The Schneider Electric VW3A4554 is a braking resistor unit designed to be used with compatible Schneider Electric variable frequency drives (VFDs) and servo drives, primarily from the Altivar Process series and other machine-drive families. Its function is to safely and effectively dissipate the excess regenerative energy generated by a motor during deceleration (braking) or overhauling loads.
Specifications
Parameter Category Specification
Model VW3A4554
Product Type External Braking Unit (Chopper)
Compatible Drive Series Schneider Electric Altivar Process ATV900, ATV600 series, and other compatible industrial drives. (Always verify compatibility with your specific drive model in the catalog.)
Maximum Continuous Braking Power 45 kW (This is a key rating, indicating the sustained power dissipation capability when paired with a correctly sized resistor).
Maximum Braking Current 90 Amperes
DC Bus Voltage Threshold (Typical) Activation (On): Adjustable, typically around 770V DC for a 400V AC line supply system.
Deactivation (Off): Typically around 750V DC. (Precise settings may be configurable via dip switches or parameters.)
Control Method IGBT (Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor) based switching, controlled by DC bus voltage sensing.
Protection Features • Over-temperature protection (via thermal sensor).
• Short-circuit protection.
• Status and fault indication via LEDs.
Terminals • Power Terminals (R+/R-): For connection to the external braking resistor.
• Control Terminals: Connection to the drive's DC bus (P+, DB) and possibly for control signals and thermal feedback from the resistor.
• Thermistor Input: For connecting the braking resistor's integrated thermal overload sensor (PTC).
Mounting Designed for cabinet mounting on a standard DIN rail or backplate.
Cooling Method Natural convection (fanless). Requires adequate space for ventilation.
Ambient Operating Temperature Typically 0°C to +50°C (without derating). Storage: -25°C to +70°C.
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating IP20 (For installation inside a protected electrical enclosure).
Standards & Approvals Complies with relevant IEC/EN standards. Typically carries CE, UL, cUL marks.
Dimensions (W x H x D) Varies. Consult the official datasheet. A typical unit might be approx. 200mm x 300mm x 150mm.
Required External Component Braking Resistor: Must be selected separately based on the required peak braking power (Ohm value) and duty cycle. The VW3A4554 provides the switching control; the resistor does the actual energy dissipation.