Lovato VLB30220A480 22 kW VLB3 Variable Speed Drive

22 kW VLB3 variable speed drive for three-phase supply

Lovato Electric’s VLB30220A480 belongs to the VLB3 series. As a variable speed drive it takes a three-phase supply (400-480VAC 50/60Hz) and delivers 47 A at 22 kW (30 (Heavy load) / 40 (Standard load) HP) to a three-phase motor, with an output frequency of 0-599 Hz.

Radio-frequency interference is handled by the built-in EMC suppressor cat. C2 inside the housing, and the serial port is RS485, Modbus-RTU.

Overload capacity is 150% for 60s; 200% for 3s, with a switching frequency of 2-16kHz.

Technical specifications

Sizing and selection

Size the drive on motor current rather than kilowatts. The VLB30220A480 supplies 47 A continuously; the datasheet gives an input current of A without a mains choke, useful when checking breaker and cable sizes.

Control modes listed: V/f linear, quadratic torque, sensorless vector control, ECO mode, servo control with encoder feedback, multipoint V/f curve, V/f closed loop control with encoder feedback, torque setpoint, sensorless.

A brake chopper is built in and the safe-torque-off function is optional.

Applications and installation

Use cases range from single booster pumps to packaging-line conveyors and fan walls. Check the motor control modes listed below and the maximum motor cable length table, because both depend on the type of motor and cable installed.

Mechanical data: Batch Batch >=E 180 x 384 x 165 mm, 10.65 Kg, IP20. Fit it vertically, leave room for cooling, and run the motor cable in screened cable bonded at both ends to meet the EMC category claimed.

Commissioning the VLB30220A480

Start commissioning with the motor nameplate data: rated voltage, current, frequency, speed and power. Choose the motor control mode that suits the load, for example quadratic torque for centrifugal pumps and fans, or sensorless vector control where better torque at low speed is required. Decide early whether the drive will be rated on its heavy-load or standard-load figures, as this affects the mains current and the cable and protection sizing. Configure the speed reference source, the digital inputs and the relay output, then test start, stop and direction with the motor uncoupled where possible.

For pumping applications, the built-in PID control with sleep function can keep pressure or level constant and stop the pump at low demand. Where the multi-pump function is used, test the switching of the auxiliary pumps across the full demand range before handover.

Network connection and maintenance

The RS485 Modbus-RTU port allows the drive to be monitored and controlled from a PLC or SCADA system. Use twisted-pair screened cable for the bus, terminate the line correctly at both ends, and give each drive a unique address. During routine maintenance, check that cooling paths are clear, terminals are tight and the fault history is recorded before a reset. Keep a record of the final parameter settings for quick replacement.

Use on Omani sites

Pumping stations, HVAC plant and process lines in Oman often operate in high ambient temperature and dusty air. As an IP20 unit, the drive should be installed in a clean enclosure or electrical room with ventilation or cooling sized for the power loss of the drive, and with sealed cable entries to keep sand out.

Documents and quotation

All data on this page for VLB30220A480 is taken from the Lovato Electric catalogue datasheet (English), which you can download from the attachment list. Check the motor nameplate current, the supply type and voltage, the EMC category needed for your cable lengths and whether a keypad or safe-torque-off option is required against your own drawings first; the manufacturer may update datasheet figures without notice. Related items are listed under ac drives. To request VLB30220A480, send the quantity and delivery location with the quotation form; Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier based in Muscat.