WEG, a leading global supplier of motors, drives, controls, transformers, and generators, has introduced its CFW-08 Multi-pump AC drive, a new system that saves energy in pumping systems, by allowing the control of up to four pumps from one variable frequency drive (VFD).

“There are multiple advantages to installing a Multi-pump variable frequency drive system,” said Patrick Tongs, senior drives engineer at WEG UK. “These include energy saving, extended operating system life, system default diagnosis, constant line pressure and pump operation time equalization.”

By controlling up to four pumps simultaneously, the WEG CFW-08 Multi-pump system enables constant pressure to be maintained in pipelines regardless of fluctuations in outflow demand. This is achieved using a PID controller in conjunction with the auxiliary pumps’ start/stop logic. In addition, the CFW-08 also monitors the pressure and level of the capture reservoir, and provides minimum output pressure fault monitoring for broken pipes or cavitation, and maximum output pressure fault monitoring for blocked or obstructed pipes.

The CFW-08 operates in two control modes, V/F and Sensorless Vector. The V/F mode is suited to variable torque loads and includes a selectable energy saving feature, which reduces motor losses when operating at lower speeds. It is this control mode that enables the drives to operate in multi-motor applications where multiple (up to four) pumps are controlled by a single variable frequency drive.

The alternative operating mode, Sensorless Vector Control, allows the drive to precisely control the speed and torque of a motor, enabling the CFW-08 to be used on demanding duties such as Extruders, Conveyors and Rewinders, for example.
Designed for operation in the range 0.25kW to 15kW, the CFW-08 is easy to configure, install and operate. It integrates a host of special features which make the job of the user that much easier. These include “S” acceleration and deceleration ramps, local remote control, DC braking, torque boost, motor slip compensation, JOG, ride through, multi-speed (up to 8-speeds), maximum and minimum adjustable speeds, two skip frequencies, PID regulator, flying start, and built-in DeviceNet, Modbus RTU and CanOpen Fieldbus protocols, with Profibus DP as an option.

New IP56-Rated CFW-08 for Greater Protection Against Contaminants.
In addition to the standard CFW-08, WEG has recently launched an IP56-rated version- the CFW-08 Wash. The CFW-08 Wash is designed for applications in food, beverage, chemical and water treatment industries that require a higher degree of protection against the ingress of contaminants, providing effective safeguarding against the ingress of dust and water.