E7 employs Yaskawa's unique, high slip braking technique, which enables periodic and emergency braking without the need for additional brake units or braking resistors.
The hardware of the new drive also shows differences from previous drives. In Japanese tradition, the drive has a substantially smaller footprint than any previous Yaskawa model. For instance, removable control terminals have been incorporated to make installation and servicing much simpler. A DC reactor is built in to all drives from 22kW upwards, reducing installation costs and reducing the size of the drive. The drive uses 4th generation IGBT technology for its solid state switching and also has improved short circuit protection. The unit has a motor thermistor monitor capability and on/off control of the cooling fan to maximise life.

New speed search facilities have improved the capability to catch a spinning motor in either direction; for instance in extraction fan applications where the fan may be contra rotating under air movement on start up. Programming the new E7 is simple, on or off line, via the built-in Parameter Unit featuring a 'copy function'. Programming functions can be extended through the use of Yaskawa's proprietary application specific software and a further optional extra is a seven-language LCD operator panel.
All models support RS424/485 communications, as standard. Option cards are available for Interbus-STM, CANopenTM, DeviceNetTM, Profibus-DPTM and CC-link field networks.

Yaskawa has designed the E7 to be a universal quick start drive spanning fan and pump applications. In all instances the new model is extremely cost effective. The range is covered by global certification for CE, UL and ULc. The Yaskawa E7 ranges from 0.4 to 300kW at 400V, and 0.4 to 110kW at 200V.

Released: August 2001