Variable Frequency Drive for Harsh Environments

Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s stand-alone PowerGate 66 IP66 / NEMA 4 variable frequency drive (VFD) incorporates a version of the Mitsubishi Electric E700 VFD into a custom NEMA 4 water-resistant enclosure. The PowerGate VFD’s design places it closer to the motor to improve efficiency and prevent motor damage, while the NEMA 4 enclosure protects it against dirt and water. Intended as an alternative to a conventional drive configuration, the VFD’s decentralized design eliminates the need to run cables from the drive to the motor, while the enclosure makes it suitable for use in harsh environments, including areas where equipment must be hosed down. The LCD screen displays information in words rather than number-based codes and features a 10-button keypad to simplify programming.

The drive is well-suited for applications that require precise motor speed control, including conveyors used in material handling, the control of pumps and fans in HVAC and water-handling applications, or any application where the drive is exposed to water and dust. The VFD is compatible with any of the standard Mitsubishi Electric E700 option cards and includes connectivity with Ethernet and other factory communication networks.