HITACHI LPF240A

Description

Product Description

The HITACHI LPF240A is a high-performance variable frequency drive (VFD) or AC drive designed for controlling the speed and torque of three-phase asynchronous motors. This drive is engineered to provide precise motor control, energy savings, and advanced functionality for industrial automation applications. The LPF240A series integrates power conversion, control logic, and protective features into a compact unit, allowing for smooth acceleration, deceleration, and process regulation. Implementing the Hitachi LPF240A drive enables efficient and intelligent control of pumps, fans, conveyors, and other motor-driven machinery.

• Product Type: Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) / AC Drive.
• Motor Control: For 3-phase asynchronous (induction) motors.
• Power Range: Part of a series covering a specific power range, typically from fractional horsepower up to several hundred kilowatts (specific to the model suffix).
• Input Voltage: Common ratings include 200-240V AC, 380-480V AC, or 525-600V AC, single or three-phase, depending on the exact model.
• Control Methods: V/f control, Sensorless Vector Control, and potentially Closed-Loop Vector Control for high-performance applications requiring precise speed and torque regulation.
• Key Features:
  • Built-in PID controller for process control (e.g., pressure, flow).
  • Multiple preset speeds and acceleration/deceleration ramps.
  • Comprehensive digital and analog I/O (inputs for start/stop, speed reference; relay outputs for status).
  • Communication interfaces: Typically Modbus RTU (RS-485), with options for other protocols like DeviceNet or Profibus.
• Protection Functions: Motor overload, overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, short-circuit, ground fault, and overheating protection.

Advantages and Features

1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: The primary advantage of the HITACHI LPF240A is significant energy reduction when controlling centrifugal loads like pumps and fans. By adjusting motor speed to match the actual demand (using affinity laws), it can drastically cut electrical consumption.
2. Smooth and Controlled Motor Operation: Provides soft-start and soft-stop capabilities, reducing mechanical stress on motors, couplings, and driven equipment. This extends the lifespan of mechanical components and reduces maintenance costs.
3. Advanced Control Capabilities: With sensorless vector control, the drive offers improved low-speed torque, better speed regulation, and faster dynamic response compared to basic V/f drives, making it suitable for more demanding applications like conveyors or mixers.
4. Integrated Process Control: The built-in PID controller allows the LPF240A to function as a standalone process controller. It can directly maintain a process variable (like pressure from a transducer) by automatically adjusting the motor speed without requiring an external PLC.
5. Robust Design and Reliability: Hitachi drives are known for their durable construction and reliable performance in industrial environments, with features like conformal coated PCBs for protection against dust and humidity.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• HVAC Systems: Controlling fan speeds in air handling units (AHUs) and pump speeds in chilled/hot water systems to maintain pressure and temperature setpoints efficiently.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Variable speed control of raw water intake pumps, transfer pumps, and aeration blowers to optimize process flow and save energy.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Driving conveyor belts, mixers, extruders, and machine tool spindles where precise speed control is necessary for product quality and process consistency.
• Building Services: Controlling pumps in booster systems, cooling tower fans, and escalator/moving walk speeds.

Comparison with Competing Products

• vs. Direct Online (DOL) Starters: DOL starters simply connect the motor to full line voltage, causing high inrush current and mechanical shock. The LPF240A provides controlled acceleration, energy savings, and process control, which a starter cannot offer.
• vs. Soft Starters: Soft starters limit inrush current and provide gentle acceleration but do not allow for variable speed operation or energy savings during running. The VFD Hitachi LPF240A provides full speed control and continuous energy optimization.
• vs. Other Brand VFDs (e.g., ABB ACS, Siemens SINAMICS): Competing drives offer similar core functionality. The LPF240A is distinguished by Hitachi’s specific control algorithms, user interface, software tools (Drive Navigator), and its reputation for reliability in certain market segments.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Correct Drive Sizing is Critical: The drive must be sized for the motor’s current, not just power (kW/HP). Select a drive with a continuous output current rating equal to or greater than the motor’s full load ampere (FLA) rating. Consider the load type (constant torque vs. variable torque) for proper derating.
2. Input Power Conditioning: Use appropriate input fuses or circuit breakers, and consider adding an AC line reactor or EMI filter, especially on long power feeder lines, to protect the drive from line transients and reduce harmonic distortion.
3. Motor Cable Length and Protection: Keep the distance between the drive and motor as short as possible. For long cable runs, use output filters (dv/dt or sine wave) to protect the motor insulation from voltage spikes caused by the drive’s PWM output.
4. Proper Programming and Configuration: Correctly configure motor nameplate data (voltage, current, speed) in the drive. Set appropriate acceleration/deceleration times, current limits, and protection parameters. Incorrect settings can lead to poor performance or trip faults.
5. Thermal Management: Ensure adequate cooling. The drive must be installed in a well-ventilated enclosure according to the manual’s specifications. Overheating is a common cause of drive failure.

LPF240A

8230-896 DCS
8250-022
8250-226 DCS
8238-008
8250-421 DCS
8250-501 DCS
8250-501 DCS