L100 Inverter

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Introduction to Variable-Frequency Drives

The Purpose of Motor Speed Control for Industry

Hitachi inverters provide speed control for 3-phase AC induction motors. You connect AC power to the inverter, and connect the inverter to the motor. You’re probably familiar with the way a light dimmer works to vary the power sent to a light bulb, and thus the light intensity. At a basic level, the modern inverter serves the same role for a motor.

Many industrial applications use AC motors of all sizes to do many different things. In some cases, the motor connects directly to an AC power source — running at full speed whenever it is on. However, many applications benefit from a motor with variable speed, in several ways:

•Energy savings - HVAC

•Need to coordinate speed with an adjacent process - textiles and printing presses

•Sensitive loads - elevators, food processing, pharmaceuticals

Over the years, industry has found many ways to achieve variable speed when it benefited the process. Solutions varied from mechanical (belts and gears), hydraulic (pumps and motors), and electrical (two-speed motor windings, etc.) While these solutions provided some control over speed, there were unwanted side effects as well:

•Wasted energy from losses in speed-adjusting mechanisms (gearboxes, etc.)

•Wasted energy from on/off control trying to approximate an average

•Noise from belts and gears or start/stop operations

•Messy machinery with fluid leaks

•High maintenance and/or unreliable components

•Could set the speed, but acceleration and deceleration was still uncontrollable

•Not enough speed levels

•Poor torque performance at low speeds

Most of the unwanted side effects came from mechanical or hydraulic machinery, and could be solved with a purely electronic solution. But early electronic components had reliability shortcomings due to the large currents and high voltages imposed on the devices. However, the modern power components in use today have changed all that. The state-of-the-art components in Hitachi drives provide all the benefits of speed control, while overcoming the classical problems listed above.

What is an Inverter?

Getting Started

The term inverter and variable-frequency drive are related and somewhat interchange- able. An electronic motor drive for an AC motor can control the motor’s speed by varying the frequency of the power sent to the motor. For example, a particular motor may be designed for 60 Hz operation. We say it is a synchronous motor if its speed of revolution is directly related to its power input frequency. When the motor design is synchronous, a variable frequency drive is able to control the speed by controlling the frequency.

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Hitachi L100 Introduction to Variable-Frequency Drives, Purpose of Motor Speed Control for Industry, What is an Inverter?
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L100 specifications

The Hitachi L100 series is a versatile range of variable frequency drives (VFDs) designed to enhance performance in various industrial applications. Known for their reliability and efficiency, these drives are widely used in motors for pumps, fans, compressors, and conveyors.

One of the main features of the Hitachi L100 is its impressive control capabilities. The drive supports both scalar and vector control modes, allowing for precise speed and torque management. This flexibility ensures optimal motor performance across different load conditions. Additionally, the L100 series offers an impressive speed range, which can accommodate a wide variety of applications, from low-speed to high-speed requirements.

The L100 is equipped with built-in functionality for energy saving. By utilizing advanced control algorithms and auto-tuning features, the drive optimizes energy consumption, reducing operational costs and contributing to improved overall system efficiency. The energy-saving mode is particularly beneficial in applications where load conditions frequently change.

Another hallmark of the Hitachi L100 is its robust communication capabilities. The drive supports various communication protocols including Modbus and Ethernet, making it easy to integrate into existing control systems. This connectivity allows for real-time monitoring and diagnostics, which aids in predictive maintenance and minimizes downtime.

In terms of user-friendliness, the L100 series includes a clear, intuitive keypad that simplifies programming and operation. The drive also features a wide range of customizable parameters, enabling users to easily tailor the settings to suit specific application requirements. Additionally, the inclusion of a customizable PID controller allows users to refine process control automatically.

Safety is a priority in the design of the Hitachi L100. The drive comes with various built-in safety features such as overvoltage, overload, and short-circuit protection, ensuring reliable operation in challenging environments. Furthermore, it complies with global safety standards, making it suitable for international applications.

Lastly, the L100's compact design ensures easy installation and minimizes the space required in control cabinets. This is especially advantageous in facilities where space is at a premium. Overall, the Hitachi L100 series represents a combination of advanced technology, user-friendly features, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice for industrial automation solutions.
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