Business

Vacon NXP and VLT® Lift Drive LD 302

by Brookstone

A Brief Overview of VSD Technology

Electric AC induction motors run at a fixed speed and are ideally suited to applications where a constant motor output speed is required. However over half of all motor application have some kind of varying demand, such as fans, pups, winding reels and precision tools. Historically, processes would have been controlled using opening and closing dampeners and valves, or changing output speeds with gears or pulleys, all whilst the motor speed remained constant.

In the 1980’s, variable speed drives (VSDs) started appearing on the market offering an alternative method of controls. A VSD also referred to as a ‘drive’ or ‘inverter’ is an electronic power controller that is able to adjust the electrical supply to an AC induction motor with a corresponding change in the motor’s speed and torque output.

By implementing this type of control, a very close match between motor speed and the process requirements of the machine it is driving may be achieved.

Controlling the speed of a motor provides users with improved process control, reduced wear on machines, increased power factor and large energy savings.

Like a good wine, VSD technology has matured, and is now extremely versatile and offers a high degree of motor control. Motor speeds can be accurately varied from zero rpm through over 100% of the rated speed whilst the torque is also adjusted to suit.

Different options are available to suit a variety of applications and budgets. Basic VSD designs are used in simple applications such as fan and pump control whereas more complex versions are available for very precise speed and torque control, for example in multiple winders or materials forming applications.

VSD’s range from 0.18kW through to several MW in size; and are connected to the motor’s electrical supply.

In many applications, variable speed control can lead to substantial reductions in energy use. The use of VSD technology is particularly effective in fan and pump applications where an exponential relationship exists between the machine speed and the energy used.

Surely a 10% reduction in speed should equate to a 10% reduction in energy usage? This is correct when we are talking about a conveyor or a mixer, but fans and pumps are different.

The relationship between the speed and power of a fan or pump is called Cube Law. If you reduce motor speed by 10%, achieve a 27% reduction in energy consumption. Reduce motor speed by 20%, achieve a 48% reduction in energy consumption.

by Brookstone

Digicon awarded Alcumus SafeContractor Acreditation

Top Safety Accreditation for Digicon Solutions Limited

Digicon Solutions has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme, which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.

The company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. SafeContractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: "Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place."

"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Digicon Solutions has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.”

“To be awarded Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation for the 3^rd year running shows how dedicated our employees are to their Health and Safety responsibilities. With Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation, our clients have peace of mind that they are in safe hands with our specialist engineers.” Molly Jones – Digicon Solutions Limited.

For further information, contact: Molly Jones on 01455 251610 or email molly.jones@digicon-solutions.co.uk

http://alcumusgroup.com

by Brookstone

Center Parcs Woburn Forest Service Contract

Digicon Solutions are providing Center Parcs Woburn Forest with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Service Contract to enable maximum reliability, optimised energy efficiency and minimum down time on VSD’s installed on critical applications.

Protecting the environment is important to Center Parcs as their experience is built around enabling guests to enjoy the natural environment with family and friends. Fitting Variable Speed Technology typically saves 27% – 50% energy consumption, and this is why in excess of 150 Variable Speed Drives were fitted to applications during the design and build of Center Parcs Woburn Forest, the company’s newest location and the lowest carbon UK village to date.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest’s bespoke service package includes a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) visit on a 12 monthly basis to carry out checks and actions on each installed VSD to ensure they are operating in optimised configurations, repairs on VSDs where economically viable, guaranteed next day engineer attendance in the event of a breakdown and guaranteed stock availability of hundreds of VSD’s varying between 0.75kW – 75kW.

The typical lifespan of a VSD can range between 5 and 10 years depending upon the application. But, as with all technology, units can fail, and this can be down to a whole host of reasons. Variable speed Drives are typically on a 2-3 week delivery from the manufacturer, and Digicon recognises that no business wants a potential 3 week wait for a replacement to get them up and running again. This is where the strategic spares aspect of the service contract really comes into its own.

Digicon’s current stock holding is £0.5m, meaning that if and when that critical application goes down, Digicon can be there within hours, not weeks. As part of Center Parcs Woburn Forest’s service contract, Digicon guarantee that an engineer will attend a call out within 24 hours of the initial call being made.

Digicon's Managing Director Karl Jones had this to say;
'It is a pleasure to work with a company who take their environmental responsibilities so seriously. Center Parcs are committed to reaching their carbon emissions targets and as specialists in our field, we can see from their plant on site and the attitude of their employees how they achieve this. Our service contracts are carefully put together by our experienced team and tailored to suit the needs of our clients. We leave no stone unturned during our rigorous PPM visits and Center Parcs are in the best hands when it comes to speed and efficiency in getting critical applications back up and running.’

Digicon Solutions have once again been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace. Center Parcs have peace of mind that they are in safe hands with our specialist engineers.

by Brookstone

Global Charity Saving Energy with Digicon Solutions

As the world’s population continues to increase, energy-optimised HVAC systems are the key to providing comfort and safety without increasing energy consumption. Even extreme climates and isolated outposts have a need for efficient HVAC operation. To give you the flexibility you need with the reliability you expect, the VLT® HVAC Drive has been enhanced to meet your needs – and more.

It’s more efficient…

New motor technology is driving an increase in operating efficiency, especially in HVAC applications. In order to get the most out of these PM and SynRM motors, an AC drive with the algorithms to most optimally control these motors is necessary. A single VLT® HVAC Drive can not only optimally run these motors, but can now control multiple IE5 PM motors in parallel for even greater efficiency.

It’s smarter…

HVAC applications can be found everywhere, including in isolated area and in hard-to-reach locations. This requires new ways of thinking in order to efficiently communicate with these drives. Our updated Web Server integrated in the Ethernet options and new Wireless LCP provide even more ways to remotely and securely connect to your VLT® HVAC Drive.

It’s tougher…

These days, HVAC applications are often challenged by temperature fluctuations, seismic activity, areas with high levels of atmospheric pollutants, unstable grid quality or a mixture of these conditions. The VLT® HVAC Drive is designed to meet these challenges head on.

With a wide operating temperature range from -25°C up to 50°C and an availability of enclosure classes up to IP66/UL Type 4X, the VLT® HVAC Drive can be installed almost anywhere without derating. The addition of seismic certification, the ability to install to altitudes of 2000 m/6500 ft without derating, and options for conformal, harsh environment coating to 3C3, further improve the VLT® HVAC Drive’s ability to work reliably in the most demanding environments.

It’s more reliable…

With billions of people all around the world relying on HVAC systems for comfort and safety, it’s vital to select an AC drive that can withstand unforeseen grid fluctuations that would otherwise interrupt operations. To improve ride through, the VLT HVAC® Drive’s robust overvoltage controller, kinetic backup and improved flying start ensure reliable operation when it’s needed most.

AC drives often require connections to grids that are far from perfect, and a host of electrical events can cause serious issues with drives. Algorithms in the VLT® HVAC Drive ensure that, even when there are spikes and dips in voltage, the drive will continue to operate as expected. Occasionally, an AC drive may be connected to a system that experiences a short-circuit which could potentially destroy the connected drive. To ensure reliable operation, the VLT® HVAC Drive is designed to be short-circuit proof with a 100 kA prospective short circuit current capability.

It’s a small investment with a big return…

New energy efficiency regulations focus on ways to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. To meet these new standards, adding an AC drive is a necessity. Over the lifetime of an AC drive, energy cost is the dominating economical factor, but savings can be found in other associated costs.

Selecting the VLT® HVAC Drive provides the lowest total cost of ownership. Installation and commissioning take 20% less time and it has 2% improved operating efficiency than comparable drives. And, based on average operating time, the VLT® HVAC Drive will operate maintenance-free for up to 15 years.

With a range of new features that make the drive tougher and smarter to ensure reliable operation in the harshest conditions, improved process efficiency and enhanced accessibility – what’s not to like?! Watch this video to learn more:

by Brookstone

The Drives Experts for Universities and Colleges

Universities and Colleges have a wide range of energy uses and as such, huge savings possibilities. With Variable Speed Drive technology, you can easily save energy, money and the environment. Every £1 saved is £1 that can be re-invested into the education of the people of our future.

Digicon Solutions pride themselves on being one of the biggest independent variable speed drives specialists in the industry and have built up a team of technical specialists who together have over 100 years of experience in the industry; from installation engineers to high level technical support and sales staff. We do not diversify from our core business. "We stick to what we do best".

Having installed VSD's in London Hotels, Charity HQ's, Holiday Parks, Shopping Centres, and Top UK Universities, Digicon have the skills and expertise to cater to your energy saving needs.

Not only can Digicon offer next day delivery of premium brand Danfoss and Vacon VSD's and associated equipment, such as motors, CO2 sensors and real-time clocks, our specialist engineers can also install and commission the drives.

Our recent installations at David Lloyd Leisure Centres across the UK has not only saved them over £400,000 per year, we also helped them to achieve 20% CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reduction. 

We offer competitive service packages and we promise that one of our engineers will be on site within 12 hours of an emergency call out.

Digicon are the drive experts you can count on.
We will be with you from the very first phone call through the entire lifetime of your drive - and beyond. We are there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Digicon endeavour to find and maintain the optimal solution tailored to the needs of you; our customer. 

Call us today to find out what Digicon can do for you and organise a no obligation site survey
01455 251610 or 0844 335 1724

by Brookstone

NHS Warwick Hospital making significant operational cost savings

by Brookstone

National Leisure Group makes huge savings with Digicon Drives

As part of the UK's ongoing mission to monitor and reduce CO2 emissions and energy usage, a National Leisure Group consisting of more than 90 health clubs across the UK found that their pumps and fans were constantly using more energy than was required.

After carrying out extensive site surveys and running free of charge trials, controls experts Digicon Solutions evaluated that the pump and fan installations at the Clubs had all been sized to provide copious amounts of reserve capacity that would not be needed during day to day operation. Our expert engineers at Digicon, discovered that the majority of the applications were fitted with single speed starters, which meant the pumps and fans always operated at full speed, irrespective of the actual requirements. This wasted money and created far more energy consumption than acceptable in these challenging times, where energy saving and reduced CO2 emissions are paramount to ensuring a greener planet.

Digicon suggested that fitting variable speed drives with timers, CO2 sensors, day/night real time clocks, and humidity sensors would allow the motors' operating speeds to be matched to the demand. This significantly reduced the energy usage.

Our experts advised that the potential for savings in applications of this type is excellent, as the power used is proportional to the cube of the speed.

To date, Digicon have installed more than 520 Variable Speed Drives for over 90 Centres within this Group across the UK. By using our Drives, the group is currently making savings of over £400,000 per year. 

We have also installed approximately 600 additional drives to other leading Leisure Clubs nationwide!

By using a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to reduce the speed of a pump or fan application you can typically achieve the following savings;

• reduce motor speed by 10%, achieve a 27% reduction in energy consumption
• reduce motor speed by 20%, achieve a 48% reduction in energy consumption

by Brookstone