Capstone – Project

Develop & Test a VFD for a positioning applications.

A Collaboration Between

Project Synopsis

Variable Frequency Drives that control provides position feedback from an encoder (feedback); the goal is to test to make sure that the VFD and encoder feedback from the AC Motor is accurate and document that.
Typically VFDs are not used from positioning applications – this is typically done with a servo motor and servo amplifier as the industry norm. However, people want to push the VFD to do more applications – for example using to control a conveyor belt to do “indexing” moves as the “work-in-progress/product” moves from station to station.
The control elements is also important – typically and industrial controller (plc or industrial pc) will be the brains and send control signals to the VFD; That is most typically; however we also like to do R&D on having a HMI (with a scripting language) control the VFD positioning without a PLC or PC. Lastly, we like to see if the internal sequencing of the VFD could be used by itself without a PLC, PC or HMI.
The end result would be a test data, report and documented methods of how to to the above.

Project Topics

Product Design & Development

Research & Development

Company Information

CompanyLS Electric
HQVernon Hills, Illinois
RevenueUnlisted
Employees25-50
StageMedium Business
Hiring PotentialN/A
Websitehttp://www.lselectricamerica.com

Company Overview

From 1974 to 2004, LG Industrial Systems thrived domestically throughout Asia and throughout the Middle East with success in a wide range of industries. In 2005, the company was renamed LSIS under the LS Group of companies. Today, LSIS is headquartered approximately 35 miles south of Seoul, Korea in Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, employs more than 3,500 people globally, operates 8 manufacturing facilities, and is approaching $3B USD in sales. In June 2011, eager to expand its domestic leadership position into a global one, LSIS announced expansion into North America as its highest global growth priority. The establishment of LSIS USA soon followed with the incorporation of its US operation in November of 2012. LSIS USA’s core mission is to establish the LSIS brand in the United States and Canada, and position the company for long-term growth. LS ELECTRIC is a global electrical solutions provider and electrical component manufacturer of UL, ANSI, and IEC products.

Experiential Learning Program Details

SchoolAnderson University
Engagement Format -
CourseENGR 4950: Engineering Senior Design I
Level
  • All Undergraduate
Students Enrolled5
Meeting Day & TimeMW 12:00 EST
Student Time Commitment4-7 Hours Per Week
Company Time Commitment2 Hours
Duration34.29 Weeks

Program Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Due Date Type
REMINDER OF CONFIDENTIALITY

REMINDER OF CONFIDENTIALITY

During this program, you'll be working on a real project posed by a real industry partner. By registering for the CapSource system and participating in this Program, you are bound by the Rules of Engagement, including strict confidentiality of information shared with you. Please be respectful and professional.
August 28th, 2021 Event na
Kickoff Evaluation Due

Kickoff Evaluation Due

August 29th, 2021 Evaluation evaluation
OFFICIAL PROJECT LAUNCH

OFFICIAL PROJECT LAUNCH

We’ll web conference our industry partner into our 12:00 EST class to kickoff the project.
August 30th, 2021 Event na
UPLOAD MILESTONE #1 DELIVERABLE UPLOAD MILESTONE #1 DELIVERABLE
Background on LS Electric
September 7th, 2021 Submission Required submission-required
LS ELECTRIC SITE VISIT @ VERNON HILLS

LS ELECTRIC SITE VISIT @ VERNON HILLS

Anderson students will visit LS Electric: Overview of LS Electric. Meet and greet. Short training of iS7 VFD Take back required equipment (VFD, Motor, encoder card). Possible enclosure panel.
September 7th, 2021 Event na
Mid-Milestone Virtual Checkin

Mid-Milestone Virtual Checkin

Q&A Session with LS Electric Team
September 27th, 2021 Event na
Temp Check #1 Due

Temp Check #1 Due

September 30th, 2021 Evaluation evaluation
UPLOAD MILESTONE #2 DELIVERABLE UPLOAD MILESTONE #2 DELIVERABLE
Single Position Control
October 8th, 2021 Submission Required submission-required
Feedback Session w/ LS Electric

Feedback Session w/ LS Electric

Feedback on Milestone 1 Deliverables
October 13th, 2021 Event na
Temp Check #2 Due

Temp Check #2 Due

October 30th, 2021 Evaluation evaluation
UPLOAD MILESTONE #3 DELIVERABLE UPLOAD MILESTONE #3 DELIVERABLE
Multi-drive Synchronization
November 17th, 2021 Submission Required submission-required
Temp Check #3 Due

Temp Check #3 Due

December 4th, 2021 Evaluation evaluation
UPLOAD MILESTONE #4 DELIVERABLE UPLOAD MILESTONE #4 DELIVERABLE
HMI Setup and Monitoring
December 15th, 2021 Submission Required submission-required
Mid-Project Check-In & Rescope

Mid-Project Check-In & Rescope

CapSource, LS Electric, and Anderson University will reconvene to iron out goals for Spring term
December 20th, 2021 Event na
Temp Check #4 Due

Temp Check #4 Due

January 15th, 2022 Evaluation evaluation
Temp Check #5 Due

Temp Check #5 Due

February 12th, 2022 Evaluation evaluation
Temp Check #6 Due

Temp Check #6 Due

March 26th, 2022 Evaluation evaluation
OFFICIAL PROJECT WRAP UP OFFICIAL PROJECT WRAP UP
Students will present final insights to industry partner leadership team. Please upload your final deliverables!
April 27th, 2022 Submission Required submission-required
Final Peer Evaluation Due

Final Peer Evaluation Due

April 30th, 2022 Evaluation evaluation
Final Self Evaluation Due

Final Self Evaluation Due

April 30th, 2022 Evaluation evaluation

Key Project Milestones

  • September 7, 2021 - Background on LS Electric

    Before your trip to LS Electric in Vernon Hills, administer background research on the company:

    • What products are relevant to your project?
    • What is the corporate structure of the company?
    • What type of customers do they serve?
    • What makes them unique?

    Suggested Deliverable:

    Prepare for training and Q&A

  • October 8, 2021 - Single Position Control

    Single position control should be operable and demonstrable.  This utilizes a single VFD and a single motor. Multiple pre set positions. Also test and demonstrate HW limit switches.

    Use link below for manuals.

    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ej3F7VreJFWL7I1xdMyCFk_zqVEy_GH3?usp=sharing

     


    Suggested Deliverable:

    1. Present clear and concise documentation for setup and use of position control.
    2. Demonstrate a mechanical example of position control.
  • November 17, 2021 - Multi-drive Synchronization

    Synchronization of positioning control with more than one VFD and motor.  Starting with 2 VFD and motors. Control positions via PLC control setup over modbus.


    Suggested Deliverable:

    Leveling demonstration. raise and lower the level and adjust position of the angle.

  • December 15, 2021 - HMI Setup and Monitoring

    Add HMI to the modbus network for communication and monitoring of the positioning system.


    Suggested Deliverable:

    • HMI successfully communicates with the PLC and VFDs.
    • set preset positions with numeric inputs on the HMI
    • Demonstrate monitoring capabilities on HMI screen (actual position of each axis)

Project Resources

There are no resources currently available

Industry Mentors

Company Admin

Andy Urda

[email protected]

Company Admin

Steven R Peterson 

[email protected]

Academic Mentors

Instructor

Scott Kennedy 

[email protected]

Assigned Students

Student

Hannah Planck

[email protected]