Evolution in VFD technology ‘on the horizon’ says Fuji Electric Europe

With the flexibility and functionality to support the broadest range of applications on all types of mechanical equipment, the FRENIC-MEGA-G2 takes core capabilities, responsiveness, environmental awareness and easy maintenance to the next level, states Fuji Electric Europe.

Here’s a rundown of new features the company points to that will benefit users and where they can best implement the new MEGA-G2 and enhancements since the MEGA-G1.

New features in the G2 Series:

Orientation function – rotor positioning, enabling machinery to be “held” in place via servo locking.

PID auto tune – shorter system set-up times with simplified adjustment of the proportion and integral gains.

Load limiter – stopping when excessive torque is detected, improving system reliability.

New operation multi-function keypad – improving diagnostic functions and simplifying programming. Added Bluetooth for remote access, SD card for traceback data, clock function (allowing time data to be logged with the alarm history), USB port for direct connection to a PC.

Traceback and Alarm history – acquire and save waveform data immediately before an alarm occurs. Store information on the past four occurrences, such as output voltage and frequency at the time of an alarm.

Enhancements in the G2 Series:

Customisable logic (from 10 to 260 steps) – simple configuration of parameters including relays, timer etc, removing the need for a PLC in dedicated VFD control applications or small systems.

Enhanced Communication – RS485 terminal block in addition to the RJ45 connector, simplifying multi-drop connections.

Life expectancy diagnostics and maintenance functions – monitoring the VFD via the PC loader software or keypad reduces production equipment maintenance time and downtime. Improving both prevention and prediction and prolonging the life of the VFD. On the topic of life, the G2 series has a design life of 10 years.

Ensuring backward compatibility (allowing direct replacement of the previous FRENIC-MEGA-G1):

Mounting dimensions – The new G2 has the same physical characteristics as its predecessor G1.

Parameter migration – parameters can be read from the G1 (via a PC using Loader software) or keypad and directly ported to the G2 series

“The all-new FRENIC-MEGA-G2 is a drive that is fully backward compatible, yet designed for the future, with state-of-the-art IoT connectivity and many application-specific features,” adds Fuji Electric Europe. “Such features can improve the performance of the application and can commonly be used in machine tools, press machines, winding and coiling machines, hoists & cranes, crushing machines and more.”