At this year’s WEFTEC show in New Orleans, ABB introduced the ACQ580 variable-frequency drive (VFD) designed to enhance system performance, simplify commissioning and operation, and optimize efficiency in water and wastewater facilities. The drive also improves flow and reliability in pumping and aeration.
Created specifically for the municipal market, the VFD includes features such as a pump clean function that dislodges debris from impellers and a sensorless flow calculation that provides accurate flow measurement without a flowmeter.
A soft pipe fill mode reduces water-hammer damage, and a quick-ramp feature protects submersible pumps. The drive is compatible with ABB Ability condition monitoring services, which enable users to get real-time data about the status and performance of monitored equipment from any location.
The VFD includes dry-run protection to keep pumps from running without water. Embedded PID controllers automate flow, pressure, level and dissolved oxygen. Multipump control manages the operation of up to eight pumps simultaneously.
Safety features in the drive include safe torque-off and a maximum speed limit to protect against overspeed. Safety is also enhanced with an optional device that enables the drive to be programed without primary power.
Menu-based programming simplifies setup and operation. An easy-to-use keypad uses industry terminology that enables intuitive system monitoring and operational tuning. An optional Bluetooth keypad provides connectivity between the drive and mobile devices and provides an extra level of safety for commissioning and troubleshooting.
The drive works with motors ranging from standard induction to permanent magnet and synchronous reluctance. With a wide range of power ratings and control technologies, it can be used for any application in the facility and can upload or download configurations via the keypad.
It provides fast and reliable communication with PLCs and SCADA on a broad range of protocols. Embedded inputs and outputs and simplify connectivity.
