Connecting LabVIEW and ABB motor

[Nermall]

Hey, guys!

I need to connect LabVIEW to a large electric motor (ABB ACS-800), and I want to make sure I choose the right method (if there is even such a thing). I'm a complete dummy when it comes to this, but I understand that one method is a Fieldbus conenction using an ethernet cable. I wonder if there are any issues I need to be aware of as I am doing this (cable length, signal loss, etc.). Maybe there is a better method of interfacing the two? Sorry for a vague question, but this is the best I can do for now.

Thanks!

[Brian_Beal]

Let's get some terminology straight first.  The ACS800 is an inverter(drive), not a motor.  Fieldbus is a generic term for a communications bus.  There are several options for the ACS800.  Do you have any installed?  The best option for Labview would be Modbus RTU or Modbus/TCP, using basic PC hardware.  You can also use the CANopen interface with a special card in the PC.

[Alain_S]

What's the correct type of your AC S800 motor dirve?

Since ABB said

The following fieldbus protocols are available (some protocols are not supported by every drive type😞
- CANopen
- ControlNet
- DeviceNet
- EtherCat
- Interbus
- LonWorks
- Modbus
- PROFIBUS DP-V0 / DP-V1

So, first things first, check what protocol is available for your drive.

Then, define "large"

Do you think it's wise to control a AC S800-07-2900-7 (2300kW) motor drive from a PC

Don't know if that's the one you are using but that's a "large" one

I would place a PLC in between, I'm sure that one will never reboot while your motor is running at full power... ...

[Brian_Beal]

For many industrial applications, a PC is fine as long as there is a hard-wired stop circuit.  Of course that depends on several factors. The ACS800 line starts at 3/4HP and goes up from there.

[Nermall]

Thanks for the replies! We have RETA-01 module, and it supports Modbus/TCP connection. I will have to get 60 feet of ethernet cable between the drive and the PC though, would that cause a problem?

[Brian_Beal]

60ft for Ethernet is no problem at all.  What parameters do you plan to change from the PC?  Where are you located? 

Message Edited by Brian Beal on 11-08-2009 08:33 PM

[Nermall]

We are building an axial compressor rig at Purdue University. The only thing I really want to control is the speed, but I'd like to read and record data such as torque, temperature and current for health monitoring. On top of that we will measure pressure, strain gauge and temperature data from the compressor itself.

So basically, whenever the drive is running, a person will monitor all activity, so I'm not worried about random reboots that much. We do have an emergency stop and capabilities to control the drive through the panel and separate software package (DriveWindow), but it will make our lives a lot easier if I can integrate drive control, health monitoring and data collection into a single VI

[Brian_Beal]

This will be pretty easy.  Since you have DriveWindow, you have the ABB OPC server.  You will be able to just connect to the OPC server from Labview.