Line Modules

Power is fed to the drive line-up via Line Modules, which generate a DC voltage from the line voltage and, therefore, supply energy to the Motor Modules connected to the DC link. They are suitable for connection to grounded TN/TT and non-grounded IT systems.

The Line Modules are connected to the line supply system via Line Connection Modules and are equipped as standard according to Category C3. Category C3 is part of the "second environment" (in accordance with EN 61800-3). The “second environment” constitutes locations outside residential areas or industrial sites which are supplied from the medium-voltage network via a separate transformer.

The range of Line Modules has power ratings from 132 kW to 900 kW (380 V to 480 V) and from 250 kW to 1500 kW (500 V to 690 V). Furthermore, up to four identical Line Modules can be connected in parallel in order to increase the power rating.

For a compact configuration, Line Connection Modules up to input currents of 3200 A are available. Two Line Modules can be operated in parallel on these Line Connection Modules.

The following types of Line Module are available:

• Basic Line Modules
• Smart Line Modules
• Active Line Modules

Basic Line Modules

Basic Line Modules are designed only for infeed operation, i.e. they are not capable of recovering energy to the line supply.

If regenerative energy is produced, e.g. when the drives brake, then it must be converted to heat by means of a Braking Module and a braking resistor.

When a Basic Line Module is used as the infeed, a line reactor appropriate to the supply conditions must be installed. Line reactors are generally required if two or more Basic Line Modules are operated in parallel on a common supply system in order to increase power.

For this reason, line reactors are installed in the appropriate Line Connection Module as standard.

Line Connection Module with Basic Line Module ≤ 800 A

Line Connection Module with Basic Line Module > 800 A

If, for example, a converter transformer is used to connect to the line supply (12-pulse operation), it may be possible to omit line reactors (depending on the supply conditions on site) and they can be optionally deselected (option L22 for a Line Connection Module combined with a Basic Line Module).

For a compact configuration, Line Connection Modules with input currents of up to 3200 A are available. Two Basic Line Modules can be operated in parallel on these Line Connection Modules. Versions with line-side fuses are available for parallel connections in order to provide selective protection of the individual Basic Line Modules.

Line Connection Module with Basic Line Modules connected in parallel

Smart Line Modules

Smart Line Modules can supply energy to the DC link and return regenerative energy to the supply system. A Braking Module and braking resistor are required only if the drives need to be decelerated in a controlled manner after a power failure (i.e. when energy cannot be recovered to the supply). When a Smart Line Module is used as the infeed, the necessary line reactor is included in the device as standard and can be optionally deselected (option L22).

Line Connection Module with Smart Line Module ≤ 800 A

Line Connection Module with Smart Line Module > 800 A

Line Connection Module with Smart Line Modules connected in parallel

Active Line Modules

Active Line Modules can supply energy to the DC link and return regenerative energy to the supply system. A Braking Module and braking resistor are required only if the drives need to be decelerated in a controlled manner after a power failure (i.e. when energy cannot be recovered to the supply).

In contrast to Basic Line Modules and Smart Line Modules, however, Active Line Modules generate a regulated DC voltage which remains constant despite fluctuations in the line voltage. However, in this case, the line voltage must remain within the permissible tolerance range. Active Line Modules in combination with an Active Interface Module draw a virtually sinusoidal current from the supply system. Almost no harmonics occur. The total harmonic distortion factors of current THD(I) and voltage THD(U) are typically in the range of approx. 3 %. The stringent limit values of IEEE 519 (2014) are complied with.

Active Line Modules must always be used in conjunction with an Active Interface Module. Active Interface Modules include the required pre-charging circuit for the Active Line Module in addition to a Clean Power Filter. For SINAMICS S120 Cabinet Modules, these two components are always regarded as a single unit.

Line Connection Module with Active Interface Module and Active Line Module ≤ 800 A (example frame size HX + HI)

Line Connection Module with Active Interface Module and Active Line Module > 800 A

In the example, two units comprising an Active Interface Module and Active Line Module are connected in parallel to jointly supply the DC link.

Line Connection Module with Active Interface Modules and Active Line Modules connected in parallel

DC link components

Braking Modules enable braking resistors to absorb the regenerative energy produced during drive deceleration, which is then converted into heat. Using a Braking Module and a braking resistor, it is possible to brake motors even when the power fails.

Braking Modules as a Line Module or Motor Module option

For lower braking powers, Braking Modules are available with continuous braking powers up to 50 kW. These Braking Modules are ordered as an option for the Line Modules and Motor Modules (order codes L61/L64 (25 kW) or L62/L65 (50 kW), refer to the Description of the options.

Central Braking Modules

For higher continuous braking powers, separate Central Braking Modules are available. These modules are used centrally in the drive line-up. To increase the braking power, up to four Central Braking Modules can be connected in parallel.

Motor Modules

There are two different types of Motor Module available with the SINAMICS S120 Cabinet Modules drive system.

Booksize Base Cabinets with Booksize Cabinet Kits

Motor Modules at the low end of the power range from 4.8 kW to 71 kW (380 V to 480 V) can be implemented as Booksize Cabinet Kits installed in Booksize Base Cabinets.

Chassis Cabinets

Each Chassis Cabinet is fitted with one SINAMICS S120 Motor Module in chassis format and covers the power range from 75 kW to 1200 kW (380 V to 480 V or 500 V to 690 V). The power rating can be extended up to approx. 4500 kW by connecting up to four Motor Modules in chassis format in parallel.

SINAMICS S120 Motor Modules in chassis format can also be used as a Braking Module (braking chopper) if a 3-phase braking resistor is connected instead of a motor.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the SINAMICS Low Voltage Engineering Manual.

Auxiliary Power Supply Modules

Auxiliary Power Supply Modules supply power to the auxiliary power supply system of the SINAMICS S120 Cabinet Modules.

Units connected to this auxiliary power supply system include the fans of the SINAMICS S120 devices installed in the Cabinet Modules. In addition, the auxiliary power supply system supplies the electronic modules with an external 24 V DC voltage. This is required when the DC link is not charged, for instance, in order to maintain PROFIBUS or PROFINET communication.