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
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
| 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
Key Project Milestones
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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