Upgrading replacing Control Techniques Dominax

What was the Control Techniques DominAx? 

The DominAx series was a digital AC motor speed control manufactured by Control Techniques UK . It was available in several models that could control 3-phase motors from 1 to 15HP. The input voltage ranged 380 to 480 VAC +/- 10% , three phase. The Dominax was based on the Control Techniques CD range of drives. The drive was designed in "bookshelf" format in order to optimize cubic space when utilised in multi drive systems.

Although the DominAx was manufactured and sold by Control Techniques it is not unusual to find them rebadge as Leroy Somer or Honeywell drives. In fact some drives, particularly those rebadge by large OEMs, did not feature the Control Techniques name or the DominAx brand.

 

Key Features of the Dominax Range 

• Dominax drives are designed to operate standard 3 phase induction motors and special high frequency motors
• Digital Control of output bridge by micro processor and custom designed ASIC
• Insulated gate bi polar transistor (IGBT) inverter outout bridge for high speed switching and low power consumption
• Choice of 4 PWM output switching frequencies to match applications
• Choice of three upper limits of variable output frequencies up to 380hz maximium
• Maxium flux on all speeds
• Programmable voltage boost for additional torque at low speeds
• Acceleration and Deceleration with programmable ramps
• Slip Compensation for improved speed holding in open loop speed control

Options for Existing Dominax User 

Although the Dominax was cutting edge when first released into the market place the features on this drive can now be found in most drives from leading OEM such as Allen Bradley, Siemens Automation, Telemecanique and Mitsubsihi. At direct-industrial we recommend the Control Techniques Commander SK as a direct replacement for the DominAX. The Control Techniques Commander SK series can replace the Dominax functionality and are state-of-the-art Digital Drives that are smaller, offer many more internal features ( featuring a built-in PLC capability ) and can be setup using your Laptop PC. No pots to adjust or jumpers to set. Best of all the Software for the Commander SK is free ! As an official distributor of Control Techniques, Direct-Industrial.com is able to offer support to existing Dominax users looking to upgrade to the latest generation digital ac drives. For customers who cannot upgrade we can offer a fixed price repair service

Replacing a Dinverter

Although Direct-Industrial.com still have a large stock of Control Techniques Dinverters (see left) it is becoming extremely difficult to source these parts. Direct-Industrial.com now recommend Dinverter users to migrate to the latest generation drive technology such as the Commander SK or the Unidrive SP (both from Control Techniques)

The main difference between the old Dinverter and the newer Control Techniques drives is the Dinverter used negative logic for the control signals and the new drives use positive logic. This can cause a problem for certain users however for most applications the new drives offer the perfect solution. Direct-Industrial.com is able offer practical advise and setup support to Dinverter user .

Question / Comments. Why not call us +44 (0) 1254 673747 or alternatively visit our website and drop us an email. 

Saving Energy with Variable Speed Drives / Inverters

In the current ecomonic situtation many manufacturers are looking to reduce costs. One simple way to do this is to reduce your energy usage. In the US industrial sector, 70% of all electricity consumption involves motor driven systems. Over 40% goes to centrifugal fans and pumps (like the one pictured). Direct-Industrial.com can help you reduce your energy usage and save up to 60% in these applications by fitting a variable speed drive (inverter) which are now available directly from our online superstore. These drives can be supplied preprogramed with a simple connection diagram so you can start saving money immediately. Pictured below is a Control Techniques Commander SK inverter which we recommend for energy saving applications.




How much can you save?

A centrifugal fan running 24/7, 365 days a year will use well over 10 times it purchasing cost in electricity each and every year. On a large fan that can equate to thousands of pounds per year.

By reducing fan speed by just 20% you will see a 50% reduction in energy consumption. It doesn't take a genius to see that this equates to a substantial cost saving. In fact we recently helped one company save over £6,000 per year with a £900 variable speed drive. Control Techniques (Emerson to anyone in the USA) have a free to use calculator for working out potential savings. You can download the energy saving calculator from here.