Beckhoff: AX8820 Universal Regenerative Unit
May 7, 2024
The AX8820 universal regenerative unit is used to feed regenerative energy back into the supply grid. It is compatible with the AX8000 multi-axis servo system, AX5000 digital compact servo drives, and third-party devices.
Sinusoidal energy recovery prevents the typical network distortions seen with block-shaped recovery. For effective energy management, the regenerative energy is initially stored in the DC link. The recovery into the supply network does not begin until shortly before the overvoltage threshold of the connected devices is reached. Multiple energy regeneration modules can be operated in parallel to ensure the regenerative power is optimally adapted to the requirements of the machine. No communication via EtherCAT is required to carry out energy regeneration.
However, parameterization – to adapt the voltage levels to the connected devices, for example – can be performed via EtherCAT. With the help of the extended diagnostics via EtherCAT, the current regenerative energy can also be analyzed. The online data can be used to record the chronology of the machine processes. Operators can thus analyze whether the efficiency of the machine can be increased by staggering the machine processes.
The TwinCAT 3 Drive Manager 2 serves as commissioning tool. Thanks to the structured design and the wide range of functions, commissioning of the regeneration is simple and intuitive.
The dimensioning of drive axes, in conjunction with the optimum selection of motor, gear unit, drive controllers, power supply modules, regenerative units and accessories, is the basis for efficient machine design. The free TwinCAT 3 Motion Designer tool is available for this purpose.
The AX8820 universal regenerative unit is set for a market release in 3rd quarter 2024.
