Press Release: Yaskawa Electric Corporation (President: Masahiro Ogawa) officially launched its LA700 elevator drive in Japan, specifically designed to address the growing challenges and customer demands for elevator inverters. This advanced drive model offers easier adjustments and enhances the overall ride comfort of elevators.
The LA700 drive was first released in the European market in December 2023 and will be introduced to the Chinese market in October 2024. This latest model is set to replace Yaskawa’s conventional L1000A model, offering a range of new features and improvements for the elevator industry.
The Aim of the LA700 Drive
Yaskawa has been at the forefront of developing specialized products for various applications, building on its successful general-purpose drives such as the GA700 (launched in 2015) and the GA500 (released in 2019). These drives were developed with a focus on "Versatility," "Ease of Use," and "Reliability." They’ve been praised for achieving highly efficient motor control, cost reduction, advanced sensing technology, and IoT compatibility, receiving positive feedback from customers across various industries.
Building on this foundation, Yaskawa introduced the LA700 as a new dedicated product for elevator applications. The LA700 incorporates enhancements to essential features such as auto-tuning, making the setup process much more efficient and user-friendly. Additionally, it includes an interactive setup wizard, Bluetooth-enabled support tools, and improved smooth acceleration and deceleration capabilities, all aimed at improving elevator ride comfort and reducing setup and test-run times.
Product Positioning of the LA700
The LA700 is part of Yaskawa's strategy of developing specific drive models for key applications. Yaskawa has previously released specialized models for cranes (CR700), fans and pumps (FP605), and HVAC systems (HV600), all of which have been well received by customers. The LA700 now joins this lineup, providing a tailored solution for elevators, effectively replacing the older L1000A model.
Key Features of the LA700 Drive
The LA700 offers several features and improvements over the conventional L1000A, positioning it as a more specialized and efficient solution for elevator systems:
- Elevator-Specific Performance Enhancements
- Anti-rollback Function: Enhanced to prevent rollback, with improved adjustments that reduce shock when the holding brake is released without the need for a load sensor.
- Auto-tuning: Now possible even when the rope is still on the sheave, making adjustments to the encoder and motor rotation easier through navigation.
- Minimized Peripheral Devices: Reduction in the need for additional devices, such as batteries for rescue operations, helping elevator equipment meet safety standards more easily.
- Standby Mode: Reduces power consumption during idle periods, enhancing energy efficiency.
- Secure Basic Functions and Specifications
- Smooth Ride: The LA700 cuts control cycle time by half compared to previous models, reducing torque ripple and ensuring smoother acceleration and deceleration for a more comfortable ride.
- Setup and Maintenance Support: The DriveWizard tool simplifies setup and trial runs, eliminating the need for measurement equipment through its oscilloscope function.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The Bluetooth-enabled keypad allows for wireless parameter setting and monitoring, providing greater convenience during setup and operation.
- Built-in Components: DC reactors and braking transistors are integrated as standard, reducing the need for external equipment.
Sales Plan and Product Lineup
The LA700 will be available in two main product categories:
- 200V Class 3-Phase Models: Ranging from 3.7 kW to 110 kW, with 14 available models.
- 400V Class 3-Phase Models: Ranging from 3.7 kW to 160 kW, with 16 available models.
Orders for the LA700 drive officially began on December 2, 2024. Yaskawa aims to provide a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use elevator solution that meets the demands of the modern market.
Conclusion
With the launch of the LA700, Yaskawa Electric Corporation continues its commitment to developing specialized products that enhance performance and ease of use in critical industries. This drive model is poised to revolutionize the elevator sector by offering an advanced, user-friendly solution with features designed to improve comfort, efficiency, and safety.
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