Spec Detail

Using motors with drives in potentially explosive atmospheres

What are potentially explosive atmospheres?

Explosive atmospheres occur when flammable gases, mist, vapors or dust are mixed with air. The amount of substance needed to create an explosive atmosphere depends on the substance in question. This creates a risk of explosion. The area where this possibility exists is defined as a potentially explosive atmosphere. These atmospheres can be found throughout industries, from chemical, pharmaceutical, food, to power, wood-processing. These areas may also be known as “hazardous areas” or “hazardous locations.

In many industrial sectors a potentially explosive atmosphere can occur somewhere in their process. Some of these are not so obvious. For example, sawmills by default are not potentially explosive atmospheres but if the saw dust is let to gather in large amounts, the area in question will become one.

ABB drives for solar pumps

Half of the energy produced around the world is used to operate pumps. Compared to diesel generator pumps, the ABB solar pump drive is environmentally friendly, with a long lifetime and low maintenance costs. It is independent from the grid and produces no pollution or noise. Typical applications are irrigation, community water supply, fish farming and agriculture.

 The drive has many solar-specific and pump control functions, such as built-in maximum power point tracking and dry run detection, as well as sensorless flow calculation.

 The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) ensures you to get the best output power possible from your solar panel and it maximizes the performance of your pump along the day while the automatic start and stop with solar radiation can save money and fuel during daylight hours.
 

Highlights

• 0.37 to 18.5 kW/0.5 to 25 hp
• Operates without grid directly from photovoltaic (PV) cells
• Automatic start and stop with solar radiation
• Built-in maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
• Easy installation and set-up for serial production
• Compatible with all pump types
• Good ROI (Return on Investment) against diesel powered pumping
• Compact and uniform drive module design (IP20)
• Dual supply capability with change over switch - solar and grid compatible
• Sensorless vector control of induction motors and permanent magnet motors
• Safe Torque-off STO SIL3/PL e for emergency stop cat. 0