Frequency inverters provide smooth starts and motion control

Two compact Lenze SMV frequency inverters are delivering smooth start optimisation and motion control for the track on the Whizzard PRO alpine ski simulator, which, according to people who have tried it, is as close to the real thing as possible. Many describing their experience as 'amazing.' Developed in Poland, the Whizzard PRO is designed both as a trainer for competitive downhill skiers and as an improvement aid for recreational skiers. The simulator is designed to take up minimum space, while providing an alpine experience in a gym. Suiting both skiers and snowboarders, the Whizzard adjusts the slope angle while running and can give experience of extreme conditions, even moguls, at speeds of up to 30km/hour.

Key to the realistic operation of the Whizzard PRO are two Lenze SMV inverters. The first of these, a 5.5kW unit, drives two motors that power the main track of the simulator. Controlled via an HMI, this inverter was chosen for its impressive low-speed operation, ease of use and compact dimensions that enabled it to be easily integrated into the optimised envelope of the Whizzard without modifications to the simulator structure. Low-speed operation is equally important on the second Lenze SMV inverter, a 2.2kW unit, which controls the motor used to generate vertical movement on the Whizzard PRO, effectively simulating the irregularities experienced in downhill skiing.

Two-axis control

The combination of the Lenze inverters enables easy adaptation of vertical and horizontal speed on the Whizzard PRO, taking into account the skill level of the skier. The precise control provided also enables the simulator to be used for rehabilitation of skiers following accidents, and provides a realistic element to complement existing ski training programmes.

Lenze's SMV is particularly suitable for simulation tasks due to its simple control and set-up procedures, which can be completed in seconds, and to its programmable EPM chip. The EPM enables users to copy - in a matter of seconds - an entire operating set of parameters to another SMV drive. This same functionality can be used to change a set of simulation parameters in an existing drive very quickly, delivering a wholly new experience to the user of the simulator. The EPM offers additional benefits in that it can often be used to return a machine to service without having to call out a support engineer, or commit skilled programming time to recommission an individual drive.

The SMV range of inverter drives is available for single-phase operation from 0.37kW to 2.2kW and three-phase from 0.37kW to 22.0kW. The SMV range removes the cost and complexity from vector-based motor control, offering fast dynamic torque response, sophisticated auto-tuning and impressive low-speed operation from a compact, low-cost and simple-to-use package. The SMV drive is also protected to IP65, enabling it to be used outdoors, in environments with atmospheric moisture and where low-pressure water jets are used. SMV inverters are suitable for use in applications where dynamic speed and torque control are required, such as conveyors, food production, packaging lines and HVAC systems.

Follow the link for more information about Lenze SMV IP65 enclosed frequency inverters.