Product Overview

The Schneider Electric ATV930C31N4C Variable Speed Drive is a high-power industrial motor-control device from the Altivar Process ATV900 series. Designed for demanding process applications, it provides variable-speed control for compatible three-phase asynchronous and synchronous motors.

The ATV930 platform is developed for industrial environments where motor performance, process stability, energy management, and equipment monitoring are important. By adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to a motor, the drive allows machinery to operate according to actual process requirements instead of running continuously at a fixed speed.

The ATV930C31N4C supports a nominal motor power of 315 kW under normal-duty conditions and 250 kW under heavy-duty conditions. Its continuous output current is rated at 616 A for normal duty and 481 A for heavy duty at a 2.5 kHz switching frequency. These ratings make it suitable for large industrial motors used in pumping systems, compressors, fans, conveyors, and other high-power machinery.

The drive operates from a three-phase 380–480 V AC supply. It supports industrial communication through EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus Serial, allowing it to be integrated into suitable PLC-based automation and process-control architectures.

The ATV930C31N4C is specified as a standard version without a braking chopper. This is an important consideration for applications involving frequent deceleration or significant regenerative energy. Engineers should evaluate the braking requirements before selecting the drive for a particular machine.

With its high current capacity, industrial communication capabilities, and process-control functions, the ATV930C31N4C is intended for large-scale motor-control installations where reliable and configurable variable-speed operation is required.

Technical Specifications

Note: The 616 A and 481 A output-current ratings correspond to normal-duty and heavy-duty operation at the specified 2.5 kHz switching frequency. Switching-frequency changes and environmental conditions may require derating. Confirm the exact enclosure and protection configuration against the product documentation for the installation.

Function and Working Principle

The ATV930C31N4C regulates the electrical power supplied to a motor. It converts incoming AC power into a controlled output, allowing the motor’s operating speed and torque characteristics to be adjusted according to the application.

1. Variable-Frequency Motor Control

The speed of an AC motor is closely related to the frequency of its electrical supply. By changing the output frequency, the drive can regulate motor speed and adapt equipment operation to different process conditions.

For example, a large industrial pump may not need to operate at full speed throughout the entire production cycle. The drive can adjust motor speed according to system demand, helping maintain the required flow or pressure.

This capability is also useful for large fans, compressors, and material-handling equipment that require adjustable operating speeds.

2. Motor Torque Management

The ATV930 series supports different motor-control profiles, including variable torque, constant torque, and optimized torque modes.

Variable-torque applications commonly include centrifugal pumps and fans, where load torque changes with operating speed. Constant-torque applications may include conveyors and certain types of industrial machinery that require relatively stable torque across their operating range.

Selecting the appropriate control profile helps match drive behavior to the mechanical characteristics of the connected equipment.

3. Acceleration and Deceleration Control

The drive provides configurable acceleration and deceleration functions. These settings determine how quickly the motor moves between operating speeds.

For large industrial machines, controlled acceleration can reduce sudden mechanical loading on shafts, couplings, gearboxes, and driven equipment. Controlled deceleration can also improve process stability and reduce abrupt changes in material flow.

The correct ramp settings depend on motor inertia, load characteristics, production requirements, and the drive’s electrical limits.

4. Process Monitoring and Energy Management

The Altivar Process ATV900 platform includes process-monitoring and energy-management functions designed to provide information about motor and drive operation.

Depending on the application and configuration, operators can use available monitoring information to assess operating conditions, identify abnormal behavior, and evaluate energy consumption.

These functions can support maintenance planning and process optimization when combined with appropriate sensors, control logic, and supervisory systems.

5. Regenerative Energy Considerations

During deceleration, certain loads can return energy to the drive. This is particularly relevant for high-inertia machinery and applications involving frequent stopping.

The ATV930C31N4C is specified without a braking chopper. Therefore, engineers should assess the application’s braking-energy requirements and determine whether an external braking arrangement or another suitable system solution is necessary.

A braking solution must be selected according to the drive’s supported configuration and the actual operating duty.

Role in Industrial Automation Systems

The ATV930C31N4C can serve as a central motor-control component in a large industrial automation system. It connects the electrical supply to the motor while exchanging commands and operating information with the wider control architecture.

PLC Integration

A programmable logic controller can coordinate the drive with pressure transmitters, flow meters, temperature sensors, valves, and other field devices.

For example, in a water-treatment installation, a PLC may receive pressure information from the pipeline and adjust pump-speed commands to maintain the required pressure.

The ATV930C31N4C supports EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus Serial communication, providing several options for integration with compatible automation equipment.

HMI and SCADA Integration

A human-machine interface or supervisory control and data acquisition system can provide operators with access to drive status, alarms, process values, and operating commands.

In a large manufacturing facility, operators may monitor multiple drives from a central control room. This can help maintenance personnel identify abnormal operating conditions and coordinate equipment adjustments.

The communication architecture should be designed around the actual network requirements, available ports, and installed option modules.

Distributed Motor Control

Large industrial plants often contain several motors operating as part of one production process. The ATV930C31N4C can be integrated into a distributed motor-control architecture where each drive manages an individual motor while exchanging relevant information with the central control system.

This arrangement supports coordinated equipment operation and can help improve visibility across the production process.

Industrial Applications

The ATV930C31N4C is designed for high-power industrial motor-control applications. Its 315 kW normal-duty rating and 250 kW heavy-duty rating make it suitable for large equipment when the motor and application requirements fall within the drive’s electrical limits.

1. Industrial Pumping Systems

Large pumps are widely used in water treatment, wastewater treatment, chemical processing, power generation, and industrial utilities.

A variable speed drive can adjust pump speed according to flow and pressure requirements. In suitable centrifugal-pump systems, reducing speed can also reduce energy consumption and unnecessary mechanical loading.

The ATV930C31N4C can be considered for appropriately rated pump motors in large industrial installations.

2. Industrial Fans and Ventilation Systems

Large fans are used in manufacturing facilities, industrial ventilation systems, cooling towers, and process plants.

Adjustable-speed operation allows airflow to be matched to changing production or environmental requirements. This can help reduce unnecessary energy consumption when full airflow is not required.

The drive’s power rating makes it relevant to large fan motors, subject to correct motor and load matching.

3. Compressors

Industrial compressors are used in manufacturing plants, process facilities, and utility systems to supply compressed air or process gases.

A suitable variable speed drive can regulate compressor motor speed according to system demand. This may help reduce unnecessary operating cycles and improve process control in compatible compressor designs.

Compressor manufacturers’ requirements must be considered when selecting the drive and configuring the motor-control system.

4. Conveyor and Material-Handling Systems

Large conveyors transport raw materials and finished products in mining, manufacturing, and bulk-material handling facilities.

The drive can provide adjustable motor speed and controlled acceleration for compatible conveyor systems. This is particularly important where equipment must coordinate with upstream and downstream machinery.

For heavy-duty conveyor applications, engineers should carefully evaluate starting torque, load inertia, overload requirements, and braking arrangements.

5. Mining and Minerals Processing

Mining and minerals-processing facilities use large motors to operate pumps, ventilation systems, conveyors, and process machinery.

Variable-speed motor control can support process adjustment and equipment coordination. The ATV930C31N4C may be suitable for compatible high-power motors in these applications when environmental and electrical requirements are satisfied.

6. Water and Wastewater Treatment

Water-treatment plants use large pumping stations, filtration equipment, aeration systems, and other motor-driven machinery.

The ATV930 platform’s process-control and monitoring capabilities can support integration into automated water-management systems.

Motor speed can be adjusted according to system demand, helping operators coordinate equipment operation with changing water-flow requirements.

Installation and System Integration

Because the ATV930C31N4C is a high-power industrial drive, installation requires appropriate electrical engineering, mechanical planning, and commissioning procedures.

1. Verify the Electrical Supply

Confirm that the incoming power supply is compatible with the drive’s 380–480 V AC three-phase input rating.

Engineers should also evaluate:

• Supply voltage and frequency.
• Available short-circuit current.
• Upstream protective-device ratings.
• Cable sizing and installation method.
• Grounding and bonding requirements.
• Power-quality conditions.

The supply system must be designed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and applicable electrical regulations.

2. Confirm Motor Compatibility

Before connecting the motor, verify its nameplate voltage, current, rated power, frequency, speed, and operating duty.

The ATV930C31N4C has different normal-duty and heavy-duty power and current ratings. The correct rating must be selected according to the actual load profile and overload requirements.

Do not select the drive based on kilowatt rating alone. Motor current, starting torque, operating conditions, and application duty are equally important.

3. Mechanical Installation and Cabinet Planning

The supplied dimensions are 1195 × 380 × 598 mm, and the supplied weight is 203 kg.

Because of its size and weight, installation requires suitable mounting support and appropriate lifting equipment. The mechanical structure must be designed to support the drive safely.

Allow adequate space for:

• Cooling airflow.
• Power and motor cable connections.
• Control wiring.
• Maintenance access.
• Inspection and servicing.
• Heat dissipation.

The exact mounting arrangement and enclosure protection must follow the product’s installation documentation.

4. Power and Motor Wiring

Power wiring must be selected according to the drive’s current rating and the installation conditions.

Separate power cables from sensitive control and communication wiring where required. Follow the manufacturer’s grounding and shielding instructions to help reduce electromagnetic interference.

All electrical work should be performed by qualified personnel using appropriate isolation and lockout procedures.

5. Communication Configuration

The ATV930C31N4C supports EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus Serial.

During integration, engineers should configure the appropriate communication settings, including network addressing, baud rate where applicable, data mapping, and communication timeouts.

The PLC or supervisory system must be configured to interpret the drive’s status and command information correctly.

6. Braking System Evaluation

This model is supplied without a braking chopper. Applications involving frequent deceleration, high-inertia loads, or regenerative operation require careful engineering assessment.

Do not assume that a braking resistor can be connected directly without checking the supported braking architecture. Verify the manufacturer’s approved solution and the required protective devices.

7. Commissioning and Functional Testing

Before the drive is placed into normal operation, verify:

• Input voltage and phase sequence.
• Motor wiring and grounding.
• Motor nameplate parameters.
• Control mode and speed references.
• Acceleration and deceleration settings.
• Communication with the PLC or HMI.
• Protection and alarm configuration.
• Cooling airflow and operating temperature.

Record the final configuration so that maintenance personnel can restore the correct settings after servicing or replacement.

Compatible System Components

The ATV930C31N4C is designed to operate as part of a complete industrial motor-control installation.

The components listed above are examples of equipment used in a complete installation. They are not necessarily included with the drive.

Alternative Models and Replacement Considerations

The ATV930C31N4C belongs to the Altivar Process ATV900 family. When replacing this drive, engineers should compare the complete electrical and functional requirements rather than selecting another model based only on power rating.

Before selecting a replacement, compare:

• Input voltage and phase configuration.
• Normal-duty and heavy-duty power ratings.
• Continuous output current.
• Switching-frequency requirements.
• Motor-control method.
• Communication protocols.
• Braking requirements.
• EMC filtering and enclosure protection.
• Mounting dimensions and weight.
• PLC and SCADA integration.
• Cooling and environmental requirements.

A replacement drive may require changes to wiring, cabinet design, communication configuration, protection settings, and commissioning procedures.

Key Advantages

High-Power Motor Control

The ATV930C31N4C supports motors rated up to 315 kW under normal-duty conditions, making it suitable for large industrial motor-control installations.

Flexible Motor Applications

Its supported control profiles allow the drive to be configured for compatible variable-torque and constant-torque applications.

Industrial Communication

EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus Serial support integration with a wide range of industrial automation architectures.

Process Monitoring Capabilities

The Altivar Process platform includes monitoring and energy-management functions that can help operators understand drive and process conditions.

Integrated EMC Filtering

The integrated EMC filter supports electromagnetic compatibility when the drive is installed and wired according to the applicable instructions.

Broad Industrial Application Range

The drive can be applied to compatible pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and other large motor-driven systems.

Configurable Operation

Adjustable operating parameters allow engineers to adapt motor behavior to different process requirements and equipment characteristics.

Technical FAQs

1. What is the Schneider ATV930C31N4C?

The ATV930C31N4C is a high-power variable speed drive from Schneider Electric’s Altivar Process ATV900 series. It is designed for controlling compatible three-phase asynchronous and synchronous motors in industrial applications.

2. What is the rated power of the ATV930C31N4C?

Its rated motor power is 315 kW for normal-duty applications and 250 kW for heavy-duty applications.

3. What is the output current?

The continuous output current is 616 A for normal duty and 481 A for heavy duty at a 2.5 kHz switching frequency.

4. What input voltage does this drive require?

The drive is designed for a three-phase 380–480 V AC supply. Verify the actual nameplate and installation documentation before connecting power.

5. Does the ATV930C31N4C include a braking chopper?

No. This catalog number is specified as a standard version without a braking chopper. Applications requiring braking-energy management must be evaluated separately.

6. Which communication protocols does it support?

The product supports EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus Serial. Additional communication options may be available through compatible option modules.

7. Can it control synchronous motors?

Yes. The Altivar Process ATV930 platform supports compatible asynchronous and synchronous motors. Motor type and control parameters must be configured correctly.

8. Is the ATV930C31N4C suitable for large industrial pumps?

It can be used for appropriately rated industrial pump motors. The selection must consider motor current, pump load characteristics, operating range, and process requirements.

9. What should be checked before purchasing?

Confirm the complete model number, input voltage, output current, power rating, braking configuration, physical condition, and included accessories. For used equipment, request clear nameplate photographs and available testing information.

10. Why is the drive’s weight important during installation?

At approximately 203 kg, the drive requires suitable lifting equipment and adequate mounting support. The installation structure, handling method, and cabinet design must account for its physical weight and dimensions.

Procurement and Maintenance Recommendations

When purchasing the Schneider Electric ATV930C31N4C, verify the complete catalog number and confirm that the drive matches the electrical requirements of the intended motor.

For high-power equipment, it is particularly important to check the normal-duty and heavy-duty ratings. A drive that appears suitable based on kilowatt rating may not provide sufficient continuous current or overload capability for the actual application.

Buyers should also verify the braking configuration. The ATV930C31N4C is specified without a braking chopper, so the application may require a separately engineered braking solution.

For used or refurbished units, request clear photographs of the nameplate, power terminals, control terminals, cooling components, and external condition. Confirm whether the unit has been tested and whether any accessories or option modules are included.

During maintenance, inspect electrical connections, grounding, ventilation paths, cooling components, and the surrounding cabinet environment. Monitor operating temperature and investigate recurring alarms or abnormal current conditions.

Back up drive parameters and document communication settings. This information can simplify troubleshooting and reduce commissioning time if the drive needs to be replaced.

Because the unit is large and heavy, transport and storage should also be planned carefully. Protect the drive from impact, moisture, excessive vibration, and contamination during handling.

Conclusion

The Schneider Electric ATV930C31N4C Altivar Process ATV930 Variable Speed Drive is a high-power industrial VFD designed for demanding motor-control applications. With a 315 kW normal-duty rating, 250 kW heavy-duty rating, and continuous output current of up to 616 A in normal-duty operation, it is suitable for appropriately rated large industrial motors.

Its support for asynchronous and synchronous motors, industrial communication protocols, integrated EMC filtering, and process-monitoring capabilities makes it a relevant solution for large pumping systems, compressors, fans, conveyors, and process machinery.

For installation, replacement, and procurement, engineers should carefully verify electrical ratings, braking requirements, communication configuration, enclosure protection, and mechanical installation conditions. Correct model identification and application-specific engineering are essential for reliable operation.