“When we designed the PowerFlex 520 family, we visited hundreds of drive users around the world to learn firsthand what features they value most today and what they would want five years from now,” says Jimmy Koh, global marketing director for Rockwell Automation. “Machine builders wanted ‘enough’ motor control and strongly emphasized the need for features that make setup and installation quick and easy. That’s where their profitability has been most impacted, so we designed the PowerFlex 523 to meet those needs.”.
To simplify setup, machine builders can use a standard USB connection to upload and download drive configuration files. They can also program the drive via its integrated Human Interface Module (HIM), which displays data on its QuickView scrolling LCD screen, along with detailed parameter explanations and other codes. The HIM also offers multiple language options to meet global needs. The AppView and CustomView tools, unique to the PowerFlex 520 AC drive family, help accelerate setup by providing parameter groups for common applications and allowing users to save their settings to new parameter groups. These tools are easily accessible through the HIM, as well as the configuration software tools.
Rockwell Automation’s Connected Components Workbench software also helps expedite drive setup and further reduces development time with online and offline configuration, AppView and CustomView groups, and a commissioning wizard. Machine builders gain more time to focus on design and improve machine competitiveness.
For more sophisticated networked machines, manufacturers can take advantage of an optional dual-port EtherNet/IP adapter for the PowerFlex 523 AC. This module supports ring topologies and provides Device Level Ring (DLR) functionality, which can help improve network resilience and drive machine availability. When a DLR network detects a break in the ring, it quickly provides alternative data routing to aid in recovery. The dual-port adapter supports linear topologies in addition to ring configurations. Ring topologies can eliminate the need for an external switch and reduce cabling requirements. Adding a dual-port EtherNet/IP adapter to a PowerFlex 523 AC drive provides automatic device configuration, saving time by automatically downloading configuration files when the drive is replaced.
Flexible control and a modular design enhance application flexibility. The PowerFlex 523 AC addresses a wide range of application needs. The unit has a power range of 0.25 hp (0.2 kW) to 15 hp (11 kW) and several motor control options, including sensorless vector control and a sensorless vector control Economizer mode.
The PowerFlex 523 AC's modular design offers machine builders greater installation flexibility. Removing the drive control module from the power module further reduces startup time, allowing machine builders to complete setup and installation simultaneously.
The PowerFlex 523 AC requires 50 mm (2 inches) of clearance above and below when installed in a cabinet and can be mounted vertically or horizontally, as well as side-by-side in any orientation. Its smaller footprint and mounting flexibility can help customers reduce panel space requirements. In addition to flexible installation, the PowerFlex 523 AC is rated up to 50°C (140°F). However, with an optional control module fan kit, the unit can withstand temperatures up to 70 C (158 F) with reduced power.
