FC101P18KT4E20 Danfoss VLT HVAC Basic Drive 18.5 kW

Product Overview

The FC101P18KT4E20 (FC101P18K) is a high-performance VLT HVAC Basic Drive specifically engineered to optimize motor control in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Delivering a typical shaft output of 18.5 kW (25.0 HP), this drive is a critical component for managing medium-to-large centrifugal fans and pumps in commercial buildings and industrial facilities. The FC101P18KT4E20 is designed to reduce energy consumption significantly by matching motor speed to actual demand, achieving an impressive 96.9% efficiency rating. Its H6 frame size and IP20 protection rating make it an ideal choice for centralized cabinet installation, where it provides reliable, long-term operation while minimizing mechanical stress on the drive-train through smooth acceleration and deceleration.

Technical Configuration

The FC 101 HVAC Basic series is built for simplicity and durability. This 18.5 kW variant features advanced power electronics capable of handling continuous output currents of up to 74.8 A at 40 deg C. The unit includes a built-in PI controller, allowing for autonomous closed-loop control of pressure or flow without external controllers. To ensure stability in diverse power environments, it is equipped with a DC link reactor that reduces harmonic interference on the mains supply. The drive also supports a "Flying Start" function, which enables the inverter to catch and control a motor that is already spinning—a vital feature for preventing trips in ventilation ducts where back-drafts are common.

Technical Specifications

Technical FAQs

How does ambient temperature affect the performance of the FC101P18KT4E20?

The drive is rated for full output at 40 deg C. If the ambient temperature rises to 50 deg C, the continuous output current must be derated to 66.6 A to protect the internal power modules from overheating.

What are the requirements for the line and motor power terminals?

The terminals on the H6 frame can accommodate cable sizes up to 35 mm2 (2 AWG). Ensure that the cables are properly stripped and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications to maintain a low-resistance connection and prevent thermal damage at the terminal block.

Is there a built-in RFI filter in this model?

The FC 101 series typically includes a built-in RFI filter that complies with EN/IEC 61800-3 category C3 (Class A2). This ensures that electromagnetic interference is kept within acceptable limits for industrial and commercial environments.

Engineering & Installation Guide

Heat Dissipation and Clearances: With an estimated typical power loss of 658 W, adequate cooling is essential. When mounting in a cabinet, ensure a minimum vertical clearance of 100 mm above and 100 mm below the drive. This allows the forced-air cooling system to effectively move heat away from the H6 chassis.

BMS Integration: For integration into Building Management Systems, the FC 101 comes standard with FC Protocol, Modbus RTU, and BacNet. Use twisted-pair shielded cable for the RS485 communication line to prevent noise interference from the high-power motor cables.

Motor Protection: To extend the life of the 18.5 kW motor, ensure the drive's electronic thermal relay (ETR) is correctly configured during commissioning. For installations where the motor cable exceeds 50 meters, consider installing an output dV/dt filter to protect the motor insulation from voltage spikes caused by high-speed switching.