Siemens - SINAMICS G220 frequency inverter now also in IP55
In addition to the previously released IP20 variant of the SINAMICS G220 variable speed drive, the IP55 version of this innovative drive is now also available. This version comes standard with coated circuit boards that make the inverter resistant even outside the control cabinet to aggressive influences in a harsh industrial environment. As an option, a housing-mounted isolating switch can also be supplied to ensure safe disconnection of voltage without any other external components.
When frequency converters are placed outside the control cabinet, IP55 enclosures are often required. Sometimes this also requires long cables between the drive and the motor. Because the G220 controllers come standard with an integrated DC link choke, it is possible to use up to 150 meters of motor cable in a C2 environment without external filters.
For operation and diagnostics, the Sinamics G220 comes standard with an SDI, Smart Drive Interface, the operator panel on the front of the controller. This small color display provides all the information to operate the controller through this panel. Optionally, an SDI Pro can be applied, this is a larger display for more ease of use that can be mounted directly on the IP55 variants.
The G220 controllers also offer a solution in the process industry where explosion-proof motors are regularly used due to the ATEX directive. For safety reasons, a separate ATEX certified thermistor relay is normally required in addition to the inverter.
However, the G220 inverters can be expanded with an ATEX-certified Smart Motor Temperature module that you simply plug into the inverter. Thanks to this expansion module, it is possible to control motors in explosion-proof environments without external components.
In addition, the SINAMICS G220 is suitable for S2 redundancy. This allows a second PLC to automatically take over process control in critical situations when a control failure or malfunction occurs in the primary PLC, also called Bumpless Switchover.
For example, this is important for machinery in food processing, pharmaceutical or chemical industries. This is because a failure here can have major consequences where entire batches are destroyed or a plant has to be completely cleaned.
Using the Startdrive option within TIA Portal, the inverter can be configured directly within Siemens' automation platform. The controller thus becomes an integral part in your automation project and can be configured together with the PLC, HMI, motor starters and other components in one software environment.
To keep the Time to Market of machines and applications as short as possible, a so-called Digital Twin of the drive can be created within TIA Portal with DriveSim Advanced. With this, your application can be tested without the need for a physical machine and controller already. Based on the motion profile and the entered load, motor and machine are simulated. Any errors are quickly revealed and adjustments can be made without having to make physical changes.
