U1000 - Energy efficiency thanks to power regeneration
Interest in sustainability in industrial production and operation has long been more than simply a trend. However, there is still a great deal of untapped potential. For example, inverter-controlled motors are still not in global use, although even a conservative estimate suggests that they use between 15 and 30 percent less power than non-frequency regulated drives. Even greater savings can be achieved by using ultra-low harmonic matrix converters such as the U1000.
Sustainability is becoming the top priority for an increasing number of businesses, construction companies and other operators, especially now that the EU Commission has issued new guidelines and incentives to encourage sustainable business practices (such as the EU Green Deal and EU Taxonomy classification system). As a consequence, these businesses are now demanding the same of their own suppliers and supply chains. Measures for saving energy and using power more efficiently are playing a central role in meeting these ambitious objectives, especially when it comes to machines and technical components.
Ultra-Low Harmonic Matrix Converter with regenerative technology
A good example of this is our U1000 matrix converter: this highly efficient AC converter can be used to drive synchronous or asynchronous machines, with or without an encoder, whilst simultaneously feeding back the power it generates. The models in the series cover a wide operating range from 2.2 to 500 kW. In contrast to traditional regenerative power solutions, the U1000 has no DC bus, instead switching three-phase grid power directly to the motor coils.
The U1000's power flows are close to sinusoidal, no matter whether it is running in motor-driven or regenerative mode. This represents exceptional energy-saving potential, especially in Germany, where electricity costs are internationally amongst the highest found.
The power returned from a regenerative system can then be used "in-house" in industrial plants. When it comes to cutting electricity costs, the U1000 Matrix Converter's unique ECO (electronic bypass) mode makes it stand out from the field. Thanks to its innovative design (with no internal DC bus), the U1000 can switch grid voltage to the output 1:1 when operated at grid frequencies (50 Hz in Europe or 60 Hz in USA/Japan). There is no need to switch the IGBTs in this state, so up to 300 percent of potential lost power can be saved, in comparison with competitor products.