Bench-testing an ABB ACS880 in scalar mode with Drive Composer

An ACS880 that arrives at the workshop has to prove itself before it goes anywhere near a plant. This is the routine we follow to bring one up on the bench and run a motor from it safely.

1. Back up before touching anything

We connect ABB Drive Composer over the panel port and take two backups: a full Backup/Restore image and an exported parameter file. If the drive came from a running line, those settings are the customer’s process, and they go back exactly as they were.

2. Scalar control for the first run

For a first run on a bench motor we use scalar (V/f) control. It does not depend on an accurate motor identification run, so it lets us check the power stage without the control loop masking a problem. The motor control mode parameter (99.04) is noted, and restored to the customer’s setting before dispatch.

3. Stop modes and slow ramps

A bench motor with no load stops almost instantly on coast, and an untested drive should not be asked for fast ramps. So for testing we set:

• 21.03 Stop mode: Ramp (the drive was set to Coast)
• 21.04 Emergency stop mode: Ramp stop (Off1)
• 23.12 Acceleration time 1: 20 s
• 23.13 Deceleration time 1: 20 s

4. What the readings tell us

At a 10 Hz reference with no load, this drive drew about 1.54 A of motor current and held a DC-link voltage of about 582 V, which is what we expect from a healthy rectifier and DC bus on a 415 V supply. Balanced output current and a steady DC link at low speed are the first signs the IGBT stage is sound.

5. Then the real test

Once control is moved from Drive Composer to the digital inputs the customer will use, the drive goes onto our load test: rated current, at least 30 minutes, with IGBT and heatsink temperatures watched throughout. Only then does it get its test report and warranty.

If you have an ACS880, ACS800 or ACS550 that is tripping or dead, send us the nameplate.