Managing Reusable Parameter Lists for KEB Drives

Quick configuration and configuration backup of variable frequency drives (VFDs) are essential for OEMs, systems integrators, and end users. Whether a machine is in the design phase, production, commissioning, or service, the ability to quickly create and deploy VFD configurations saves time and ensures optimal machine performance.

KEB’s automation software, Combivis 6, is used to configure and tune KEB drives (F5, S6, F6, T6, etc.). Combivis 6 also includes multiple options for managing parameter sets, ensuring long-term ease of use. This blog covers how to efficiently create and deploy reusable parameter lists for KEB drives using Combivis 6.

KEB drive parameter lists include a backup of parameters taken from a drive. These lists can include a complete set of parameters or a shorter list containing user-defined parameters. A complete parameter list is often taken when drive tuning is complete and is ready to be used in production.

Parameter Backup

Parameter lists are created using Combivis 6 or Combivis Studio 6. A complete parameter list is created by using the parameter backup feature, which is commonly accessed from the Tools menu. To create a parameter backup, select Tools -> Parameter Backup.

By default, complete parameter lists include the date, time, project name, and configuration ID of the drive. It is important to clearly define parameter list names for future ease of use.

Parameter Saving

After a drive’s parameter set has been uploaded, the user is presented with an option to save the parameter list either to the project or externally.

Watch: How to Save Project Files and Parameter Lists

Parameter lists saved to a Combivis project can be easily used in the future by directly opening the project. By default, parameter lists saved to a project are stored in the “Parameter Lists” folder, which is located in the “Navigator” window. Subfolders can also be created to organize various sets of parameter lists.

Parameter lists saved externally are saved as “.dw5” or “.cvxpl” file. A “.dw5” includes the parameters of one device, while a “.cvxpl” file includes parameter lists from multiple devices. The most common format to manage external parameter lists is a “.dw5” file.

Read: Uploading and Downloading Parameter Lists

Drive Programming with a Parameter List

Drive programming from a backup parameter list can be done using Combivis 6 or the Combivis 6 Command Line Interface (CLI) tool.

Parameter lists saved to a project or imported into a project can be deployed using the download function. This function can be accessed by opening the parameter list and selecting the “Download list to device” icon or by selecting F4.

The Combivis 6 CLI tool is used to automate drive downloads. The CLI runs independently of Combivis 6 and can be deployed as a script and executed in the Windows command prompt. In addition to downloading parameter lists, the CLI can be used to upload parameter lists, transfer recipes, and even read from and write to VFD parameters without using Combivis 6.

Creating and deploying reusable VFD parameter lists helps reduce machine deployment time while ensuring optimal performance. KEB’s automation software, Combivis 6, provides easy-to-use tools that make it simple to reuse VFD configurations across multiple drives.