Capstone – Project
Develop & Test a VFD for a positioning applications.
A Collaboration Between
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
Company | LS Electric |
HQ | Vernon Hills, Illinois |
Revenue | Unlisted |
Employees | 25-50 |
Stage | Medium Business |
Hiring Potential | N/A |
Website | http://www.lselectricamerica.com |
Company Overview
Experiential Learning Program Details
School | Anderson University |
Engagement Format | - |
Course | ENGR 4950: Engineering Senior Design I |
Level |
|
Students Enrolled | 5 |
Meeting Day & Time | MW 12:00 EST |
Student Time Commitment | 4-7 Hours Per Week |
Company Time Commitment | 2 Hours |
Duration | 34.29 Weeks |
Program Timeline
Touchpoints & Assignments | Due Date | Type | |
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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.
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August 28th, 2021 | Event na | |
Kickoff Evaluation Due
Kickoff Evaluation Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/ykd5jdTFakLbeqdV8
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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.
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August 30th, 2021 | Event na | |
UPLOAD MILESTONE #1 DELIVERABLE
UPLOAD MILESTONE #1 DELIVERABLE
Background on LS Electric
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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.
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September 7th, 2021 | Event na | |
Mid-Milestone Virtual Checkin
Mid-Milestone Virtual Checkin
Q&A Session with LS Electric Team
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September 27th, 2021 | Event na | |
Temp Check #1 Due
Temp Check #1 Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/TNatKYKxtLMqKCC67
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September 30th, 2021 | Evaluation evaluation | |
UPLOAD MILESTONE #2 DELIVERABLE
UPLOAD MILESTONE #2 DELIVERABLE
Single Position Control
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October 8th, 2021 | Submission Required submission-required | |
Feedback Session w/ LS Electric
Feedback Session w/ LS Electric
Feedback on Milestone 1 Deliverables
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October 13th, 2021 | Event na | |
Temp Check #2 Due
Temp Check #2 Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/TNatKYKxtLMqKCC67
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October 30th, 2021 | Evaluation evaluation | |
UPLOAD MILESTONE #3 DELIVERABLE
UPLOAD MILESTONE #3 DELIVERABLE
Multi-drive Synchronization
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November 17th, 2021 | Submission Required submission-required | |
Temp Check #3 Due
Temp Check #3 Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/TNatKYKxtLMqKCC67
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December 4th, 2021 | Evaluation evaluation | |
UPLOAD MILESTONE #4 DELIVERABLE
UPLOAD MILESTONE #4 DELIVERABLE
HMI Setup and Monitoring
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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
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December 20th, 2021 | Event na | |
Temp Check #4 Due
Temp Check #4 Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/TNatKYKxtLMqKCC67
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January 15th, 2022 | Evaluation evaluation | |
Temp Check #5 Due
Temp Check #5 Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/TNatKYKxtLMqKCC67
|
February 12th, 2022 | Evaluation evaluation | |
Temp Check #6 Due
Temp Check #6 Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/TNatKYKxtLMqKCC67
|
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!
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April 27th, 2022 | Submission Required submission-required | |
Final Peer Evaluation Due
Final Peer Evaluation Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/aiQzBrG8hHYcVNP5A
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April 30th, 2022 | Evaluation evaluation | |
Final Self Evaluation Due
Final Self Evaluation Due
Survey link: https://forms.gle/ATKxrnKGcLK44guaA
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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
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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:
- Present clear and concise documentation for setup and use of position control.
- Demonstrate a mechanical example of position control.
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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.
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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