Power Transmission Engineering Magazine
www.powertransmission.com/articles/5124

EFC 3600 Variable Frequency Drive for Energy Efficient Process Control

December 30, 2014

The EFC 3600 variable frequency drive (VFD) by Bosch Rexroth complements the existing product portfolio including the Fe and Fv frequency converters as well as the IndraDrive platform.

The EFC 3600 improves the process control through integrated PID controllers as well as through a sequence control system with eight steps. The settings enable an energy-efficient operation of equipment and machines at their optimal operating point. Due to its overload capacity of up to 200 percent as well as the initial torque of up to 150 percent, the EFC 3600 can be used for a range of applications. The freely scalable V/Hz characteristic allows load-dependent adjustment of the voltage/frequency curve, which ensures a longer motor service life.

The EFC 3600 can be connected to other automation topologies via optional Modbus or PROFIBUS fieldbus interfaces or via digital and analog inputs and outputs. The EFC 3600 is offered covering the performance spectrum from 400 W to 4 KW (0.5 hp to 5 hp). Due to the integrated brake chopper and mains filter, additional peripheral devices are not required. The EFC 3600 complies with the EMC directives for industrial applications.

The program structure and easy parameter input provide for quick commissioning and start-up without the need for a PC. Harmonized parameters apply to all converters of the series. With the removable control panel function, the user can configure several electronic frequency converters. This also reduces integration and downtime in case of system expansion or in case of replacement. The service technician would simply use the control panel and copy the existing parameters to the new device.

Due to its design which is complemented by the pluggable I/O terminals and optimized cooling concept, a gapless side-by-side and space-saving installation is possible. For devices up to 0.75 kW (1 hp), cooling fans are not required and subsequently are supplied without fan. Devices with performance level 1.5 kW (2 hp) and higher are supplied with integrated fans that can be easily accessed without requiring tools for maintenance. The EFC 3600 complements Rexroth’s frequency converter series Fe and Fv, which cover the performance spectrum up to 90 kW (125 hp).