Sprint Electric introduces landmark Generis AC regen drive at SPS

Sprint Electric will unveil a new AC regeneration drive at the SPS 2023 exhibition in Nuremberg in November. The Generis AC drive is described by the company as the next generation of AC drive technology, delivering cost effective and highly reliable AC motor control combined with energy regeneration and low input current harmonics.

Generis uses a patented switching technology that does not require a DC link. This means Generis gives full four quadrant control as standard, as well as unity power factor and minimal input current distortion. Four quadrant control removes the need for active front end drives or braking resistors, simplifying control of AC motors in complex applications.

Removing the DC link in an AC drive also massively reduces harmonic distortion to the mains supply as well as improving drive efficiency. The drive will control all AC motor types with both open loop and closed loop available to maximise its range of application.

Generis drives will be available from February 2024 up to 22kW with additional sizes being introduced over the next three years to cover a range up to 200kW. 

Gary Keen, managing director at Sprint Electric, comments: “Generis boasts simplified mechanics and does not use electrolytic capacitors, so it has no life limiting components which degrade with time and temperature. This results in exceptionally high levels of reliability as well as minimising total cost of ownership.

“Constant torque and variable torque profiles are easily selected so offering full energy efficiency with short payback periods.  Generis also includes extended frequency output, a feature often sought in constant power applications.

“This release has been a long time in the making, and the team has worked exceptionally hard to produce this leap in drive technology. Generis represents a new level for AC drive technology.”

Ideally suited for traditional industries such as converting, metals, print, packaging, presses and test rigs, Generis has been designed to simplify control without compromising performance. Four easy to use pushbuttons can be used for commissioning with a two-line, 40-character display that entirely negates the need to keep referring to a manual. The simple setup means that Generis can be running within minutes with full autotune capability to maximise motor performance and efficiency.

There will be a graphical programming software platform available which will be familiar to customers who are used to using and programming the Sprint DC drive range. This proven software platform will allow the drive to be easily connected in multiple drive networks with advanced application features that reduce the need for a PLC.