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Curtis AC Controllers drive Surface and Internal PMAC

Curtis AC Controllers drive Surface and Internal PMAC

Curtis AC Motor Controllers drive surface and internal PMAC and Induction Motors, from just about any manufacturer you choose

For many years Curtis have been known for designing extremely reliable and versatile AC motor controllers.

These controllers are periodically updated to meet and exceed European Safety requirements and the E and SE Series models are now capable of running Synchronous and Asynchronous AC motors.  Their advanced vector control technology ensures that efficiency is optimised under all load conditions and temperatures.

Let’s look at the motor types, as this can be confusing.

Induction motors are Asynchronous.  This means that the rotating core of the motor, the rotor, runs faster or slower than the rotating AC magnetic field.  The rotating magnetic field induces current into the rotor and sets up the opposing magnetic field. The AC induction motor is extremely robust as its solid metal rotor has no electro-mechanical brush gear.  Fewer components and ease of manufacturing means lower cost.  That and the fact that they’re virtually indestructible, makes the induction motor a popular choice.  It’s so reliable that Tesla chose it for the original model S and it’s used on over 90% of industrial trucks.   But of course there’s always a trade-off, and with induction that’s a lower efficiency (up to base speed) and an increased size and weight.

Permanent magnet AC motors are Synchronous in that the rotating core of the motor turns at the same speed as the rotating magnetic field. The rotor has magnets either on the surface of the rotor or embedded into the rotor.  These are known as Surface PMAC or Internal PMAC and both have different characteristics.  PMAC are highly efficient at base speed and are effective electric generators too.  Being smaller and lighter than induction makes them good for a variety of applications like AGV design or robotics.

Motors are designed to achieve peak power at a certain speed; the base speed of the motor.  At this point the motor is absorbing as much electrical power as possible.  To run the motor faster than base speed, a motor field has to be weakened electronically. The base speed is determined as part of the unique auto-characterisation process pioneered by Curtis at the turn of the century.

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For an induction motor it’s simple to reduce a motor field and extend the motor speed, this is energy efficient and one reason Tesla used this motor technology. This is very useful for traction applications.  With a PMAC motor more energy is used to suppress the field of the permanent magnets. A Surface PMAC motor is less likely to be field weakened as the magnetic path is not as stable as an Internal PMAC motor. An Internal PMAC motor may be field weakened but extreme care has to be taken in order not to de-magnetise the magnets. This precise field weakening is determined by the motor model held within the controller.

PMAC motors offer higher efficiency up to the base speed and also make very efficient generators as no energy is used to produce the rotor field. The motors are also physically smaller than an induction motor, but the permanent magnets cost more.  So for certain applications where space saving and/or higher efficiency is needed, typically 5-10%, or for hybrid drive/generator applications PMAC motors are a good choice.

Curtis AC motor controllers use highly efficient vector control to maximise the performance of PMAC and Induction motors, that together with our flexible VCL application layer means you get maximum benefit for your money.

We work closely with a wide range of motor suppliers on many different types of application so you have full flexibility in your choice of motors. Contact our highly skilled applications team to discuss your projects and how Curtis AC motor controller technology will maximise performance.

For more information, contact us.

Curtis Introduces the Ultimate Class III Combi Control System: AC F2-C

Curtis Introduces the Ultimate Class III Combi Control System: AC F2-C

The Curtis Model AC F2-C is an Integrated AC Traction & DC Pump System Controller that offers unprecedented performance and value. This AC F2-C motor controller combined with a Half bridge DC hydraulic pump and proportional valve control system uses dual high-performance ARM Cortex microprocessors in a compact, package to deliver unmatched performance and a very flexible feature set.

Model AC F2-C is fully optimized for use as a Combi traction and hydraulic controller on 1.0 ton-2.0 ton class III pedestrian-operated powered pallet and stacker trucks. It provides vehicle designers with the ability to fully define and control the detailed dynamic performance of their vehicle's drivetrain and hydraulic pump system, and also provides comprehensive vehicle management and CAN master capabilities. Model AC F2-C is also suitable for traction and hydraulic pump control on other types of battery powered vehicles such as the small aerial scissor lift platforms.

Together with the new Curtis model 3140 CAN LCD display and the new user-friendly Curtis Integrated Toolkit, the Curtis model AC F2-C is the ultimate Class III truck control system. 

New Powerful System Controller for a Wide Application Range

New Powerful System Controller for a Wide Application Range

The Curtis Model 1351 System Controller provides 26 multi-function I/O for application in stand-alone or CAN connected systems. With ample user code space and the newly enhanced real-time VCL 2.0 programming language, OEMs can use Model 1351 to develop a wide range of vehicle and system control applications as the master or a slave in a multi- module installation.

The 1351 System Controller was designed for a wide variety of applications, such as material handling vehicle masters, base controllers for aerial trucks, operator interface in man-up platforms, land based installation controllers replacing PLCs, ICE and Hybrid system controllers, hydraulic manifold control and many others. This advanced controller features highly flexible I/O as pins are multifunctional and easily configured to match any application, and with the Curtis Vehicle Control Language (VCL), an easy to program “C-like” language providing all the power and flexibility to control any application. VCL programs run protected and securely; monitored for proper operation to protect the system from erratic behaviors.

Model 1351 provides speed, safety and simplicity with dual 32-bit microprocessors to achieve powerful performance and safety. The microprocessors cross check each-other continuously for proper operation to ensure reliable control of your application. 1351 can perform user developed Safety Functions to EN13849 Category 2 PL=d and limited Category 3 functions using the I/O redundancy and built-in SRDO functions.

This system controller also features comprehensive CANbus control. With two Independent CAN ports, Model 1351 offers a wide range of connectivity options. Each port can run different rates and protocols, with full CANopen and/or J1939 compatibility. Model 1351 is ideally suited for hybrid vehicles or to bridge CANopen ports at different bit rates.

Curtis Introduces New Isolated CAN Module

Curtis Introduces New Isolated CAN Module

The 1360 can be utilized to mitigate unwanted voltage or current on a bus originating from EMC, ground loops or systems operating on multiple voltages. It is designed to isolate one CANbus from another, effectively reducing bus noise and errors while still facilitating communication between the two busses. The module contains optionally connected 120-ohm CAN termination resistors making it easy to terminate a bus within the module. The 1360 module integrates easily into a system; by simply connecting two CAN buses to the module it will effectively isolate one bus from the other effectively reducing bus noise. Hardware only design does not require updating or configuring firmware. The unit easily operates in demanding conditions with an operational temperature range of -40AE to +85AE C and IP67 ingress protection and supports CAN baud rates from 50kbps to 1Mbps. CE compliant with regard to EMC and ROHS, UL recognition is pending.

Curtis introduces the new Curtis Model 1226 Brushed DC Permanent Magnet Motor Controller

Curtis introduces the new Curtis Model 1226 Brushed DC Permanent Magnet Motor Controller

Model 1226 is optimized for use on light duty Class III pallet trucks and sweeper scrubber floorcare machines. Highly flexible programmability allows these controllers to be applied on any low power PM motor application.

Model 1226 is easily programmed with Model 1313 handheld or 1314 PC programming station, or can be supplied pre-programmed. These controllers are compatible with industrial tiller handle wig-wag throttles such as the Curtis Model ET-190E. Troubleshooting and diagnostics are easy. Advanced speed regulation maintains precise speed over varied terrain, obstacles, curbs and ramps. Hydraulic Lift Lockout functionality protects the vehicle's batteries from damaging level of discharge. These new controllers provide highly flexible I/O.

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