Description
Engineered to provide precise speed and torque control for demanding three-phase motor applications, the Mitsubishi Electric FR-A820-30K-060 is a high-performance variable frequency drive (VFD) from the premium FR-A800 series. This 200V class inverter features a multi-duty rating structure, allowing a single physical unit to be configured for Super Light Duty (SLD), Light Duty (LD), Normal Duty (ND), or Heavy Duty (HD) operation depending on the load dynamics of the system. Equipped with advanced sensorless vector control, high-response speed control, and an integrated PLC function, the FR-A820-30K-060 ensures reliable motor performance, energy efficiency, and seamless integration into industrial automation networks.
Features
-
Four-Class Multi-Duty Rating: Dynamically configurable to match the specific torque and current demands of different motor loads.
-
Real-Time Sensorless Vector Control: Achieves high torque at ultra-low speeds without requiring an encoder feedback loop.
-
Integrated PLC Functionality: Allows custom control logic and sequence programs to run directly on the drive, reducing the need for external controllers.
-
High-Speed Response: Exceptional response rates to load changes, minimizing speed fluctuations and stabilizing system operation.
-
Robust Safety Features: Includes hardware-based safety stop circuits complying with international safe torque off (STO) safety standards.
Applications
-
Heavy Conveyors and Material Handling: Provides smooth starting torque and precise speed control under variable mechanical loads.
-
Industrial Fans and Blowers: Optimizes power consumption using energy-saving algorithms in variable torque applications.
-
Winding and Tension Control: Ensures consistent tension control in paper, film, and textile processing machinery.
-
Pumping Stations: Prevents water hammer effects with smooth acceleration and deceleration ramp profiles.
-
Extruders and Mixers: Delivers high continuous torque at low operating speeds for uniform material processing.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification Value |
| Manufacturer |
Mitsubishi Electric |
| Model Number |
FR-A820-30K-060 |
| Voltage Class |
200V Class (Three-Phase Input / Output) |
| Super Light Duty (SLD) Rating |
37 kW / 154 A (Rated Current) |
| Light Duty (LD) Rating |
37 kW / 140 A (Rated Current) |
| Normal Duty (ND) Rating |
30 kW / 115 A (Rated Current) |
| Heavy Duty (HD) Rating |
22 kW / 90 A (Rated Current) |
| Control Method |
V/F Control, Advanced Magnetic Flux Vector Control, Real-Time Sensorless Vector Control |
| Operating Temperature |
-10 degC to 50 degC (non-freezing) |
| Actual Weight |
23.0 kg (50.7 lbs) |
| Shipping Weight (Calculated) |
30.0 kg (66.1 lbs) |
Connections and Interfaces
| Terminal / Port |
Description / Assignment |
| R/L1, S/L2, T/L3 |
Three-Phase AC power input terminals |
| U, V, W |
Three-Phase AC output terminals to the motor |
| P/+, N/- |
DC link terminals for connecting an external brake unit or DC reactor |
| Control Terminals |
Analog input (0-10V, 4-20mA), digital inputs, relay outputs, and safety stop terminals |
| RS-485 |
Standard Modbus-RTU communication interface |
Empirical Engineering Insights
Alternative Models & Compatibility
The FR-A820-30K-060 is backward compatible with legacy FR-A720 series models of equivalent capacity. When substituting an older drive, parameters can be transferred using the FR Configurator2 software. However, engineers should verify physical mounting footprints and any custom PLC ladder programs running on the drive, as execution cycles in the FR-A800 series are significantly faster than in predecessor units.
Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes
When utilizing this drive in Super Light Duty (SLD) mode at 37 kW, the unit has lower overload tolerance (110% for 60 seconds) compared to Heavy Duty (HD) mode (150% for 60 seconds). Do not use the SLD profile on high-friction or high-inertia applications like heavy mixers or reciprocating compressors, as frequent overcurrent trips (E.OC1 to E.OC3) may occur during rapid acceleration phases.
Commissioning & Wiring Tips
Always ensure that Parameter 570 (Multiple rating selection) is set correctly prior to executing auto-tuning. Attempting to tune the motor with a mismatched duty class will result in incorrect internal stator resistance estimation, leading to unstable sensorless vector performance. Shielded motor cables must be grounded directly at the drive ground terminal to minimize common-mode electrical noise affecting nearby analog instrumentation loops.
Installation Guidelines
CRITICAL WARNING: Hazardous voltages remain present in the internal DC link capacitors for several minutes after the main AC power supply has been disconnected. Before performing any physical wiring, terminal tightening, or card installations, verify that the charge indicator LED on the front panel is completely extinguished and measure the DC voltage between terminals P/+ and N/- to confirm it is below 20V. Failure to de-energize and verify safety can result in severe electrical shock, permanent equipment damage, or death.
1
Enclosure Mounting: Mount the inverter vertically on a flat, non-flammable vertical surface. Maintain a minimum clearance of 50mm above and below the unit, and 10mm on both sides, to ensure unobstructed ventilation and optimal convective heat dissipation.
2
Main Power Grounding: Ground the inverter unit securely to the system ground. For 200V class installations, the grounding resistance must be 100 ohms or less. Run a dedicated ground lead back to the distribution panel rather than daisy-chaining multiple drives.
3
Control Signal Separation: Route control signal and communication wiring separately from main power input (R, S, T) and motor output (U, V, W) cabling. Use shielded twisted-pair cables for analog speed reference signals and ground the shield at the drive end only.