Matrix Technology Fuels Performance of ‘Greenest Drive Ever’ from Yaskawa

According to Yaskawa, its new U1000 Industrial Matrix Drive not only  enhances performance beyond that of conventional AC drives, it is the “greenest” drive product the company has ever introduced.

The manufacturer explains that unlike conventional AC drives, U1000 Industrial Matrix units incorporate a matrix of 9 bi-directional switches that convert a three-phase AC input voltage directly into a three-phase AC output voltage. This eliminates the need for a rectifying circuit and DC smoothing circuit that are used in traditional AC drive “inverters.” The result is a compact drive with full regenerative capability and reduced harmonic distortion.

How it works
Full Power Regeneration: Traditional drives utilize regenerative braking resistors to dissipate energy as heat, reducing energy efficiency. The U1000 Industrial Matrix Drive allows the return of regenerative energy directly back to the power supply, thus increasing energy efficiency and saving money.

Power Quality Improvement: When a conventional AC drive converts power, the input current becomes distorted, resulting in reduced power quality. Yaskawa says its Matrix technology reduces total harmonic distortion levels to 5%, without the need for reactors and filters. The result is a smoother current waveform that reduces stress on the system power supply and infrastructure. Reduced distortion also improves power factor and, thus, reduces energy costs.

Other Noteworthy Features and Capabilities:

• IEEE-519 Compliant (<5% THD)
• Eco-Mode to Achieve Near Across-the-Line THD
• Near Unity Power Factor
• Integrated Input Fusing Provides 100kA SCCR

The U1000 Industrial Matrix drive is available in the following voltage and power ranges

• 240V Class: 10 – 100 HP Normal Duty (7.5 – 75HP Heavy Duty)
• 480V Class: 7.5 – 350 HP Normal Duty (5 – 300HP Heavy Duty)