Compact distributed drives from Nord Drivesystems are cost-optimized solutions for large-scale plants which require many drive units. Thanks to a flexible functional range, the units can fulfill all standard control tasks in materials handling applications such as assembly plants, airport baggage conveyors or automobile manufacture. More than 1,000 integrated geared motor / frequency inverter combinations, for instance, continuously ensure fast, reliable shipment in the most important package sorting facility of a French logistics service provider. In order to minimize wiring and installation time and cost, Nord implemented a distributed drive concept for the conveyor which measures several thousand meters.
The belt conveyor drives combine a frequency inverter, motor and helical bevel or worm gear units. With a capacity of 30,000 packages per hour, the facility, which is located south of Paris, is one of the most efficient distribution centers in Europe. The packages must be transported to the correct loading ramp within three minutes, which requires precise motor control and synchronization. The compact, light-weight geared motors, which feature UNICASE housings, provide a high performance and are therefore ideally suited for distributed installations and mobile use. The frequency inverters used in this application provide a wide range of functions even as basic versions. They are mounted directly on top of the motor's terminal box. This integrated design ensures EMC conformity and saves costs for shielded motor cables and control cabinets. The drives have an efficiency of more than 97%, do not require external cooling and withstand mechanical influences as well as fluctuating supply voltages and rapid temperature changes. In addition to IP55 models, IP66 versions are optionally available. Interface modules for Profibus DP, Interbus, EtherCAT, CANopen/DeviceNet and ASi enable users to connect the drives to communication networks. For distributed drive systems, Nord also provides optional function modules for demanding tasks which have required cost-intensive servo technology up to now, e.g. "Flying Saw" applications. The latest generation of Nord's distributed drive systems is showcased at www.sk200e.de.
