1–22

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the main advantage in using an inverter to drive a motor, compared to alternative solutions?

A.An inverter can vary the motor speed with very little loss of efficiency, unlike mechanical or hydraulic speed control solutions. The resulting energy savings usually pays for the inverter in a relatively short time.

Q.The term “inverter” is a little confusing, since we also use “drive” and “amplifier” to describe the electronic unit that controls a motor. What does “inverter” mean?

A.The terms inverter, drive, and amplifier are used somewhat interchangeably in industry. Nowadays, the terms drive, variable-frequency drive, variable- speed drive, and inverter are generally used to describe electronic, micropro- cessor-based motor speed controllers. In the past, variable-speed drive also referred to various mechanical means to vary speed. Amplifier is a term almost exclusively used to describe drives for servo or stepper motors.

Q.Although the L100 inverter is a variable speed drive, can I use it in a fixed-speed application?

A.Yes, sometimes an inverter can be used simply as a “soft-start” device, providing controlled acceleration and deceleration to a fixed speed. Other functions of the L100 may be useful in such applications, as well. However, using a variable speed drive can benefit many types of industrial and commercial motor applications, by providing controlled acceleration and deceleration, high torque at low speeds, and energy savings over alternative solutions.

Q.Can I use an inverter and AC induction motor in a positioning application?

A.That depends on the required precision, and the slowest speed the motor will must turn and still deliver torque. If you set the torque boost, the L100 can develop starting torque at 100% of its rating. However, DO NOT use an inverter if you need the motor to stop and hold the load position without the aid of a mechanical brake (use a servo or stepper motion control system).

Q.Does the optional digital operator interface or the PC software (DOP Professional) provide features beyond what is available from the keypad on the unit?

A.Yes. However, note first that the same set of parameters and functions are equally accessible from either the unit’s keypad or from remote devices. The DOP Professional PC software lets you save or load inverter configurations to or from a disk file. And, the hand-held digital operator provides hard- wired terminals, a safety requirement for some installations.