Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. Releases Common DC Bus Servo Drive Solution

March 21, 2022

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. recently announced the release of the common DC bus servo drive (MELSERVO-J5D) solution. MELSERVO-J5D servo amplifiers are ideal for medium to large servo applications that require multiple drive units capable of managing regenerative energy. Available in 400V and 1kW to 7kW capacity, MELSERVO-J5D servo amplifiers expand the existing drive capabilities for the MELSERVO-J5 portfolio and are compatible with MELSERVO-J5 servo motors (HK-KT/ST/RT/MT).

Common DC Bus servo amplifiers offer customers a unique servo based solution for applications that must handle regenerative energy. Regenerative energy is created when a servo motor decelerates or is driven by a large inertia, in this case the servo motor acts as a generator. General-purpose servos dissipate this energy in the form of heat using internal or external regenerative resistors. Common DC Bus Servos are able to capture and reuse regenerative energy. In a typical common DC Bus servo system, MELSERVO-J5D servo amplifiers are connected on a DC Bus Bar connected to a MR-CV Power Regeneration Converter Unit. The MR-CV converts 400VAC power to DC. Regenerative energy can then be shared amongst the different servo drives or recaptured and returned to the power supply, improving overall energy efficacy of a machine. 

Common DC bus servo amplifiers offer users a number of benefits.

Conserve Energy – When multiple MR-J5D-G4 drive units are connected to an MR-CV_4 power regeneration converter unit by a common DC bus connection, the regenerative power of one axis can be used for driving other axes, contributing to energy saving. The MR-CV can also return regenerative energy to the power supply for other power requirements.

Simplify Wiring – Common DC bus connection reduces overall wiring requirements and eliminates the need for multiple MCCB or MC branch protection devices. Cables are managed above and below the servo amplifier, enabling a clean panel design.

Reduce Panel Space – The compact “bookshelf” type design of the MELSERVO-J5D significantly reduces panel space when compared to general industrial servo amplifiers. With 1/2/3-axis models large format servo systems can be managed in a compact space.

“We are seeing a growing trend in end-users and OEMs that are designing machines with energy conservation in mind,” said Dan Zachacki, Product Manager for Servo and Motion. “Our Common DC Bus Servo Drive offers customers a unique solution that can share and conserve energy amongst a number of servo axis. Coupled with the added benefit of simplified wiring, reduction of panel space, and compatibility with MELSERVO-J5 servos and CC-Link IE TSN, we expect Common DC bus servo drives to gain popularity in the coming months.”

To learn more about the new Common DC Bus Servo Drive Solutions from Mitsibushi, click here