Product Overview

Reliable motor control is essential in modern industrial automation systems, especially in machinery that operates with changing loads, variable production speeds, and continuous operating cycles. The Schneider ATV310HD18N4E is an Easy Altivar 310 Variable Speed Drive (VSD) designed to provide controlled speed and torque regulation for three-phase asynchronous motors.

The ATV310HD18N4E is a higher-power model within the Easy Altivar 310 family. It is rated for 18.5 kW / 25 HP under Heavy Duty conditions and can support 22 kW / 30 HP under Normal Duty conditions. The drive is designed for a three-phase 380–460 VAC power supply, making it suitable for common industrial electrical systems.

The primary function of the drive is to regulate the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor. By changing the output frequency, the ATV310HD18N4E can adjust motor speed according to machine requirements. This allows equipment to start and stop smoothly, operate at different speeds, and respond more effectively to changing production conditions.

The ATV310HD18N4E has specified dimensions of 330 × 180 × 191 mm and a product weight of approximately 6.3 kg. Its compact enclosure makes it suitable for industrial control cabinets and machine-control panels where a higher-power drive is required without using an unnecessarily large installation footprint.

The drive incorporates U/F and sensorless vector control, allowing it to be adapted to different motor-control requirements. It also provides Modbus RTU communication through a two-wire RS-485 interface, enabling integration with PLCs, HMIs, and other industrial automation equipment.

The ATV310HD18N4E is therefore a practical solution for OEM machine builders, system integrators, maintenance departments, and industrial users who require reliable variable-speed control for higher-power motor applications.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The main function of the Schneider ATV310HD18N4E is to control the operating speed and torque of a compatible three-phase asynchronous motor.

A conventional AC motor connected directly to a fixed-frequency electrical supply generally operates at a relatively fixed speed. A variable speed drive provides electronic control over the frequency and voltage delivered to the motor, allowing the motor speed to be changed according to the machine requirements.

The basic power-conversion process can be represented as:

Three-Phase AC Input → Rectifier → DC Link → Inverter → Variable-Frequency AC Output → Motor

The drive first processes the incoming three-phase AC power and then generates a controlled three-phase output for the motor.

By adjusting the output frequency and voltage, the ATV310HD18N4E can provide:

• Variable motor speed
• Controlled acceleration
• Controlled deceleration
• Smooth motor starting
• Controlled motor stopping
• Adjustable torque characteristics
• Motor protection
• Fault monitoring
• Communication with automation controllers

The drive supports U/F control as well as sensorless vector control.

U/F control provides a straightforward method of controlling motor voltage and frequency, while sensorless vector control can provide improved motor-control performance for applications that require better torque behavior without using a physical motor speed sensor.

The ATV310HD18N4E also incorporates protective functions designed to help identify abnormal operating conditions.

These may include:

• Motor overload protection
• Overcurrent protection
• Overvoltage protection
• Undervoltage protection
• Motor thermal protection
• Motor phase monitoring
• Input phase-loss protection
• Drive overheating protection
• Short-circuit protection
• Fault detection

For example, in a production conveyor, the PLC can provide a speed reference based on the production rate. The ATV310HD18N4E receives this command and adjusts the motor output frequency accordingly.

This allows the motor to operate at the required speed rather than continuously running at a fixed speed.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The ATV310HD18N4E acts as the motor-control interface between an industrial automation controller and the connected three-phase motor.

A typical industrial automation architecture may contain:

• Schneider Modicon PLC
• Schneider HMI
• ATV310HD18N4E Variable Speed Drive
• Three-phase asynchronous motor
• Motor circuit breaker
• Magnetic contactor
• Proximity sensors
• Pressure sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Remote I/O modules
• Modbus communication network
• Industrial communication gateway
• SCADA system
• Emergency stop equipment

The PLC processes information received from sensors and operator interfaces and determines the required motor operating condition.

The ATV310HD18N4E then receives the appropriate start, stop, speed, or control commands and regulates the motor.

Through Modbus RTU communication, the drive can exchange information with a compatible PLC or supervisory control system.

Depending on the system configuration, operators and control engineers may monitor:

• Drive operating status
• Motor frequency
• Speed reference
• Fault conditions
• Alarm information
• Communication status
• Operating parameters

This makes the ATV310HD18N4E suitable for integrated machine-control architectures in which motor operation must be coordinated with other automation functions.

Industrial Applications

The Schneider ATV310HD18N4E is designed for higher-power industrial machine applications requiring adjustable motor speed and controlled operation.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial conveyor systems
• Material handling machinery
• Packaging equipment
• Processing machinery
• Pumping systems
• Industrial fans
• Ventilation equipment
• Textile machinery
• Printing machinery
• Production-line equipment
• Assembly machines
• Machine tools
• Woodworking machinery
• Ceramic machinery
• OEM industrial equipment

Conveyor Systems

Industrial conveyors often require different operating speeds during startup, normal production, and shutdown.

The ATV310HD18N4E can provide controlled acceleration and deceleration while allowing the conveyor speed to be adjusted according to production requirements.

This can also help coordinate conveyors with upstream and downstream equipment.

Material Handling

Material-handling systems frequently use motors to drive conveyors, rollers, feeders, and other mechanical equipment.

Variable-speed control allows machine builders to synchronize motor operation with sensors and other production equipment.

Pumping Systems

For compatible pump applications, motor speed can be adjusted according to process requirements.

A PLC can provide the required speed reference to the drive, allowing the pump motor to operate at a suitable speed.

Industrial Fans

The ATV310HD18N4E can control compatible higher-power fan motors.

Variable-speed operation allows airflow to be adjusted according to process requirements rather than keeping the fan permanently at maximum speed.

Processing Machinery

Many processing machines require different motor speeds during different production stages.

The ATV310HD18N4E provides electronic speed regulation that can be incorporated into the machine’s overall control strategy.

Installation and System Integration

Proper installation is essential for safe and reliable operation of the ATV310HD18N4E.

Recommended installation practices include:

• Install the drive inside a suitable industrial electrical cabinet.
• Mount the drive in the recommended vertical orientation.
• Provide adequate ventilation around the drive.
• Maintain sufficient clearance for heat dissipation.
• Verify the three-phase input voltage before energizing.
• Connect protective grounding correctly.
• Use appropriately rated input cables.
• Use appropriately rated motor cables.
• Keep power cables separated from sensitive control wiring where practical.
• Verify motor nameplate information.
• Configure the correct motor parameters.
• Select the appropriate motor-control mode.
• Set suitable acceleration and deceleration ramps.
• Verify motor rotation during commissioning.
• Configure Modbus communication parameters when network control is required.
• Check drive alarms and fault information before production operation.
• Perform a low-speed test before full-load operation.

The ATV310HD18N4E is designed for a three-phase 380–460 VAC supply. The incoming electrical system should therefore be verified before the drive is energized.

Motor parameters should also be entered according to the connected motor nameplate.

Important parameters can include:

• Motor rated voltage
• Motor rated current
• Motor rated frequency
• Motor rated speed
• Motor power
• Acceleration time
• Deceleration time
• Maximum frequency
• Minimum frequency

Incorrect motor configuration can result in unstable operation, excessive current, poor torque performance, or protective trips.

Because the ATV310HD18N4E is a higher-power drive, cabinet thermal management should also be considered during system design.

Compatible System Components

The ATV310HD18N4E can be integrated with Schneider automation equipment and standard industrial electrical components.

Typical associated components include:

• Schneider Modicon PLC
• Schneider HMI
• Easy Altivar 310 series drives
• Modbus RTU devices
• RS-485 communication equipment
• Industrial communication gateways
• Motor circuit breakers
• Magnetic contactors
• Three-phase asynchronous motors
• Remote I/O modules
• Proximity sensors
• Pressure transmitters
• Temperature sensors
• Emergency stop devices
• Industrial control cabinets
• SCADA systems

A typical control architecture can be represented as:

Field Sensors → PLC → ATV310HD18N4E → Three-Phase Motor → Mechanical Equipment

The sensors provide process information to the PLC.

The PLC determines the required operating condition and sends the appropriate command to the variable speed drive.

The ATV310HD18N4E converts the control command into regulated motor operation.

An HMI can also be used to provide operators with information about motor speed, drive status, alarms, and fault conditions.

Recommended Alternative Models

Depending on motor power, duty requirements, load characteristics, supply voltage, and automation architecture, the following models may also be considered:

The correct alternative should be selected according to:

• Motor rated current
• Motor power
• Supply voltage
• Load type
• Duty cycle
• Overload requirements
• Communication requirements
• Installation dimensions
• Environmental conditions
• Required control performance

A similar motor-power rating does not automatically mean that two drives are interchangeable. Electrical ratings, control functions, communication interfaces, cabinet dimensions, and application requirements should be verified before selecting a replacement.

Key Advantages

• Easy Altivar 310 variable speed drive
• 18.5 kW Heavy Duty motor rating
• 25 HP Heavy Duty capacity
• Up to 22 kW / 30 HP under Normal Duty conditions
• Three-phase 380–460 VAC input
• Designed for asynchronous AC motors
• U/F motor control
• Sensorless vector control
• Variable-frequency speed regulation
• Adjustable acceleration and deceleration
• Controlled motor starting and stopping
• Integrated motor protection
• Overcurrent protection
• Overvoltage protection
• Undervoltage protection
• Motor thermal protection
• Input phase-loss protection
• Modbus RTU communication
• Two-wire RS-485 interface
• Front RJ45 communication connector
• Integrated cooling fan
• IP20 protection
• Without integrated EMC filter
• Industrial cabinet installation
• Dimensions of 330 × 180 × 191 mm
• Weight of approximately 6.3 kg
• Suitable for conveyors
• Suitable for material handling equipment
• Suitable for pumps
• Suitable for industrial fans
• Suitable for packaging machinery
• Suitable for processing equipment
• Suitable for OEM industrial applications

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATV310HD18N4E?

The Schneider ATV310HD18N4E is an Easy Altivar 310 Variable Speed Drive designed to regulate the speed and operation of compatible three-phase asynchronous motors.

What is the Heavy Duty rating of the ATV310HD18N4E?

The ATV310HD18N4E is rated for 18.5 kW / 25 HP under Heavy Duty conditions.

What is the Normal Duty rating?

The drive can support 22 kW / 30 HP under Normal Duty conditions, depending on the applicable load and operating conditions.

What input voltage does the ATV310HD18N4E use?

The drive is designed for a three-phase 380–460 VAC supply.

What are the dimensions of the ATV310HD18N4E?

The specified dimensions are 330 × 180 × 191 mm.

How much does the ATV310HD18N4E weigh?

The specified product weight is approximately 6.3 kg.

What type of motor can it control?

The ATV310HD18N4E is designed for compatible three-phase asynchronous AC motors.

Does the ATV310HD18N4E support Modbus?

Yes. The drive supports Modbus RTU communication through a two-wire RS-485 interface.

Does the drive support sensorless vector control?

Yes. The ATV310HD18N4E provides U/F and sensorless vector control.

Does the ATV310HD18N4E have an EMC filter?

The standard ATV310HD18N4E version is specified without an integrated EMC filter. EMC requirements should therefore be considered during overall system and cabinet design.

What is the protection rating?

The drive is designed with an IP20 protection rating.

What applications are suitable for the ATV310HD18N4E?

Typical applications include conveyors, material handling systems, pumps, industrial fans, packaging machinery, processing equipment, textile machinery, printing machinery, and other industrial motor-driven machines.

Can the ATV310HD18N4E communicate with a PLC?

Yes. The drive can be integrated into PLC-based systems using Modbus RTU communication or suitable control interfaces.

Why use the ATV310HD18N4E instead of a fixed-speed motor starter?

A variable speed drive provides adjustable motor speed, controlled acceleration and deceleration, smoother starting and stopping, and the ability to coordinate motor operation with an automation controller.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATV310HD18N4E Variable Speed Drive is a high-power member of the Easy Altivar 310 family, designed to provide reliable variable-speed control for three-phase asynchronous motors in industrial machinery.

With an 18.5 kW / 25 HP Heavy Duty rating and a 22 kW / 30 HP Normal Duty rating, the drive can accommodate different industrial load profiles. Its 380–460 VAC three-phase input, U/F and sensorless vector control, motor protection functions, and Modbus RTU communication make it suitable for integration into modern industrial automation systems.

The ATV310HD18N4E has specified dimensions of 330 × 180 × 191 mm and a weight of approximately 6.3 kg, providing a practical installation solution for higher-power machine applications.

When combined with Schneider PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motor protection equipment, Modbus networks, and compatible three-phase motors, the ATV310HD18N4E can provide a reliable and scalable motor-control solution for conveyors, material handling systems, pumps, fans, packaging machinery, processing equipment, production lines, and other industrial automation applications.