VLT® HVAC Basic Drive FC 101

A compact and competitive solution for standard applications

Makes your buildings perform

Danfoss' commitment to applying drives in HVAC systems has led to the development of the VLT® HVAC Basic Drive, designed to meet the needs of simple, mass-produced applications. This drive contributes to significant energy and CO2 emission savings, with over 1.5 million VLT® HVAC Drives installed worldwide saving an estimated 285 million MWhrs annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of 60 million households and a reduction of 180 million tonnes of CO2.

Danfoss possesses a wealth of knowledge in HVAC applications, offering products and technology to meet and shape future trends. Their experts provide support for efficient system design and wise investment for documented returns. The drive helps certify buildings for high performance, meeting standards like LEED, by reducing energy consumption and fulfilling stringent requirements.

Ideal for simple fans, pumps, and compressors

The user-friendly VLT® HVAC Basic Drive offers distributed intelligence and reduced power consumption, making it ideal for fan applications. Basic AHU functions allow control of a wide range of functions, with pump-specific features developed in cooperation with OEMs, contractors, and manufacturers.

Key Features:

Fire Override Mode: Ensures vital fan operation during emergencies, keeping escape routes clear of smoke and ensuring continued operation in critical applications like stair-well pressurization and car park exhaust.
Skip frequencies: Allows the drive to avoid specific frequency bands that cause resonance in ventilation systems, reducing vibration and noise.
No load / Broken Belt warning: Monitors belt status in fan applications, prompting timely maintenance.
Flying start: Detects and synchronizes with a spinning fan or pump to prevent harsh starts and equipment wear.
Sleep Mode: Conserves energy in low-flow situations by automatically starting when pressure drops below a setpoint, reducing energy costs and equipment wear.
Sensorless pump control: Eliminates the need for external pressure transmitters for pump control.
Constant torque for air compressors: Offers a dedicated mode for air compressor applications.
Quiet operation: Direct control of the cooling fan ensures quiet operation by adjusting precisely to the load.
Simple timer function: An integrated timer eliminates the need for external timers, useful for motor testing.
Use the motor of your choice: Compatible with both induction and permanent magnet (PM) motors.
More robust when power is unstable: Integrated power loss ride-through capability ensures stable operation during voltage dips or power interruptions.
Voltage sag immunity: Semi 47 certified for robust performance with varying power supply quality.
Improved power factor: Can be used with VLT® Advanced Harmonic Filter AHF 010 to achieve a higher power factor.

VLT® HVAC Basic Drive

The VLT® HVAC Basic Drive is a competitive drive for simple applications with basic needs.

Key Benefits:

Easy commissioning: Features a Quick Menu wizard for straightforward setup and operation. The VLT® Mains-Free Interface allows configuration without mains power.
Maintenance free: Internal fans and capacitors are designed for long life, requiring only general cleaning.
Save space: Ultra-compact design allows easy mounting in HVAC units or panels, reducing enclosure costs.
Built-in mains filters: Integrated DC coils comply with EN 61000-3-12, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of DC link capacitors.
Reduced installation costs: Built-in HVAC functions reduce the need for additional system components and simplify installation.
Competitive performance: Offers up to 98.5% efficiency and Automatic Energy Optimisation.
Intuitive control panel: Features a 2-line alphanumeric display with multiple language options, quick menus for setup, and status LEDs.
Password protection: Ensures parameter security.
Same parameter structure: Consistent with other Danfoss VLT® FC-family drives.

Product Range:

Available in various enclosure ratings (IP 20, IP 21/UL Type 1, IP 54) and power ranges from 0.25 kW to 90 kW across different voltage supplies (3 x 200-240 V, 3 x 380-480 V, 3 x 525-600 V).

EMC Compliance:

The built-in EMC filter ensures compliance with EN 55011 limits for categories C1 and C2, meeting environmental standards Class B (residential) and Class A1 (industrial) without additional external components.

Enclosure protection options

The VLT® HVAC Basic Drive is available in IP 20, IP 21/UL Type 1, and IP 54 enclosures, designed for various installation environments. The IP 21/Type 1 kit is suitable for dry environments where dripping water may occur.

Easy-to-use HMI:

The VLT® Control Panel LCP 32 offers a user-friendly interface with a graphical display, clear backlight, and multiple languages. It supports LCP copy function, quick menus for setup, alarm/warning indicators, and troubleshooting.

VLT® Mains-free Interface

The VLT® Mains-free Interface allows PC programming of the FC 101 drive without a mains power connection. It connects via USB 2.0 and draws power from the PC's USB port. Different USB cable configurations are required for different enclosure sizes to ensure sufficient power supply.

Technical data

Detailed technical specifications are provided for main supply, output data, digital and analog inputs/outputs, control card functions, and environmental ratings. This includes voltage ranges, frequency, power factor, harmonic disturbance, and compliance with standards like EN 61000-3-12 and Semi 47.

Electrical data - H and I enclosures

Comprehensive electrical data tables are presented for various enclosure sizes (H1-H10) and power ratings, detailing typical shaft output, output current, maximum cable size, maximum input current, estimated power loss, weight, and efficiency for different voltage ranges (200-240 VAC, 380-480 VAC, 525-600 VAC).

Accessories

Available accessories include the IP 21/Type 1 Kit for installation in environments with potential dripping water, and the LCP Panel Mounting Kit for easy installation of the local control panel in cabinet doors. The VLT® Mains-Free Interface is also available for PC programming without mains power.

Ordering codes for IP 21/Type 1 kits and LCP accessories are provided, along with details on the VLT® Control Panel LCP 32 and the FC 101 LCP RJ 45 Plug Converter.

Minimize energy usage while maximizing comfort levels

The VLT® HVAC Basic Drive is installed in a wide range of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications globally. It enhances air quality, indoor comfort, control, and energy savings, while also improving asset protection and reliability. Variable speed control of electrical motors is highlighted as a highly effective cost-reducing measure for HVAC facilities.

A case study is mentioned where a VLT® HVAC Basic Drive FC 101 replaced an older VLT® 5 drive in an industrial kitchen, resulting in a reduction of 390 MWh in electricity consumption annually. More case stories for the HVAC industry are available via a provided link.

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Links to social media channels (Facebook, RSS, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube) are provided for users to follow Danfoss and learn more about AC drives.

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