ABB's ACS 1000 variable speed drive was retrofitted to a conveyor belt at the Mine Los Colorados in Chile, solving the issue of the motor not reaching the required speed and improving process control.
The Los Colorados mine in Chile needed higher conveyor speeds, but the existing gearbox limited the motor to 50 Hz. By installing ABB's ACS 1000 medium‑voltage drive, the motor could run at 63 Hz, raising the conveyor speed by roughly 25 % without replacing the gearbox.
The drive provides a three‑level VSI inverter, high starting torque, and allows long cable runs (>100 m). Benefits include eliminated motor problems, reduced downtime, a smaller mechanical layout, and protection of equipment through smooth speed ramps.
| Inverter type | Three-level Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) |
|---|---|
| Output voltage | 2.3 kV, 3.3 kV, 4.0 kV, 4.16 kV (optional 6.0‑6.6 kV) |
| Maximum output frequency | 66 Hz (optional 82.5 Hz) |
| Motor type | Induction motor |
The speed was increased by almost 25 % (from 50 Hz to 63 Hz).
No, the existing gearbox did not need to be replaced.
Cable lengths of more than 100 meters were acceptable without problems.