Most of the time, coming up with the optimal solution takes more energy and time than actually executing the plan and having the systems installed.
As WorldWide Electric continues to serve more industries that encounter specific and challenging situations, we’re learning that a diversified product line – with standard and modified options available – enables our customer base to have the best fit solution for their application.
The WorldDrive family is a comprehensive line of variable frequency drives that our customer base uses in a wide range of applications, ranging from fans, to irrigation pumps, to rock crushers.
This article provides an overview of the WorldDrive family to help OEMs and electric motor distributors discover options that can help their end-users achieve greater efficiency and growth.
Overview: The WorldDrive Family of Variable Frequency Drives
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) control an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor.
Depending on the application (and the type of motor that’s been selected for that application), different types of VFDs can be used.
3 styles of VFDs are available as part of the WorldDrive family:
- WorldDrive General Purpose (WDGP) – up to 30 HP
- WorldDrive 4X (WD4X) – up to 30 HP
- WorldDrive Flex Control (WDFC) – up to 800 HP
These variable frequency drives are best suited for a number of industries, including water / wastewater, OEM (integrators), oil and gas, material handling, and agriculture.
WorldDrive General Purpose (WDGP)
The General Purpose VFD from the WorldDrive line is suitable for lower horsepower applications like fans and conveying systems.
The WDGP line is manufactured with 3 drive capacities:
- Single-Phase (200V) from ½ HP (0.4kW) up to 2 HP (1.5kW)
- Three-Phase (200V) from ½ HP (0.4kW) up to 30 HP (22kW)
- Three-Phase (400V) from ½ HP (0.4kW) up to 30 HP (22kW)
See Product Specifications
View Industries and Uses of the WDGP
WorldDrive 4X (WD4X)
The WD4X is a NEMA 4X type enclosed VFD that is best fit for specific applications that are exposed to harsh, wet, and corrosive conditions, or in applications that require regular and thorough washdowns.
The enclosure protects against corrosion, water, and dust, and comes with a built-in disconnect.
The WorldDrive 4X line is manufactured in three drive capacities:
- Single-Phase (230V) from ½ HP up to 3 HP
- Three-Phase (230V) from ½ HP up to 20 HP
- Three-Phase (480V) from ½ HP up to 30 HP
All three of these drive capacities are rated for constant torque.
See Product Specifications.
View Industries and Uses of the WD4X
WorldDrive Flex Control (WDFC)
The WDFC is an extremely versatile, high-performance variable frequency drive that is best fit for industrial and commercial applications requiring precise control in the most demanding applications.
The design and functionality of the WDFC was developed with the most demanding of commercial and industrial applications in mind.
The WDFC is rated for both variable torque and constant torque applications:
- Three-Phase (230V) from 1 HP up to 25 HP Variable Torque, and up to 20 HP Constant Torque
- Three-Phase (480V) from 1 HP up to 800 HP Variable Torque, and up to 650 HP Constant Torque
The distinct advantage of the WorldDrive Flex Control VFD is how it handles both the easiest and toughest applications with extreme flexibility of control while providing value in the most demanding applications.
Another valuable attribute of the WDFC is that the frequency, amplitude, and phase of the motor drive voltage can be modulated utilizing sensorless vector control.
See Product Specifications.
View Industries and Uses of the WDFC.
The WorldDrive Advantage
Between the three categories of VFDs and the individual configurations available in each, the WorldDrive family of drives offers an extensive range of functionality.
This diversity in functionality allows the end-user to customize the solution and avoid purchasing a system that has unneeded features (and costs).
Additionally, the pre- and post-sale support provided by WorldWide Electric enables our customer base to utilize these products to their fullest extent, extracting the greatest value out of their investment.
Product Specifications
Each of these VFD options can be configured with a unique set of specifications that serves the motor’s controls requirements. Contact our Technical Support line to discuss your application with an expert.
WorldDrive General Purpose Product Specifications
Single-Phase (200V) ½ HP (0.4kW) – 2 HP (1.5kW)
Three-Phase (200V) ½ HP (0.4kW) – 30 HP (22kW)
Three-Phase (400V) ½ HP (0.4kW) – 30 HP (22kW)
Sensorless Vector Control – The built-in sensorless vector control provides precise speed control with high torque
Ground-fault protection during operation
- Motor protection
- Process protection
Standard Process Control Analog Signals
- -10vDC to +10vDC
- 4-20mA signals
Built-in PID control / Setpoint Applications
- Process Loop Control
The built-in RS-485 communication supports remote control and monitoring between WDGP and other equipment
The built-in dynamic braking circuit minimizes deceleration time via optional external braking resistors
Additional Features of the WorldDrive General Purpose VFD include:
- Configurable PNP/NPN Digital Inputs
- Optional built-in EMC filter (Footprint type, EN61800-3, 2nd Environment, C3)
- Auto Tuning
- Flying start (Speed Search)
- Programmable process + PID Control with Sleep & wake-up function
- DC Injection braking function / power braking / flux braking
- Electronic Brake & Built-in dynamic braking chopper
- Multi-Step Frequency (0 step – 7 step)
- Manual / Auto torque boost
- Kinetic Energy Buffering / ride-through power from spinning loads
- Jog function: forward & reverse
- Optional pulse train input/output (Max. 50kHz)
- Safety Function (EN60204 Stop C0, EN954-1 Safety C3, EN61508 SIL 2)
- Built-in RS485 Modbus-RTU
WorldDrive 4X Product Specifications
The WD4X comes with a built-in disconnect, in a NEMA 4X enclosure.
Drive capacity
- Single-Phase (230V) ½ HP – 3 HP
- Three-Phase (230V) ½ HP – 20 HP
- Three-Phase (480V) ½ HP – 30 HP
Overload capacity (Dual rating)
- 150% for 60 seconds (Heavy Duty – Constant Torque)
- 120% for 60 seconds (Normal Duty – Variable Torque)
Input voltage range
- 200-240V Single/Three-phase (-15%, +10%)
- 380-480V Three-phase (-15%, +10%)
Communication – Built-in: Modbus-RTU
Control method – Variable frequency, Sensorless Vector
Output frequency – 0-400Hz (Sensorless: 0-120Hz)
Carrier frequency – Heavy Duty: 1-15kHz / Normal Duty: 1-5kHz
Protection degree – NEMA 4X / (IP66)
Global Certified – CE, UL, cUL, RoHS | 3C2 Conformal Coating on PCB
WD4X Key Features
Compatible LCD Loader – Parameter settings can be edited using an onboard keypad.
Master/Slave – Users can easily modify the parameters of all the AC drives connected by RS-485 communication.
P2P Communication – Built-in RS-485 can be used to communicate between 2 S100s.
WorldDrive Flex Control Product Specifications
The WDFC is a high performance variable frequency drive for industrial and commercial applications requiring precision, horsepower, and reliability.
- Up to 650 HP constant torque and 800 HP variable torque
- Sensorless vector control for tough applications
- Ratings for both constant and variable torque
Drive capacity
- Three-Phase (230V) 1 HP – 25 HP (VT) / 1 HP – 20 HP (CT)
- Three-Phase (480V) 1 HP – 800 HP (VT) / 1 HP – 650 HP (CT)
Overload capacity (Dual rating)
- 120% for 60 seconds (Normal Duty – Variable Torque)
- 150% for 60 seconds (Heavy Duty – Constant Torque)
Input Voltage Range
- 200-240V Three-phase (-15%, +10%)
- 380-480V Three-phase (-15%, +10%)
Communication
- Built-in: Modbus-RTU
- Optional Protocols
Control Methods
- Sensorless Vector Control
- Variable frequency, Slip compensation
Built-in EMC Filter on 480V
DC Reactor Option IP20
- IP20 230V, 3-Phase to 25 HP VT
- IP20 480V, 3-Phase to 40 HP VT
Output Frequency
- 0-400Hz
Carrier frequency
- Normal Duty: 1-15kHz
Protection degree
- Standard: IP20, Optional: NEMA1
Global Certifications
- CE, UL, cUL, RoHS
- 3C2 Conformal Coating on PCB
WorldDrive Flex Control Enhanced Features
WorldDrive Product Line Application Examples
OEMs and distributors have access to an expansive range of functionality between the three products.
This range makes the WorldDrive product line suitable for many industries including:
- Water / Wastewater
- Oil and Gas
- Material Handling
- Agriculture
- Irrigation
- Food and Beverage
- Air Handling
Within each of these industries, each style of VFD can be used for specific applications.
WorldDrive General Purpose Application Examples
The WDGP is a general purpose chassis drive, best for shaft turning applications with horsepower requirements up to 30 HP.
WorldDrive 4X Application Examples
The WD4X is best for applications that require protection from the elements, corrosion, and consistent exposure to water/moisture.
WorldDrive Flex Control Applications
The WDFC is best suitable for applications that require high feature sets.
Since it’s rated for both constant and variable torque, and ranges from ½ HP to 800 HP, it is suitable for light duty and heavy duty applications.
Light Duty = fans, pumps, blowers
Heavy Duty = conveyors, rock crushers, mixers, pump jacks
Contact Us to discuss your application with an expert.