Tag: SC FAULT

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Repair Guide for INVT G9 Series Frequency Converter “Crash” Fault

Repair Guide for INVT G9 Series Frequency Converter “Crash” Fault

When dealing with a reported “crash” fault in an INVT G9 series frequency converter, a systematic approach to diagnosis and repair is crucial. This article outlines a step-by-step process based on user feedback, detailed inspection, and successful repair.

INVT INVERTER physical picture

User Feedback and Initial Observations

The user reported that the frequency converter was not operational at the time of the incident, but other machines on the same three-phase power supply experienced abnormalities, leading to a short circuit and tripping. Consequently, the power switch for the frequency converter also tripped. Upon attempting to reset the power switch, it was discovered that the operation panel was no longer displaying any information, prompting the need for repair.

Detailed Inspection and Fault Identification

Upon inspecting the frequency converter, an open circuit was found between the R, S, T terminals and the main DC circuit (P and N). Further disassembly revealed that the copper foil strip connecting to the module had been damaged by an arc. Testing confirmed a short circuit at the three-phase power supply terminal of the module.

Root Cause Analysis

The root cause of the malfunction was traced back to instantaneous short circuits and tripping of other load branches in the power supply, which induced abnormal voltage spikes in the three-phase power supply. These dangerous voltage levels caused the rectifier circuit in the frequency converter module to break down and short circuit. The resulting strong arc burned the copper foil strip and triggered the power switch to trip.

Repair Plan

INVT inverter drive board

Fortunately, the inverter part of the module was still functional, with no signs of bulging or deformation. Therefore, the decision was made to cut off the damaged rectification part of the module and install an additional three-phase rectification bridge. This low-cost repair plan allowed for the reuse of the original three-phase inverter circuit in the module.

Inspection and Troubleshooting

To prevent further abnormalities, the power supply to the inverter section of the module was cut off. A 500V DC voltage was applied from an external repair power supply, but the operation panel displayed “H.00,” and all operations were ineffective. Based on experience, this indicated that the module’s short circuit detection function had activated, causing the CPU to reject all operations.

Further inspection revealed that the overcurrent signals in the fault signal collection and processing circuit were all negative, whereas they should have been positive under normal conditions. Tracing the current detection circuit, it was found that an incorrect overcurrent signal was being output. By disconnecting the overcurrent fault signal, the operation panel’s parameter settings returned to normal, but the start/stop operation still had no response.

Additional Fault Signals and Resolution

Suspecting that there might be other fault signals causing the frequency converter to remain in protection mode, the voltage at the module’s thermal alarm terminal was measured and found to be 3V, lower than the normal 5V. It was hypothesized that the damaged rectification circuit might be outputting a thermal alarm signal. By cutting off the copper foil strip connected to the thermal alarm, the start/stop operation on the operation panel became effective.

Protection Sequence and Final Repairs

The protection sequence of the INVT G9/P9 frequency converter is designed to ensure safe operation. If a fault is detected in the power inverter output section during power-on detection, the SC – output short circuit fault code will be displayed, and all operations will be rejected. Similarly, if an overcurrent signal is detected, “H.00” will be displayed, and all operations will be halted. When a thermal alarm signal is detected, most operations can be performed, but the startup operation is rejected to prevent overheating.

To complete the repair, the damaged copper foil strip lead of the three-phase power supply was cut off, cleaned, and properly insulated. An external three-phase rectifier circuit was connected, and its DC output was introduced to the P and N terminals. Additionally, a thermal protection circuit was installed using a 60℃ normally closed thermal relay, which is connected in series with an NPN type transistor base to the 5V ground circuit. This ensures that the module does not overheat and burn, providing an additional layer of safety.

By following this structured approach, the INVT G9 series frequency converter was successfully repaired, restoring it to full functionality.

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Handling Method for SC Jumping Fault of GS Series INVT VSD

SC: Refers to a short circuit in the output load of the frequency converter. In the state of power outage, there is no short circuit between U, V, W and between U, V, W and DC P, N. To distinguish whether it is a current detection circuit fault on the CPU motherboard or a signal returned by the driving IC, short circuit the signal to the diode side of the optocoupler device with a wire, and operate the RUN key after power on. The output frequency displayed on the panel is normal. The SC signal is returned by the driving IC, and there are two reasons for the malfunction: first, the inverter module is damaged, and second, the driving IC itself is faulty.

After cutting off the power supply to the inverter module, the six pulse signals of the drive IC were checked again. It was found that the U-upper arm drive IC had input pulses but no output pulses (static negative pressure normal). After replacing the drive IC, the output was normal. The static negative pressure of the U lower arm drive IC is only a few tenths of a volt. After replacement, the fault still persists. After welding the 100 ohm resistor connected to the trigger end of the inverter module, the static negative pressure rises to the normal value. The forward resistance of the lower arm terminal of the module U is consistent with the resistance of other trigger terminals, but its reverse resistance is slightly smaller than that of other trigger terminals, indicating that the circuit inside the U-phase trigger terminal of the module is damaged!
This is a key point in checking module faults: the resistance of the main terminal cannot be roughly measured to be normal, which means that the module is good. It is not uncommon for the circuit inside the triggering terminal to be damaged, but it is more concealed! When the frequency converter reports an SC or OC fault and the main terminal of the detection module is normal, the inspection of the forward and reverse resistance of the triggering terminal should not be missed!
The damage of modules and the damage of driving ICs are usually related: when the U-phase main circuit is damaged, the upper and lower arm driving ICs of the U-phase are often also damaged by strong voltage shocks; When the driver IC of the phase is found to be damaged, it often hides the internal circuit damage of the triggering terminal of the phase. So one of the two is that a comprehensive inspection must be conducted. Of course, there are also cases where modules and driver ICs are damaged separately, but it is extremely rare.

During maintenance, another phenomenon of drive IC failure was also discovered in the low-power model of the Envision GS: when the frequency converter is powered on and there is an SC fault signal output, the CPU performs self check, reset, and reset, and after clearing, the panel only displays H:00, and all panel buttons fail to operate. When the corresponding optocoupler circuit is short circuited to eliminate the SC signal, all panel operations are normal. If the model detects an SC fault signal output when powered on, it may perform a “program lock” and refuse to operate! When this phenomenon occurs, the fault signal output circuit should be checked and corresponding measures should be taken to temporarily eliminate the fault signal, in order to facilitate operation and judgment, and thus solve the fault.