Why Siemens DC drives carry the best reputation worldwide

SINAMICS DC drive technology
Siemens DC drive technology has helped increase efficiency and reduce engineering costs for decades. Featuring an advanced design that greatly facilitates configuration, installation, integration, commissioning and service, SINAMICS DC drives are perfectly aligned with DC motors, are highly dynamic, and increase overall system reliability. And Siemens continues to be the world leader in DC drives innovation, as demonstrated by the new SINAMICS DCP bidirectional DC/DC converter products being employed in many power-intensive industrial and smart-grid applications.
The scalable DC drive system for basic to demanding applications
Siemens DC drive solutions allow you to significantly reduce technology costs by delivering peak performance and integrated intelligence for maximum availability - such as the parallel switching interface for redundant operations, flexible expandability, quick and easy component exchange, easy commissioning and parameterization, and integration in a range of automation schemes.News & announcements for SINAMICS DCM drives
Many of the same tools and components so successful in SINAMICS AC technology are now made available for SINAMICS DC drives. This series of drives sets itself apart as a scalable drive system - both for basic as well as demanding and sophisticated applications. For the standard closed-loop control, the DC converter is equipped with a standard control unit for converters (standard CUD). For applications demanding a higher computational performance and interfaces, the system can be expanded by an advanced CUD.
The SINAMICS DC Master series combines the open-loop and closed-loop control and power units in one device and therefore offer a compact, space-saving design. The AOP30 Advanced Operator Panel and the BOP20 Basic Operator Panel are available for commissioning and local operator control. The interfaces of the CUD and the number of digital inputs and outputs can be supplemented using additional modules - such as the TM15 and TM31 Terminal Modules.
- PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP communications options
- Single-phase connection is possible for units ≤ 125 A
- Variance of control units
- Field power supply in-line with requirements in the field
- 24 V DC electronics power supply
- Power unit is insulated with respect to ground
- Free function blocks are integrated in the standard version and Drive Control Chart
- Functionality can be expanded using SINAMICS components
- Coated boards and nickel-plated copper busbars (optional)
- Wide temperature range
The SINAMICS DC MASTER Control Module offers the optimum solution when retrofitting and modernizing existing DC drives. Unlike the SINAMICS DC MASTER Drive, which comprises open-loop / closed-loop control and power unit, the Control Module is used solely as a component of modernization. There are many plants and systems with DC technology, which in their present condition can no longer be coupled with state-of-the-art automation systems, like Totally Integrated Automation. In retrofitting or upgrading, the existing motor, mechanical system and power unit may be retained and only the control unit is replaced by the Control Module. This allows for a state-of-the-art DC drive at an extremely favorable price with the full functional scope of the well-proven, fully digitized units from the SINAMICS DC MASTER series.
The flexible design, as well as the available pre-assembled cable harnesses and mounting components, simplify integration into existing plants and systems. Adaptation to the configuration and to the power data of the existing components is realized through simple parameterization. By using an Advanced Operator Panel AOP30, a favorably priced alternative is obtained to control cabinet measuring instruments. Using a compact space-saving design, the SINAMICS DC MASTER Control Module, which includes a field power unit, may be split depth-wise to allow even better utilization of the mounting/installation space.
Variance of the Control Units
24 V DC electronics power supply
Integrated field power unit
Free function blocks integrated into the standard version and Drive Control Chart
Functionality may be expanded using SINAMICS components
Compact design and can be split depth-wise
Coated boards and nickel-plated copper busbars optional
Wide temperature range
PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP™ connectivity options
Suitable protective measures (among others IT-Security, e.g. network segmentation) have to be considered to ensure safe operation of the plant
The main applications for the SINAMICS DC MASTER Control Module include the retrofit and modernization of DC drives in existing plants and systems, especially high-rating drives using DC technology. There are many older systems that still employ analog technology that cannot be easily or affordably connected to a state-of-the-art automation system.
The SINAMICS DC Master (DCM) Base Drive from Siemens is an extremely flexible and cost-effective solution for both new installations and retrofits where space is limited. This pre-wired solution comes complete and tested with all the necessary components mounted on a back panel. SINAMICS DCM Base Drives are ideal for end-users and third-parties such as Siemens Solution Partners and system integrators.
The DC Base Drive has been around for over 25 years, beginning with the third generation 6RA22 digital DC drives, circa 1986. The SINAMICS DCMBase Drive is unique in that the DC I rating of the Converter is used for each panel design. Advantages with SINAMICS over the previous two generations include more power per panel in the same footprint making it easy to retrofit existing legacy base drive installations. In addition, in new installations where 150% overload is not needed (i.e. MG Set Field supplies), the SINAMICS DCM Base Drive offers a significant cost advantage.
The Standard base drive range includes base drives that are rated from 15 A to 1200 A DC continuous current
The Extended base drive range includes base drives that are rated from 1500 A to 2800 A DC continuous current
Configure and order SINAMICS DCM
Using the Siemens Drive Configurator, you can simply and quickly configure your SINAMICS DCM drive system and then order it through Industry Mall.
Innovative DC/DC converters for industrial and smart grid applications
With SINAMICS DCP Siemens starts a new generation bidirectional DC/DC converter. Siemens combines its expertise in DC technology with the advantages of the proven SINAMICS family. Thus it sets standards when it comes to quality, reliability and technical functionality.SINAMICS DCP, a scalable DC-DC Power Converter suited for both industrial and smart grid applications, is a combined buck / boost converter in one device. Overlapping voltage ranges at the input and output are possible by means of 4Q operation. This means that the DC output voltage can be lower or higher than the DC input voltage and for variable voltage levels, current can flow in both directions making SINAMICS DCP the ideal solution for charging and discharging batteries and supercapacitors.. Thanks to its high switching frequency, SINAMICS DCP is very compact and lightweight.
The high efficiency of SINAMICS DCP maximizes the overall energy fed into the public grid, island grid, microgrid or the internal power system of a factory when it is used to interconnect DC energy sources (e.g. photovoltaics, fuel cells) and energy storage systems (e.g. rechargeable batteries, SuperCaps) to the common DC bus of a grid converter/infeed inverter such as a SINAMICS S120 Active Line Module.
A PROFIBUS communication interface is included as standard. The communications interfaces of the Advanced CUD can be supplemented using additional modules - such as the optional CBE20 for PROFINET or EtherNet/IP™.
The BOP20 basic operator panel is available for simple commissioning and local operator control.
STARTER software is used for the parameter assignment and diagnostics.
SINAMICS DCP controls the electrical power flow between two Direct Current systems
SINAMICS DCP can be operated with current control or voltage control
SINAMICS DCP’s main application is to control the electrical power flow between two DC systems, e.g. between a common DC bus and a stationary battery
– from the common DC bus (DCP input, terminals P1 and N1) to a battery (DCP output, terminals P2 and N2) – this is called motoring operation and means positive current
– from the battery (DCP output, terminals P2 and N2) back to the common DC bus (DCP input, terminals P1 and N1) – this is called generating operation and means negative currentBidirectional power flow is possible
The voltages of both DC systems may have any values between 0 and +800V
The voltages in the two DC circuits are independent of one another
The electrical power flow, controlled by a signed (+ or -) current setpoint specification, is possible regardless of the voltages in the two DC circuits (in the nominal range)
The current setpoint and control signals can be specified via fieldbus (PROFIBUS – standard; PROFINET or EtherNet/IP – optional via CBE20 Communication Board) or hardwired signals
Voltage control (even in parallel operation)
Constant voltage based on a setpoint, can be used as an adjustable voltage sourceExtended voltage range: 0 V – 800 V DC
Voltage as low as 0 V to charge SuperCapsParametrizable battery charging characteristic
Optimum adaptation to various types of battery chemistries and their varying charging requirementsVoltage regulation on DC bus
Highest process reliability by maintaining and controlling the DC bus voltageAutomatic DC bus buffering
Fast supply of the DC bus from a battery, in case of line supply failure to an infeed unit (SINAMICS S120 ALM), to maintain uninterrupted operation of a motor connected to a frequency converter (SINAMICS S120 Motor Module)Variable pulse frequency
To reduce switching losses, optimize efficiency and control current rippleTemperature controlled fans (only available for 120 kW DCP)
To optimize efficiency in partial –load range and reduce noiseThree selectable overload profiles
Power peaks can be briefly provided, peak shaving applications can be realized
- Increased current, 0 - 20%, (available for 30 kW DCP and 120 kW DCP)
- Low overload (only available for 120 kW DCP)
- High overload (only available for 120 kW DCP)Parametrizable overload reaction based on heat sink temperature
Derating of switching frequency, derating of current or switch-offEtherNet/IP™ industrial communication interface
To integrate into other automation networksLocal adjustment of voltage and current actual values via control unit
The voltage and current values that the DCP displays can be adjusted so that they correspond to externally measured valuesInput of an external temperature sensor via control unit
Three different temperature sensors possibleIntegrated Maximum Power Point (MPP) Tracker
To maximize the power yield of Photovoltaic arraysPV array flying restart
The no-load voltage of a PV array can be drawn into the continuous running duty range of SINAMICS DCP
Overlapping voltage ranges at the input and output are possible by means of 4Q operation
The main application of SINAMICS DCP is to control the electrical power flow between two DC systems:
From a DC bus (input side 1, terminals P1 & N1) to a stationary battery (output side 2, terminals P2 & N2).
This is called motoring operation and means positive currentFrom a battery (output side 2, terminals P2 & N2) back to the DC bus (input side 1, terminals P1 & N1).
This is called generating operation and means negative current
The power flow in both directions (from the DC bus to the battery and from the battery to the DC bus) is called bidirectional.
The voltages in the two DC circuits are independent of one another.
The electrical power flow, controlled by a signed (+ or -) current or power setpoint specification, is possible regardless of the voltages in the two DC circuits (in the nominal range).
Definition of a 4-quadrant converter
- A 4Q converter can be applied as a boost or buck converter
- The DC output voltage can be lower or higher than the DC input voltage, i.e. charge and discharge a battery
- P1, N1 (DC Bus – Input) and P2, N2 (Battery – Output) refer to the input and output terminals of the converte
Configure and order SINAMICS DCP
Using the Siemens Drive Configurator, you can simply and quickly configure your SINAMICS DCP system and then order it through Industry Mall.