This is the drive for applications that require precise speed, torque or position control but the cost of a servo motor and drive can not be justified.
Solely using the same Studio 5000 instruction set as the Allen-Bradley Kinetix Servo Drive range, the PowerFlex 527 is a very different unit to the other common drives in the PowerFlex 500 range – the PowerFlex 523 and 525 for example.
The PLC-side experience with the PowerFlex 527 is hence very different compared to the PowerFlex 523 or 525 models. Instead of the the conventional I/O image and start/stop/reference for example, PowerFlex527 uses Motion Axis commands one would use with a servo drive. Further, it requires encoder feedback – no encoder – nothing woks! One might hence argue that 527 is a confusing model name choice!
Further, the PowerFlex 527 drive is the first AC drive designed to work exclusively with the Allen-Bradley Logix-based automation platform. This means the drive can NOT run in stand-alone manual mode without a PLC. Rather, the drive leverages the benefits of the controller capabilities and uses a single software package – Rockwell Software Studio 5000 Logix Designer – to provide both development and operation.
Specifically, PowerFlex 527 requires Allen-Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix or GuardLogix PACs. The PowerFlex 527 drive uses embedded instructions shared with Kinetix servo drives, providing the same user experience for configuration, programming and control of both types of drives, helping save valuable engineering time for those familiar with this architeture. To be doubly clear, it is worth noting that the PowerFlex 527 cannot be accessed through Connected Components Workbench (CCW), and there are no parameters in the PowerFlex 527. You will need a Logix Program and a controller!
The PowerFlex 527 drive also offers a low-cost solution for machine applications – such as pumps, fans, and conveyors that need simple speed control for induction motors. The PowerFlex 527 servo drive handles the more precise motor control operations involving speed, torque and position control.
Once programmed, drive configuration files are stored in the PLC. Additionally, the Allen-Bradley Logix PAC family can automatically detect a replaced drive and download all configuration settings over EtherNet/IP using the traditional , helping reduce downtime.
The PowerFlex 527 drive uses a standard EtherNet/IP infrastructure and features built-in, dual-port EtherNet/IP functionality. The infrastructure enables networked safety, which helps reduce the hardware, wiring and labor costs associated with implementing a hardwired SIL 3/PLe safety solution. The use of networked safety also reduces panel space and allows access to more diagnostic data on machine safety faults and causes, without requiring contactors or relays.
The PowerFlex 527 drive is the first Allen-Bradley variable frequency drive to offer that capability. The drive of course also offers the now established embedded, safe torque off function option for hardwired safety.
The PowerFlex 527 drive is available in five frame sizes, power ratings from 0.4 to 22 kW (0.5 to 30 Hp), and global voltage ratings of 100 to 600V.