PXe-PI150 Variable Speed Motor Drive

Motor Control

The PI150 converts the incoming AC supply into a controlled variable-voltage, variable-frequency output for the connected motor.

The drive can operate using sensorless vector control or V/F control, allowing the operating method to be selected according to the motor and mechanical load.

Sensorless Vector Control

Sensorless vector control provides improved torque and speed behaviour without requiring external encoder feedback.

Published performance includes:

• Speed range: 1:100
• Steady-speed accuracy: ≤±0.5% of rated synchronous speed
• Torque response: ≤40ms
• Starting torque: 150% at 0.5Hz

This mode is suited to applications where stronger low-speed performance is required without adding an encoder.

V/F Control

V/F control provides conventional voltage-to-frequency motor control for general variable-speed loads.

Available characteristics include:

• Linear V/F
• Power-law V/F
• Custom V/F curves
• Automatic torque boost
• Manual torque boost from 0.1% to 30%

V/F control is particularly suitable for fans, pumps, conveyors and other straightforward variable-speed applications.

Acceleration & Deceleration

The PI150 supports straight-line and S-curve acceleration and deceleration.

Four acceleration/deceleration time settings are available, with a programmable range from 0.0 to 6500.0 seconds.

This allows motor starting and stopping behaviour to be matched to the connected machinery.

Built-In PID Control

Integrated PID control allows the PI150 to regulate a process variable using an external feedback signal.

Typical applications include:

• Pump pressure
• Water flow
• Fan pressure
• Airflow
• General process control

PID feedback can use 0 to 10V DC or 0 to 20mA signals.

Multiple Speed Operation

Up to 16 preset speeds can be configured using the multifunction inputs or programmed operating logic.

This is useful where machinery needs to operate at several defined process speeds.

Frequency Reference

The PI150 provides several methods of setting the required operating frequency, including:

• Keypad setting
• Analogue voltage input
• Analogue current input
• Preset multi-speed operation
• Serial communication

This allows the drive to be controlled locally or incorporated into a wider automation system.

Automatic Voltage Regulation

Automatic Voltage Regulation helps maintain the motor output voltage as the incoming mains supply changes within the permitted operating range.

Quick Current Limiting

A current-limiting algorithm helps reduce nuisance overcurrent trips during changing load conditions.

DC Braking

Programmable DC braking can be used where additional stopping control is required.

Braking frequency, time and current can be adjusted according to the connected motor and mechanical load.

Applications involving frequent braking or high-inertia loads should be reviewed before the drive is selected.

Speed Tracking

The PI150 can track the speed of a motor that is already rotating when the inverter starts.

This is useful for fans, pumps and other rotating equipment that may still be coasting following a stop or temporary supply interruption.

Local Display & Fault History

The keypad can display operating information including:

• Running frequency
• Set frequency
• DC bus voltage
• Output voltage
• Output current
• Output power
• Output torque
• Motor speed
• Input and output status
• Analogue input
• PID setpoint
• PID feedback
• IGBT temperature

The drive can retain information for up to three fault events for later review.

Selecting a PXe-PI150 Variable Speed Motor Drive

Correct drive selection should consider the motor and mechanical load rather than motor power alone.

PX will normally need:

• Motor rated power
• Motor rated voltage and current
• Motor frequency and speed
• Available site supply
• Type of driven equipment
• Required starting torque
• Acceleration and deceleration time
• Minimum and maximum operating speed
• Continuous operating duty
• V/F or sensorless vector control requirement
• Analogue or digital control signals
• PID feedback requirement
• RS485 communication requirement
• Braking requirement
• Ambient temperature and altitude
• Available panel space and ventilation

Input Supply Configurations

The PI150 is available in several input-voltage families.

Single-Phase 220V Class
220 to 240V AC nominal, -15% / +10%, with selected models from 0.4kW to 2.2kW.

Three-Phase 220V Class
220 to 240V AC nominal, -15% / +10%, with selected models from 0.4kW to 2.2kW.

Three-Phase 380V Class
380 to 440V AC nominal, -15% / +10%, with selected models from 0.75kW to 5.5kW.

Three-Phase 480V Class
480V AC ±10%, with selected models from 0.75kW to 5.5kW.

Final model selection should be confirmed against the motor rated current, required torque and operating duty.

Compact Installation

The PI150 is intended for compact control-panel installations and supports:

• Wall mounting
• DIN-rail mounting on suitable frame sizes
• Side-by-side installation where permitted by the installation instructions

The smaller frame is approximately 138 × 72 × 123.5mm, with larger 2.2kW to 5.5kW configurations using the larger frame where applicable.

Digital & Analogue Control

The PI150 provides:

• 5 digital inputs
• 1 analogue input, selectable for 0-10V or 0-20mA
• 1 relay output
• 1 analogue output, configurable for 0-10V or 0-20mA
• Built-in RS485 communication

This supports straightforward standalone control as well as PLC and automated-system integration.

Output Interrupt Input

A programmable input can be used to interrupt the controller output as part of the machine control arrangement.

This input should not be assumed to provide a safety-rated emergency-stop function unless it forms part of a suitably designed and validated machine safety system.

Installation Environment

The standard PI150 is intended for indoor installation.

Published operating conditions include:

• Operating temperature: -10°C to 40°C
• Derated operation from 40°C to 50°C
• Storage temperature: -20°C to 65°C
• Relative humidity below 90%, non-condensing
• Vibration below 5.9m/s²
• No corrosive or explosive gases
• Protection from water, vapour, dust, oil mist and salt contamination
• No derating below 1000m altitude
• 1% derating per additional 100m above 1000m
• Maximum altitude: 3000m
• IP20 protection
• Forced-air cooling

PXe-PI150 Technical Specification

Power Input

Motor Control

I/O & Communications

Monitoring & Protection

Operating Environment

Specification note: Final model availability, motor rating and operating specification should be confirmed against the required input voltage, motor current and load duty.