Using an encoder to control a VFD.

[Chris1234]

I need to use a rotary encoder to control the speed of a VFD, so if the line speed varies then the VFD also changes.
I have no experience of this.
Usually I use Rexroth drives (not Indramat). Can these use an encoder easily enough? Or can you recommend one and an encoder please!

Thanks.

 

[timbobelfast]

Siemens simanics, Schneider altivar, ABB.
What's the application and more importantly budget?
Probably an incremental type encoder is what you will need.

 

[netblindpaul]

I need to use a rotary encoder to control the speed of a VFD, so if the line speed varies then the VFD also changes.
I have no experience of this.
Usually I use Rexroth drives (not Indramat). Can these use an encoder easily enough? Or can you recommend one and an encoder please!

Thanks.

As an Ex-Indramat (Bosch Rexroth) engineer, I would say yes it is easy, if your drive has an encoder input, what drives are you using, and what motors, a lot of the BR drives can take encoder inputs from multiple sources.

 

[netblindpaul]

p.s. Just left Manchester, got down as far as Walsall!

 

[Chris1234]

It's to control the speed to match something else that is moving, but the speed may change, and is different every time it runs.

Budget is low. I'm wondering if I should just use a slip coupling instead!

This looks good:

Bosch Rexroth Encoder Feedback Card for EFC5610 - Accessories for AC Drives - https://inverterdrive.com/group/Accessories/Bosch-Rexroth-FEAE1-NNNN/

Thanks!

 

[netblindpaul]

You have a lot of options, but an encoder card in the slave drive, with the encoder on the “master” would work.
You will have to program the drive to recognise the card & “follow” the encoder as a speed reference.
Will the drive firmware allow that function?

 

[Deleted member 105018]

I like the SEW stuff. I was brought up on S7 so I also like the Siemens stuff but as an alternative SEW is good. Their software to setup the drive is pretty good as well and you can also write parameters from the PLC to the drive via profinet/devicenet etc which is handy when it comes to replacing the faulty drive. Just bear in mind that in my experience the software for setting the drives up can be quite costly. Especially for one offs. Or try and source a drive which has onboard programming.