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Arc-resistant 50kA regenerative drive is ‘a first’

14 October, 2015

Rockwell Automation has announced a medium-voltage drive which, it claims, is the first arc-resistant 50kA MV drive with full regeneration capabilities. The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 drive incorporates a technology called ArcShield that redirects hazardous energy and gases created by arc-flashes away from personnel. When the drive is combined with an arc-resistant starter, it forms an integrated arc-resistant starter-and-drive system.

The arc-deflection technology, which is certified to global standards, helps to reduce safety risks and to protect equipment in industries such as oil and gas, mining, power generation, and water and wastewater treatment. It provides a 50kA arc rating and also meets Type 2B protection to provide full perimeter personnel protection, even when the low-voltage control door is open for maintenance.

“The PowerFlex 7000 drive system with ArcShield technology is the latest addition to our growing portfolio of arc-resistant products,” says John Kay, product manager for Rockwell’s medium-voltage MCC product line. “It has been developed to support the increasing requirements of the electrical safety programs implemented by our customers. The new drive system offers an integrated safety solution to reduce the safety burden put on industrial end-users. Our unique designs were influenced by direct feedback and requirements requested by customers.”

Rockwell claims that its new MV drive is the first 40kA regenerative system that is arc-resistant

The drive is suitable for applications that need frequent starts and stops. Its regenerative technology allows users to slow down and stop motors faster and more efficiently than other technologies. Instead of wasting energy by converting it into heat in the drive or the motor, the regenerative technology captures energy and feeds it back into the utility grid for better energy management, less stress on the drive and motor, and bigger cost savings.




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