In a pioneering move, ABB India has introduced its latest technological marvel, the ACH180 compact drive, designed to elevate the performance of HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) systems. This innovation not only ensures expert control of high-efficiency motors but also boasts a space-efficient design, promising substantial energy savings, reduced capital expenditure, and simplified commissioning.
Amidst the growing demand for efficient heating and cooling systems in India, ABB’s ACH180 aligns perfectly with the nation’s emission reduction goals while prioritizing comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. A R Madhusudan, President of Drive Products at ABB India, emphasizes the significance of this launch, stating, “The launch of this new drive is a great addition to our portfolio of all-compatible drives. This also reflects our efforts to really focus on offering energy-efficient solutions to highly energy-intensive industries while ensuring that the solution meets the industry-specific needs.”
The ACH180 drive, tailored for commercial buildings like data centres, hotels, and shopping malls, stands out for its ability to optimise motor performance based on HVACR process demands. Unlike traditional methods involving full-speed operations and subsequent output reduction, ABB’s innovative drive adapts to varying demands, significantly reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Noteworthy features include a built-in filter to lower high-frequency emissions, allowing the drive to be deployed in diverse environments without the need for additional external filters. The drive supports various motor types, including ABB’s IE5 EC Titanium™ permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors, permanent magnet motors, and conventional induction motors.
With onboard communication protocols like BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RTU, the ACH180 ensures seamless integration with a wide array of building automation systems (BAS) or OEM controllers. The drive’s versatility extends to HVACR applications such as air handlers, fan arrays, heat pumps, compressors, and pumps, simplifying the usage of drives in challenging conditions, including a 60°C ambient temperature with derating.
In a significant stride towards safety, the ACH180 features a fireman’s override, allowing the fire service to take control of installed drives, ensuring the orderly operation of fans to help maintain escape routes. This commitment to safety further underscores ABB’s dedication to setting new standards in HVACR efficiency and reliability.
Riding on the wave of innovation, ABB India’s ACH180 compact drive is poised to redefine the landscape of HVACR technology, offering a potent combination of performance, energy efficiency, and safety in the rapidly evolving world of climate control.