Posted to News on 2nd Oct 2013, 16:05
Power storage modules act as servo UPS
Inmoco is launching a series of power storage devices for use primarily with multi-axis servo motion systems. The new KCM (Kollmorgen Capacitor Module) power storage devices include three separate versions that can store energy and provide regenerative power savings or protect from power outages.
The KCM-S model saves energy by charging up during regenerative braking, and then provides a boost for subsequent accelerations to improve efficiency. The KCM-P provides a power failure ride-through, releasing stored energy in the event of a power supply failure so that the drive slows down in a controlled manner, and the KCM-E expansion module is an add-on storage module used with either the KCM-S or KCM-P to extend their capacity.
These devices are additional to Inmoco's range of servo and precision motion equipment, and enable the design and build of robust systems that can cope with interruptions to the power supply. In the event of a short-term power failure, KCMs will maintain the DC link voltage, thus reducing the risk of uncontrolled outages and damage to the drives, machine and products. The KCMs are in effect mini UPSs (uninterruptible power supplies) for the drive.
KCMs are easy to install and work automatically, in many cases representing a cost-effective and elegant alternative to high-maintenance mechanical inertia storage systems. Further, unlike more complex regenerative products they do not have a disturbing influence on the mains. Instead they charge up their energy storage capacitors during normal servo amp operations, doing so in highly metered doses (under braking in the re-gen version) so as not to disrupt normal operations.
In effect KCMs provide short-term buffering of energy which reduces peaks and troughs in the power supply. This reduces peak currents during acceleration and also cuts overall power consumption, since energy generated during braking is captured rather than dissipated as heat in resistor banks.
Benefits achieved through the incorporation of KCM units in servo systems include: securing productivity during short-term power failures; rapid and automatic machine restarts; easy system integration with a two-cable connection to the DC-link; instant commissioning with no need for alignment or tuning; smooth capacitor charging which does not put strain the servo amp or generate feedback; cascadable expansion modules to very large capacities.
The KCMs have an electrical storage capacity of 2000-4000W with DC bus voltage 850V DC continuous, 950V DC peak. Maximum output is 18kW. The new power storage modules will be used for system builds and offered for sale, being of particular interest in situations where the mains supply is liable to fluctuations. To find out more about the KCM power storage devices please visit www.inmoco.co.uk.
