New FR-HC2 offers effective suppression of power supply harmonics

Connecting Mitsubishi Electric UK’s new high power factor converter FR-HC2 to the power source of an inverter provides end-users with a number of significant benefits:

– Return regenerated kinetic energy from braking to the mains or the process to reduce power consumption.

– Reduce the harmonic distortion to a very low level (<4% THD).

– Connect up to ten inverters in parallel by the DC Bus system, which allows energy sharing between the connected inverters to optimise the total energy usage.

Power regeneration function for energy saving

During braking, kinetic energy from the mechanical system is supplied back to the inverter. This energy normally remains unused or is ejected as heat via a brake resistor. The high power factor converter FR-HC2 is used to supply this generated energy back to mains, or to frequency inverters connected to the converter.

The standard power regeneration function eliminates the need for brake resistors and gives a great braking capability. The regeneration is available continuously with 100%  torque, and for 60 s with the maximum of 150%  torque. The regenerative power from the motor is returned to the power source, so that such a system significantly saves energy.

Corrects harmonic distortion

The FR-HC2 converters use a self-excitation three-phase bridge circuit.  The high peak waveforms that are typical of an inverter’s input current are reshaped by the FR-HC2 to a sine wave.  The lowered effective values allow the use of smaller power supply side devices, such as a transformers, MCCBs, and cables to provide further savings.

Connectable to multiple inverters

One converter is able to supply up to 10 frequency inverters in parallel. The high power
factor converter is also equipped with a powerful filter for reducing mains disturbances
by suppressing the power supply harmonics. The FR-HC2 converters are available in an
output range from 7.5 until 560 kW.

The common converter method enables the connection to up to 10 inverters and servo amplifiers. The power returned during regenerative driving can be supplied to another inverter or servo amplifier, saving the overall energy.

Compact design

The FR-HC2 high power factor converters (excluding H15 K) in combination with the appropriate input reactors (H75 K or higher) are very compact and save installation space.

Long life parts

Service lifespan of the consumable parts, like cooling fan, main circuit smoothing capacitor and smoothing capacitors on the printed board are 10 years. The service life of the cooling fans can additionally be extended with the ON/OFF control of the cooling fan. Thanks to the long life capacitors, the service life of the whole converter is further extended.

To obtain higher environmental resistance, the FR-HC2 has coated printed circuit boards and copper plated conductors. Magnetic contactors also have anti-corrosive coatings on. Further features, that ensure a longer service life.

Life diagnosis function

The FR-HC2’s self-diagnostics monitor the degree of deterioration of the main circuit capacitor, cooling fan, and the inrush current limit circuit. The part life warning can be output and the deterioration degree can be monitored to anticipate problems occurring.

Monitoring over the network

Network connectivity for the FR-HC2 series means also, that the power can be monitored during driving/regenerative driving. This monitoring shows the energy saving effect very distinctly. Alarm functions and voltage monitors of each phase help to spot the cause of an alarm.

Download the Mitsubishi FR-HC2brochure here

FR-HC2 is available in the UK from 999 Inverters