WEG extends the CFW500 series of variable speed drives

The new CFW500 IP66 in frame sizes A and B covers the motor power range from 250 W to 15 kW. Both frame sizes are available for various mains voltages. The CFW500 frequency inverter series with efficiency class IE2 complies with the new EU regulation Ecodesign Requirement (EU) 1781/2019, which will come into force on 1 July 2021. The new variable speed drives can operate over a wide voltage range of 200 to 240 V, 380 to 480 V or 500 to 600 V, and they can be deployed at ambient temperatures from -10°C to +40°C. The sturdy construction of the devices and their high protection rating make them a good choice for demanding application environments.

New frame size F for industrial applications
Another innovation is the extension of CFW500 to frame size F with a rated power range up to 55 kW. Frame size F is available for output currents of 77 A, 88 A and 105 A and can be used in the voltage range of 380 to 480 V. This opens up new deployment possibilities for users in the 37 kW, 45 kW and 55 kW power range for numerous industrial applications, in particular general mechanical engineering for conveying, turning, lifting, pumping and ventilation. The new power class extends the main deployment areas of the CFW500 upward in small and micro applications.

Variable speed drives conform to Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781
“Particularly in light of EU Regulation 1781/2019, which becomes effective in 2021, more attention is being given to optimising energy efficiency in all system components of electrical drive technology. This is the first time that the efficiency of variable speed drives has been regulated by law across Europe. According to the new EU regulation, variable speed drives from 120 W to 1 MW must conform to at least IE2 starting 1 July 2021. It goes without saying that the three new products in the CFW500 series conform to this limit, thereby underlining the integrated approach of system efficiency”, explains Johannes Schwenger, Head of Product Management Low and Medium Voltage Drive Systems Europe at WEG. “As a system supplier that manufactures electric motors as well as automation components, we are able to offer optimally matched motor and variable speed drive packages that contribute to boosting system efficiency and energy efficiency and offer a very good price/performance ratio.”

Risk reduction through STO and SS1
The integrated safety functions Safe Torque Off (STO) and Safe Stop 1 (SS1) offer mechanical engineers a cost-effective and flexible solution for reducing risks arising from unexpected events. This includes preventing unintentional starting of machines, emergency shutdowns, and uncontrolled stops. The safety functions help to minimize risks and improve the safety of employees and the environment. CFW500 with the integrated safety functions Safe Torque Off (STO) and Safe Stop 1 (SS1) offers mechanical engineers a cost-effective and flexible solution for risk reduction. CFW500 with safety functions fulfils the requirements for
SIL 3 / PL e according to IEC 61800-5-2, EN ISO 13849-1, EN 62061, IEC 61508 and IEC 60204-1.
When activated, STO immediately switches off the drive output to the motor. This is done by disabling the provision of torque-generating power. STO is also used to prevent unintentional starting of machines or for emergency shutdowns that fulfil stop category 0 (IEC 60204-1). SS1 allows a motor delay for stopping the motor. The STO function is activated automatically after the delay. SS1 can be used to achieve a controlled stop in compliance with IEC 60204-1. This function is used when the variable speed drive must stop the motor for safety reasons.

The CFW500 series is extended with frame size F for a rated power range up to 55 kW. Frame size F is available for output currents of 77 A, 88 A and 105 A and can be used in the voltage range of 380 to 480 V. For users, this opens up new deployment possibilities in the 37 kW, 45 kW and 55 kW power range for numerous industrial applications, in particular general mechanical engineering for conveying, turning, lifting, pumping and ventilation.

High ease of use
The built-in Pump Genius function for pump control enables precise pressure and/or flow control during the entire process cycle. With a convenient programming wizard, Pump Genius helps to minimize downtime. The plug-and-play design of the CFW500 series is especially user-friendly. The variable speed drives have an integrated micro PLC with pre-programmed macros for positioning, timing and acceleration functions, among others. They can be programmed locally with the convenient LCD display or externally with a computer over a variety of interfaces, including CRS232, USB and CRS485. Users can download the corresponding SuperDrive G2 programming software from the WEG website free of charge.
The variable speed drives are designed for quick installation and easy commissioning. Numerous plug-and-play plug-in modules make the CFW500 series excellently suited for decentralised automation architectures with access to all commonly used field bus concepts, including Profibus DP, Profinet IO, Ethernet IP, DeviceNet, CANopen, and Modbus RTU.
Individual adaptations to specific customer requirements can also be implemented easily thanks to additional plug-in extension modules. Users can also choose internal EMC filters in categories C2 or C3 compliant with EN IEC 61800-3.