Rockwell’s New Armor Powerflex Variable Frequency Drive

Rockwell Automation introduced its Armor PowerFlex variable frequency drive (VFD) for the global market. The Armor PowerFlex VFD offers local and remote monitoring and control capabilities, as well as an optional embedded safety feature to help protect people from potential harm when working with industrial machinery.

Rockwell Automation introduced its Armor PowerFlex variable frequency drive (VFD) for the global market. The Armor PowerFlex VFD offers local and remote monitoring and control capabilities, as well as an optional embedded safety feature to help protect people from potential harm when working with industrial machinery.

The Armor PowerFlex VFD is designed to help customers increase their energy efficiency and productivity in a range of industries from automotive to food & beverage. This new product features a high-performance design that can be used with any Rockwell Automation HMI/SCADA system or other third party software package that supports the Modbus protocol. It also offers local and remote monitoring and control capabilities so operators can monitor or adjust equipment settings from anywhere on a network, including laptops or tablets via Wi-Fi connectivity when needed."Armor PowerFlex VFDs are designed specifically for complex applications where winding speed needs vary based on load requirements," said Chris Burke, director of automation marketing at Rockwell Automation. "With this new acceleration technology we're able to optimize performance while reducing energy consumption—a critical need within today's markets."

Fully integrated into the Studio 5000 Logix Designer software environment, the Armor PowerFlex VFD makes it easy to configure and manage motor control, safety and other devices on a single platform. It also offers data integration with asset management, condition monitoring and other software applications. The Armor PowerFlex VFD is available in frame sizes A7 through B07 with power ranges from 0.37 kW through 400 kW (0.5 hp through 550 hp).

The Armor PowerFlex VFD is fully integrated into the Studio 5000 Logix Designer software environment, making it easy to configure and manage motor control, safety and other devices on a single platform. It also offers data integration with asset management, condition monitoring and other software applications. The Armor PowerFlex VFD is available in frame sizes A7 through B07 with power ranges from 0.37 kW through 400 kW (0.5 hp through 550 hp).

The new drive has been designed specifically for heavy-duty industrial applications where versatility, reliability and low cost of ownership are critical factors. It can operate at speeds up to 1250 rpm per second (3600/min) while maintaining tight regulation within ±1% of set point over a wide range of load (current or torque).

The Armor PowerFlex VFD supports functionality that helps maximize productivity by providing the ability to monitor devices remotely over Ethernet and through embedded web services, which enable users to quickly access key drive status information. This feature also enables users to respond quicker to maintenance issues as they arise, which can help minimize downtime. An optional Safety Integrated Control option provides an integrated safety solution for users looking for simplified setup of a safe speed stop function.

Additional features include:

In addition to the standard features of a VFD, Rockwell’s new Armor Powerflex series offers some additional features:

• An optional embedded safety feature that helps protect people from potential harm when working with industrial machinery.

• The ability to monitor devices remotely over Ethernet and through embedded web services. This can be useful if you want to control your equipment from afar or keep an eye on its status.

• A simplified setup of a safe speed stop function (for units equipped with this option).

- Global compatibility with communications protocols; reinforced isolation between power circuits and control circuits; and high immunity to noise from motors or cables.

The Armor PFV is a flexible, easy to use solution that provides safe, reliable operation in hazardous environments. It's designed with the latest protection features, including:

• Global compatibility with communications protocols.

• Reinforced isolation between power circuits and control circuits.

• High immunity to noise from motors or cables.