Danfoss VACON ® NXP and VACON ® NXC series AC frequency converter

Danfoss VACON ®  NXP and NXC exchange frequency converters: providing precise power for harsh industrial applications

In the field of industrial automation, the performance of motor drive systems directly affects production efficiency, energy consumption, and equipment reliability. VACON under Danfoss ® With decades of technological accumulation, the brand has provided a full range of AC frequency converter solutions from 0.55kW to 2MW for global industries. VACON ®  NXP and VACON ®  The NXC series frequency converter, with its compact size, excellent control performance, powerful functional safety, and adaptability to harsh environments, has become an ideal choice for high-end applications in industries such as mining, shipbuilding, lifting, oil and gas, and papermaking.

This article aims to provide engineers and technicians with an overview of VACON ®  In depth technical guidelines for NXP and NXC inverter systems. We will systematically review the product characteristics, technical specifications, selection principles, and application scenarios from wall mounted low-power inverters to modular high-power systems, from independent cabinets to low harmonic solutions based on the official selection guide, to help readers build an efficient, reliable, and future oriented motor control system.

1. VACON ®  NXP Series: High Performance Control Platform

VACON ®  NXP is a high-end air-cooled AC frequency converter designed for applications with strict requirements for reliability, performance, accuracy, and power. Its core lies in a unified high-performance control platform that can provide consistent control characteristics over a wide range of power and voltage.

1.1 Core advantages of the control platform

VACON ®  NXP adopts advanced microcontrollers with excellent processing and computing capabilities and extremely small footprint. It supports induction motors and permanent magnet motors, and can operate in open-loop and closed-loop control modes. Open loop vector control can achieve a speed control accuracy of 0.5% within the range of 5-150% of the basic speed, while closed-loop vector control can achieve an accuracy of 0.01% throughout the entire speed range, with a torque response time of less than 2ms, which can meet the requirements of high dynamic response applications.

All VACON ®  The NXP frequency converter uses the same control board, which means that software tools, applications, and option boards can be used interchangeably from the smallest wall mounted device to the largest modular system. This design greatly reduces system complexity and training costs, enabling users to maximize the use of VACON across the entire power range ®  Control characteristics of NXP.

1.2 Flexible scalability

VACON ®  The NXP control device provides five plug-in expansion slots (A, B, C, D, and E), achieving excellent modular design. Fieldbus board, encoder board, and various I/O boards can be directly inserted at any time without removing any components. This design makes system expansion and feature upgrades extremely convenient.

Integration of fieldbus and Ethernet: VACON through plug-in fieldbus option boards (such as PROFIBUS DP, Modbus RTU, DeviceNet, CANopen) ®  NXP can be easily integrated into various factory automation systems. More noteworthy is that all VACON ®  NXP frequency converters are equipped with built-in Ethernet connectivity, supporting mainstream Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus/TCP. This feature enables remote monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting without the need to purchase additional communication tools.

1.3 Integrated functional safety

Safe Torque Off (STO) is all VACON ®  The standard function of NXP frequency converter. It can prevent the frequency converter from generating torque on the motor spindle and prevent accidental starting, corresponding to Class 0 stop (uncontrolled stop) specified in EN 60204-1 standard. Safe Stop 1 (SS1) is an optional function that allows the motor to perform STO after a specific delay deceleration, corresponding to Class 1 stop (controlled stop).

Compared with the standard safety technology using electromechanical switchgear, the integrated STO and SS1 safety options eliminate the need for separate components, wiring, and maintenance, while achieving the required safety level (SIL2, PL d).

1.4 Designed specifically for harsh environments

ATEX certified thermistor input: provided as an integrated option for temperature monitoring of motors located in explosive gas and dust areas. When overheating is detected, the frequency converter will immediately stop transmitting energy to the motor without the need for external components, minimizing cables, improving reliability, and saving space.

DC cooling fan: High performance air cooling products are equipped with DC fans, greatly improving the reliability and service life of the fans, while meeting the requirements of ERP 2015 directive on reducing fan losses.

Protective coating: The circuit boards of FR7 to FR14 power modules come standard with protective coating (paint board), which effectively prevents dust and moisture erosion and extends the service life of the frequency converter and key components.

2. VACON ®  NXP wall mounted frequency converter

VACON ®  The NXP wall mounted frequency converter is one of the most compact frequency converter series on the market, integrating all required components in one rack, suitable for applications with IP21 or IP54 protection levels.

2.1 Product Features

Power and voltage range: covering voltage levels of 208-240V, 380-500V, and 525-690V, with power ranging from 0.55kW to 160kW (FR4-FR12 rack).

High integration: Equipped with built-in EMC filters as standard, smaller racks (FR4-FR6) come with integrated brake choppers as standard, and 380-500V equipment can also be optionally equipped with integrated brake resistors.

Unified platform: share control boards, software tools, and option boards with modular products to simplify engineering design.

Easy to debug: The detachable panel has built-in parameter backup function, and the startup wizard helps users quickly select language, application type, and main parameters when first powered on.

2.2 Typical Applications

VACON ®  NXP wall mounted frequency converters are widely used in elevators and escalators, cranes and lifting machinery, winches and cargo pumps, pumps and fans, conveyors, machine tools, yaw and pitch control, winding and unwinding machines, extruders and other equipment.

2.3 Rated values and dimensions (taking 380-500V as an example)

Inverter model: Low overload current (A), High overload current (A), Motor power (kW), Rack size

NXP 0006 2 6/6.7 4.8/7.2 1.1/0.75 FR4

NXP 0075 2 75/83 61/92 22/22 FR6

NXP 0205 5 205/226 170/255 110/90 FR8

*Note: The data in the table compares the continuous current and 10% overload current under low overload (+40 ° C) and high overload (+50 ° C) conditions. *

3. VACON ®  NXP frequency converter module

For high-power applications that require installation in cabinets, power connections, or separate boxes, VACON ®  NXP provides frequency converter modules with IP00 protection level. These modules adopt a compact design and can be easily installed inside a standard box.

3.1 Product Series and Configuration

Rack size: FR10 and FR11 are one power module, FR12 is two power modules, FR13 consists of two or four non regenerative front-end (NFE) devices and one inverter, and FR14 consists of four NFE devices and two inverters.

Power supply types: divided into two power supply schemes: 6-pulse and 12 pulse.

Supporting components: The kit includes an external AC reactor.

3.2 Application Fields

VACON ®  The NXP module is suitable for conveyors, cranes and hoisting machinery, high-speed compressors, ski lifts, main and bow thrusters, extruders, winches and cargo pumps, testing workbenches, static power supplies, grinders and mixers, winding and unwinding machines, wood chippers, tunnel excavators, etc.

3.3 VACON ®  DriveSynch Innovation Concept

VACON ®  DriveSynch is an innovative control concept that enables the simultaneous operation of multiple standard frequency converters to control high-power AC motors or increase system redundancy. This principle applies to single or multiple winding motors (usually above 1MW).

Core advantages:

Modular design: The system is easy to expand and can achieve higher total power by merging smaller frequency converters.

High redundancy: Each device can operate independently, and even if one fails, the system can continue to operate.

Easy to maintain: The same equipment reduces the number of spare parts and lowers overall costs.

Simplified engineering: Design, installation, debugging, and maintenance can be completed without special skills.

3.4 Example of High Power Parallel Connection

Power Supply Voltage Inverter Model Low Overload Current (A) High Overload Current (A) Motor Power (kW) Rack Size

380-500V 2×NXC 1150 2150/2365 1940/2910 1200/1100 2×FR13

380-500V 3×NXC 1450 4133/4545 3705/5557 2250/2000 3×FR13

4. VACON ®  NXP independent frequency converter

For pumps, fans, and other single frequency converter applications, VACON ®  NXP provides fully enclosed independent frequency converters before leaving the factory, which can be installed and used directly, with a protection level of IP21 or IP54.

4.1 Product Features

Compact enclosure: extremely suitable for areas with limited space.

Integrated protection: Equipped with an integrated ultra fast fuse as standard, no additional protective components need to be installed.

Convenient operation: An integrated load switch can be optionally selected to further simplify on-site operations.

Flexible configuration: Optional built-in brake chopper and DC bus terminal.

4.2 Specifications and Dimensions (Taking 380-500V as an Example)

Inverter model: low overload current (A), high overload current (A), motor power (kW), frame size dimensions (mm)/weight (kg)

NXP 0385 385/424 300/450 200/160 FR10 595×2020×602/340

NXP 0730 730/803 650/975 400/355 FR11 595×2020×602/340

5. VACON ®  NXC enclosed inverter cabinet

VACON ®  NXC is a closed inverter cabinet designed to meet the most stringent requirements for flexibility, robustness, compactness, and maintenance convenience. It has a power range of 160 to 2000 kW and is suitable for industries such as mining, oil and gas, water supply, and sewage treatment.

5.1 Design Features

Durable and sturdy: Equipped with a welded Rittal TS8 rack, it has undergone type testing and is suitable for harsh working conditions.

Compact structure: One of the most compact inverter cabinets on the market, suitable for installation in small spaces.

Thermal management optimization: There is no need to install additional cooling fans inside the IP21/IP54 box. It adopts a sliding rail and tractor fixture design, making it easy to pull out the power supply unit for maintenance.

EMC certification: Compliant with EN 61800-3 standard, ensuring stable operation of the frequency converter without interference to other electrical equipment.

Easy to operate: The cabinet door is equipped with a keyboard and optional space for indicators, instruments, and switches.

5.2 Specification of 6-pulse power supply cabinet (taking 380-500V as an example)

Inverter model: low overload current (A), high overload current (A), motor power (kW), frame size dimensions (mm)/weight (kg)

NXC 0385 385/424 300/450 200/160 FR10 606×2275×605/403

NXC 1150 1150/1265 1030/1545 630/560 FR13 1406×2275×605/1000

NXC 2150 2150/2365 1940/2910 1200/1100 FR14 2806×2275×605/2440

6. VACON ®  NXC low harmonic frequency converter

For applications that require meeting the strictest power quality requirements, VACON ®  The NXC low harmonic frequency converter provides an ideal solution. It not only controls the total current harmonic distortion (THDi) below 5%, but also provides regenerative braking and boost functions to maximize output power.

6.1 Technical advantages

Clean electrical energy: THDi<5%, in compliance with international harmonic standards such as IEEE-519 and G5/4.

Cost savings: No need to purchase expensive 12 pulse or 18 pulse transformers, power transformers, protection devices, and power line specifications can be determined based on actual active power, reducing input component capacity.

Regeneration function: It can re feed braking energy to the power grid, saving energy costs.

Boost function: Maintain output during voltage fluctuations in the power grid, maximizing output power.

Suitable for renovation projects: No significant changes are required to the existing power distribution system.

6.2 Hardware Configuration

The low harmonic frequency converter comes standard with an active front end (AFE), which includes hardware configurations such as IP21/IP54 protection level, EMC L-level filter, bottom or top cable entry, input fuse, circuit breaker, input contactor, etc. It can also be equipped with output filtering devices such as common mode filter, du/dt filter, sine wave filter, etc.

6.3 Low harmonic cabinet specifications (taking 380-500V as an example)

Inverter model: low overload current (A), high overload current (A), motor power (kW), frame size dimensions (mm)/weight (kg)

NXC 0385 385/424 300/450 200/160 AF10 1006×2275×605/700

NXC 1150 1150/1265 1030/1545 630/560 AF13 2206×2275×605/1950

NXC 2150 2150/2365 1940/2910 1200/1100 AF14 4406×2275×605/3900

7. Overview of Technical Data

7.1 General Technical Specifications

Project specifications

Input voltage 208~240V; 380~500V；525~690V； -10%~+10%

Input frequency 45~66 Hz

Output frequency 0~320 Hz

Control performance open-loop vector: speed control 0.5%, dynamic 0.3% sec; Closed loop vector: speed control 0.01%, dynamic 0.2% sec

Switching frequency NX_2/NX_5:1~16 kHz; NX_6：1~6 kHz

Working temperature -10 ° C to+50 ° C (high overload); -10 ° C to+40 ° C (low overload)

100% load below 1000m altitude, with a capacity reduction of 1% for every 100m increase above 1000m

Functional safety STO (standard): SIL2, PL d; SS1 (optional): SIL2, PL d

7.2 EMC rating

EMC level corresponds to the applicable environment of the standard

C (Category C1) EN 61800-3, Category C1 Hospitals, Residential Areas

H (Category C2) EN 61800-3, Category C2 Commercial and Light Industrial Zones

L (Category C3) EN 61800-3, Category C3 Heavy Industry Zone

T low grounding current solution for IT power grid

8. Product selection and ordering

VACON ®  NXP and NXC frequency converters are ordered using a type code system, and users can customize according to their required power, voltage, protection level, EMC level, input/output configuration, option board, etc. When selecting, special attention should be paid to:

Power and overload capacity: Select low overload (IL) or high overload (IH) specifications based on the rated power and actual load characteristics of the motor.

Environmental conditions: Choose IP21, IP54 or higher protection level according to the installation environment, considering the impact of environmental temperature on capacity reduction.

Electromagnetic compatibility: Choose C1, C2, C3 or T-class EMC filters according to the power grid environment.

Input topology: Choose 6-pulse, 12 pulse, or active front-end (AFE) scheme according to harmonic requirements.

Functional safety: Select STO or SS1 function according to safety circuit requirements.

Communication and I/O: Select the required fieldbus or Ethernet protocol option board based on the automation system.