No! UNiGY® is more than just a drive. UNiGY® is a technology platform that utilizes patented drive technology to achieve superior performance and process control for hydraulic applications.
VFD’s control the speed of an AC induction motor by varying the motor voltage and frequency to try and balance demand and pump output. Most VFD’s utilize VSI (Voltage source invertor) or CSI (Current source inverter) which have significant well documented drawbacks.
UNiGY® is a patented development of the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Flux vector technology. Unlike a VFD, which simply controls speed, UNiGY® technology simultaneously controls the torque, speed and position of an AC motor. Using a closed loop between the motor and the drive, the motor’s rotor position is monitored and controlled in real time to control the motor’s actual speed, acceleration, torque and power produced.
The unique capability of producing 100% rated torque at zero RPM sets
UNiGY® technology apart from VFD’s in hydraulic pump applications.
UNiGY® uses patented pump mathematical modeling and proprietary firmware to extend the Flux Vector Drive concept to hydraulic systems. Conventional technologies require feedback from the process to a Flux Vector drive from field mounted sensors. UNiGY's® unique and patented mathematical pump modeling negates the need for feedback from the process. The UNiGY® technology platform develops learned behavior of fixed displacement pumps producing precisely the pressure and flow required by the application using FeedForward control.
Commercially available pumps and motors work with the UNIGY technology platform. Because of the UNiGY® pump modeling concept, simple fixed displacement pumps can be utilized where variable displacement pumps would be needed. Since UNiGY® can simply stall the pump and motor at zero rpm and, if required, hold full system pressure when no process flow is required, UNiGY® certified pumps and motors that can withstand such conditions.
Kadant certifies commercially available pumps for UNiGY® applications as LTD (Limited Turndown) or ITD (Infinite Turndown) capability. Commercially available induction motors that meet the 1000:1 turndown criteria are suitable for all UNiGY® applications.
UNiGY® has been successfully applied to over 100+ industrial applications covering a wide range of markets. Applications ranging from injection molding, forging, tube bending, metal forming and high pressure water systems have all benefited from UNiGY® technology. Basically any hydraulic application that demands varying pressures and/or flow rates during its duty cycle, large or small, is a candidate for UNiGY®.
The UNiGY® technology platform makes hydraulic circuit design extremely simple and efficient. Conventional labyrinths of pipes, recirculation circuits, oil cooling systems, servo pressure/flow control valves, accumulators, etc., are all redundant with a UNiGY® based system design. Hydraulic system designers/integrators have been amazed at the simplicity of circuit design with UNiGY®.
UNiGY® delivers a level of process control and energy efficiency unheard of with conventional hydraulic systems. UNiGY® achieves all this by moving all downstream mechanical process control devices into the drive controller. UNIGY® operates at near perfect (1) power factor and with control of maximum demand, provides levels of energy savings unattainable with conventional VFD systems.
Yes! UNiGY® energy savings and performance have been well documented through third parties, both private and governmental. In addition, continued adoption of UNiGY® technology in different industries provides the empirical proof of UNiGY’s® claims.
Several state utilities have provided incentives based on UNIGY® energy savings.
In fact UNIGY development funding was partially provided by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research & Development Authority)
UNiGY® provides unprecedented process control unattainable through conventional drive control methods that rely on downstream mechanical pressure/flow controls, pressure flow and position transducers and other devices. UNiGY’s® modeling capabilities enable it to provide, precise control of flow, pressure and position. This is exceptionally useful for metering or position control applications. UNiGY's® ability to control pressure ramps avoids shocks loading of system components and minimizes maintenance and repairs. Pumps and electric motors can outlast their documented life span because UNiGY stops them when flow is not required due to reduced usage during idle times. UNiGY® maintains constant pressure with 0 RPM when no process flow is required.
Because of a radically simple design, UNiGY® technology has been welcomed by integrators and hydraulic system designers. If you are currently working with an integrator or OEM, please contact them to inquire about UNiGY®. Alternatively, you can contact Kadant directly: sales@kadantunigy.com
or +1-800-237-7628 (US) or +1-518-824-1794 (Global Direct).
