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

Vernon Hills, IL - January 26, 2022

MELSERVO-J5D servo amplifiers offer a unique servo based solution for applications that need to handle regenerative energy

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is announcing 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."