Preferred configurations reduce TCO for logistics drives by 70%

These cover the typical functional and performance requirements in postal hubs, intralogistics applications and baggage handling systems. The standardised drive systems simplify purchasing, engineering, commissioning and spare parts stocking. Moreover, they are particularly easy to install, operate and maintain.

Limiting the number of variants can yield greater total cost of ownership (TCO) savings than any other measure except for lowering energy consumption. Drive manufacturers should therefore be able to provide viable drive system standardisations for specific industrial segments. Preferred variants will also benefit customers by simplifying the procurement process, from the first drive purchase to any orders that may follow. Fewer variants also make inventory management much easier. Furthermore, they make planning and engineering processes less complex for everyone - the drive supplier, the OEM and the end user.

The challenge is to select as few drive configurations as possible in such a way that they adequately fulfil the varied tasks without being oversized. Drive engineers therefore need to analyse thoroughly sector-specific patterns of drive operation and application-specific needs.

Nord Drivesystems has been designing efficient drive technology for intralogistics and airports for many years. Based on this wealth of experience, the German manufacturer has developed the LogiDrive line of three preferred drive variants optimised for these applications. LogiDrive systems ensure leaner purchasing, engineering, system maintenance and staff training processes. Only very few spare parts need to be stocked. As a result, the TCO in postal hubs, warehouses and baggage handling systems can be reduced by up to 70 per cent.

Three variants, ample flexibility

The LogiDrive line is the preferred product for conveyor systems spanning many hundreds of metres. The variable-frequency drives (VFDs) allow for simple daisy-chaining; short power lines can be connected from one drive to the next. NORD has tailored this line to intralogistics and airport technology, with three geared motor variants meeting all typical performance requirements. IE4 permanent-magnet synchronous motors with power ratings of 1.1, 1.5 or 2.2kW are combined with efficient two-stage helical-bevel gearboxes in two sizes for torques up to 260Nm. Robust frequency inverters from the NORDAC LINK series enable a wide range of speeds to be achieved. The systems feature a high overload capacity and offer a versatile range of functions. Interfaces for all commercially available communication protocols are available, including Profinet, Ethernet Powerlink, EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP.

LogiDrive systems are easy, quick and safe to install thanks to coded plug-in connectors. Maintenance switches, key switches and direction switches on the devices allow for flexible direct access to individual drive axes for setup or servicing. Sensors and actuators can be connected via M12 plugs. Sensor data collected by the inverters can be passed on to higher-level systems, which reduces otherwise necessary wiring. Plug-and-play, pre-parameterised inverters also simplify maintenance. Drive components can be easily replaced. Instead of swapping out entire drive units, for instance, only the geared motor can be exchanged.

Thanks to their light-alloy housings, the compact drives are easy to handle as well: on average, they are about 25 per cent lighter than steel-alloy drives. The LogiDrive systems' IE4 or Super Premium Efficiency synchronous motors take their energy-saving potential to its full extent in conveying systems with frequent partial-load operation. By consuming significantly less energy, they pay for themselves in a very short time.

Integrated safety

LogiDrive systems efficiently and safely power horizontal, inclined and vertical conveyors. A load monitor protects the driven equipment by stopping the motor in case of blocked applications. NORD can even implement the STO and SS1 safety functions according to EN 61800-5-2 for every drive axis by means of TUV-certified electronic modules. Employing field-oriented vector control, the inverters achieve high-precision control. In hoist applications, for example, they provide full torque from zero speed and reliably deliver set speeds even under load fluctuations.

Furthermore, standard inverter features include connection options for incremental and absolute encoders. The drives manage absolute and relative positioning as well as smart braking. Positions and distances can be programmed via the bus or directly on the device. Multiple drives in master/slave operation can synchronise speeds or positions. Featuring integrated PLC as well as PI controller functions and a wide range of sensor interfaces, these systems can even be used to drive fully autonomous modular equipment in larger installations.

Nord Drivesystems has extensive practical experience in the field of conveyor technology. The company has designed efficient drive systems for hundreds of intralogistics plants and airports worldwide. It draws on a large modular programme of drive components that are manufactured in-house. The energy-saving motors are suitable for worldwide use and available in all common efficiency classes.

The Nord gear portfolio comprises numerous gear types and covers a wide range of torques and gear ratios. The VFDs provide enhanced intelligence in plant segments and ensure high efficiency especially in partial-load operation. Furthermore, electronic inverters enable highly flexible speed adjustment. This allows for limiting the drive variants in a larger installation to only a few sizes and gear ratios.

The new LogiDrive systems for airport and other logistics applications demonstrate the benefits of greatly simplified variant management and the major cost savings associated with it. Go to www.nord.com for more information.