Nidec Control Techniques Inverters

Control Techniques: Now Part Of Nidec Drives

Control Techniques is part of Nidec Drives, bringing the established Control Techniques drive range under the wider Nidec brand. The change reflects the company’s brand development, instead of a replacement of the products themselves. Control Techniques remains a recognised name in variable speed drives and motor control, with products designed to help businesses manage motor performance across many applications. 

Inverters That Outperform the Market

The Commander range is a family of Inverters or Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) designed to control the speed and torque of electric motors. These drives are particularly suitable for general-purpose applications in industries like manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment, and more. Commander drives can handle a wide range of motor control tasks, offering exceptional flexibility, reliability, and energy efficiency. They provide precise motor control, enabling businesses to optimise their operations and improve overall system performance.

Key Features of the Commander Range

• • Compact and Easy-to-Use Design: The Commander range is compact, making it ideal for space-constrained installations. Its intuitive keypad ensures easy configuration and adjustment, streamlining the installation process for users with minimal technical expertise.

• • Advanced Motor Control: The drives utilise sophisticated algorithms to provide precise motor control. This technology is crucial in applications like conveyors, pumps, and fans, improving productivity and reducing energy consumption by fine-tuning motor performance.

• • Energy Efficiency: Commander drives adjust motor speeds based on demand, reducing unnecessary energy use. This helps industries lower operational costs, particularly in applications where motors often operate at partial loads, contributing to sustainability by cutting carbon footprints.

• • Flexible Application Range: These drives can control various machinery, from pumps to conveyors, offering adaptable solutions for multiple industrial needs. They support different motor types and communication options, making them versatile for a wide range of applications.

• • Robust Performance and Reliability: Built to withstand harsh conditions like high temperatures and vibrations, the Commander drives provide reliable, long-term performance. Their robust design reduces maintenance needs and minimises downtime.

• • Integrated Safety Features: Commander drives include built-in protection from overvoltage, undervoltage, and overcurrent, enhancing both safety and longevity. These features make them a reliable choice for critical applications.

Benefits of the Commander Range

• • Reduced Operating Costs: Energy-efficient design helps businesses cut energy consumption and lower costs by ensuring motors only run when necessary and at optimal speeds.

• • Improved Productivity: The precise control and flexibility of the Commander drives enhance machine performance, boosting productivity and operational efficiency.

• • Ease of Integration: With its compact design and simple interface, the Commander range is easy to integrate into existing systems, requiring little training or specialized knowledge.

• • Enhanced System Reliability: The robust build and integrated safety features reduce downtime and maintenance needs, ensuring reliable long-term service.

Nidec Control Techniques’ Commander range offers advanced features, energy efficiency, and reliability, making it a perfect solution for a variety of industrial applications. Its flexibility, ease of use, and ability to improve both productivity and energy savings make it a trusted choice for businesses optimising motor control systems.

How To Choose A Control Techniques Inverter

Choosing the right inverter starts with understanding your motor, power supply, and application. The drive needs to be compatible with the motor’s voltage, current and power requirements, as well as the electrical supply available to your installation.

You should also consider the required speed range, starting torque, operating conditions, and any control or communication features needed by your equipment.

The Commander C200 is a general-purpose AC drive that is designed for straightforward motor control across a wide range of applications. When comparing models, ensure that you check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully to ensure the selected drive is suitable for your motor and intended duty. If you are replacing an older inverter, the existing model number and motor nameplate can help you figure out the right starting point.

 

Shop our full range of Control Techniques inverters online or contact our experienced technical sales team for advice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Control Techniques inverter and Nidec Drives?

Control Techniques is an established drive brand within Nidec Drives. The names are not two different types of inverter; Control Techniques products are now marketed within the wider Nidec Drives brand. When you are choosing a drive, focus on the specific model, the electrical ratings, and compatibility with what you need it for.

What is the difference between Commander C200 single-phase and three-phase drives?

The main difference is the electrical supply each drive is designed to accept. A single-phase input model connects to a compatible single-phase supply, while a three-phase input model is designed for a suitable three-phase supply. Available ratings and configurations will vary by model, so check the product specification before you purchase. Remember that input phase and motor output requirements are separate considerations.

Can a Control Techniques inverter run a three-phase motor from a single-phase supply?

Yes, a compatible inverter can operate a three-phase motor from a single-phase supply when the drive is specifically rated for that input arrangement and provides the correct three-phase output. But not every Control Techniques drive supports single-phase input at every power rating. Some configurations also require derating, so check the manufacturer’s instructions and current ratings before choosing a model. Alternatively, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.

How do I size a Commander C200 for my motor?

You should always start with the motor nameplate and identify its rated voltage, full load current, power, and frequency. The drive’s output current rating must be suitable for the motor and its operating needs. Also, you should confirm the supply voltage and phase, required overload capability, and application needs. Do not choose a drive on kilowatts alone – current ratings and operating conditions are essential to the correct sizing.

Can you replace an old Control Techniques inverter?

In a lot of cases, an older inverter can be replaced with a suitable current model. However, compatibility should always be confirmed before an order is placed.

What applications are Commander C200 drives suitable for?

These are general-purpose AC drives for applications requiring adjustable motor speed. Depending on the selected model and configuration, they could be used for conveyors, machinery, and industrial equipment.

Can Control Techniques drives control pumps and fans?

Variable frequency drives are suitable for compatible pump and fan applications, allowing motor speed to be adjusted as needed. This can help improve process control and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

What information do I need when replacing an inverter?

The make and model, the input voltage and phase, output current rating, and power rating from the existing drive will be needed for this. Details of the existing wiring, mounting, and operating environment can also be helpful.