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Rockwell Automation released its new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 AC drives, designed to be the first AC drives to work exclusively with the company's Logix-based programmable automation controllers (PACs). The drives leverage the controller's capabilities and use a single software package, Rockwell Software Studio 5000 Logix Designer, to help simplify machine development and operation.
The PowerFlex 527 drive is a complement to machines using Allen-Bradley's CompactLogix, ControlLogix or GuardLogix PACs and Allen-Bradley's Kinetix servo drives. The PowerFlex 527 drive uses embedded instructions shared with Kinetix servo drives, providing the same user experience for configuration, programming, and control of both types of drives, helping to save engineering time.
The PowerFlex 527 drives also offer a lower-cost solution for machine applications, such as pumps, fans, and in-feed and out-feed conveyors, that require simpler speed control for induction motors. The servo drives handle the more precise motor control operations involving speed, torque and position control.
The PowerFlex 527 drives leverage the company's Premier Integration, which allows users to more seamlessly integrate these drives into a Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, helping to reduce the time and tools necessary to configure and program a system. The PowerFlex 527 drives introduce an added level of Premier Integration by using the defined, motion instruction sets within Studio 5000 software for machine control and motor synchronization.
Once programmed, Premier Integration enables the drives configuration files to be more easily transferred to a new machine without line-by-line copying. Additionally, the Allen-Bradley Logix PAC family can automatically detect any replaced drives and download all configuration settings over EtherNet/IP, helping to reduce downtime.
The PowerFlex 527 drives use a standard EtherNet/IP infrastructure and feature built-in, dual-port EtherNet/IP functionality. The infrastructure enables networked safety, which helps to reduce the hardware, wiring and labor costs associated with implementing a SIL 3/PLe safety solution.
The use of networked safety also helps reduce panel space and allows access to additional diagnostic data on machine safety faults and causes, without requiring contactors or relays. The PowerFlex 527 drives are the first Allen-Bradley variable frequency drives to offer that capability. The drives also offer an embedded, safe torque off function option for hardwired safety.
The PowerFlex 527 drives are available in five frame sizes, power ratings from 0.4 to 22 kW (0.5 to 30 Hp), and global voltage ratings of 100 to 600V.
Keywords: Servo Drive Programming, Speed Control, Induction Motors, Motion Instruction Sets, Machine Control, Motor Synchronization, ARC Advisory Group.