The Lenze i550 inverter is a flexible variable speed drive designed for industrial machines and automation systems requiring reliable motor control, adaptable communication options and scalable functionality.
It is suitable for a wide range of applications, from conveyors and pumps to machine tools, packaging equipment and more complex automated machinery.
At Modern Drives & Controls, we can help you select the correct Lenze i550 inverter for your motor, machine and control system requirements.
What Is the Lenze i550 Inverter?
The Lenze i550 is a compact industrial inverter designed to control the speed, torque and direction of electric motors.
It can be used as part of a new machine design or integrated into an existing automation system where reliable and flexible motor control is required.
The i550 is designed to support applications where the inverter needs to work alongside a machine controller, PLC or wider industrial communication network.
Depending on the selected configuration, the i550 can provide:
- Variable speed motor control
- Flexible control and communication options
- Compact cabinet installation
- Scalable functionality
- Support for different motor technologies
- Integration with industrial automation systems
- Optional safety functions
- Braking and application-specific options
The correct inverter specification will depend on the motor, application, control method and installation requirements.
Lenze i550 Cabinet Inverter
The Lenze i550 cabinet inverter is designed for installation inside an electrical control panel or machine cabinet.
Its compact design makes it suitable for applications where panel space is important, while its scalable functionality allows it to be specified for a wide range of machine requirements.
The i550 cabinet range covers power ratings from approximately 0.25 kW up to 132 kW, depending on the selected model and configuration.
Typical applications include:
- Conveyors
- Pumps
- Fans
- Packaging machinery
- Material handling equipment
- Machine tools
- Processing machinery
- Automated production equipment
- Winding applications
- Hoisting and lifting equipment
The i550 can be supplied as a complete inverter or as a modular system, depending on the requirements of the installation.
Lenze i550 Decentralised Inverter
The Lenze i550 is also available in decentralised versions, including the i550 protec.
A decentralised inverter is installed closer to the motor or machine rather than being located entirely inside a central control cabinet.
This can offer advantages where:
- Motor cables need to be kept shorter
- Machine sections are physically separated
- Cabinet space is limited
- A modular machine layout is required
- Local motor control is preferred
- The machine needs a distributed automation arrangement
The i550 protec is designed for industrial environments and can be mounted close to the machine or motor.
Depending on the configuration, features may include:
- Decentralised installation
- Industrial protection ratings
- Local control and commissioning options
- Industrial communication interfaces
- Optional safety functions
- Flexible integration into machine automation systems
The correct protection rating and configuration should always be selected according to the installation environment.
Key Features of the Lenze i550
Flexible Motor Control
The Lenze i550 can be used for a variety of motor control applications, including variable speed operation, acceleration and deceleration control, reversing and torque-related applications.
The required control method depends on the motor type and the performance required by the machine.
Industrial Communication Options
The i550 can be configured with a range of communication options to suit different automation systems.
Depending on the selected model and communication module, available options may include:
- CANopen
- EtherCAT
- EtherNet/IP
- IO-Link
- Modbus RTU
- Modbus TCP
- POWERLINK
- PROFIBUS
- PROFINET
This allows the inverter to be integrated into a wider control system and exchange operating information with a PLC or machine controller.
The communication method should be confirmed before ordering to ensure compatibility with the existing or planned control system.
Compact Installation
The cabinet-mounted i550 is designed to make efficient use of control-panel space.
This can be important when designing compact machinery or when replacing older equipment with a more modern inverter solution.
The final dimensions and installation requirements depend on the selected power rating and configuration.
Scalable Functionality
The i550 is designed to provide different levels of functionality depending on the needs of the application.
This allows the inverter to be specified according to the actual machine requirements rather than selecting unnecessary features.
Possible requirements may include:
- Basic speed control
- Networked control
- Braking
- Safety functions
- Motor temperature monitoring
- Application-specific control
- Integration with a machine PLC
Safety Options
Safety requirements vary between machines and applications.
Depending on the selected configuration, the i550 can be supplied with safety functionality such as Safe Torque Off (STO).
STO is used in machine safety systems to prevent the inverter from producing torque at the motor when the relevant safety conditions are met.
The correct safety arrangement must be designed around the complete machine risk assessment and safety system. The inverter’s safety functions should not be considered in isolation.
Braking and Motor Protection
Some applications require controlled stopping, faster deceleration or additional braking capability.
Depending on the application and selected inverter, braking-related options may be available.
The motor and inverter specification should take account of:
- Motor power
- Motor current
- Required stopping time
- Load inertia
- Frequency of stopping
- Regenerative energy
- Braking resistor requirements
- Motor temperature monitoring
- Duty cycle
Selecting the correct braking arrangement is particularly important for machinery with high inertia, frequent stopping or demanding deceleration requirements.
Typical Applications for the Lenze i550
The Lenze i550 can be used across many industrial sectors and machine types.
Conveyors and Material Handling
The i550 can be used to control conveyor motors where adjustable speed, controlled starting and stopping or integration with a PLC are required.
Typical applications include:
- Belt conveyors
- Roller conveyors
- Transfer systems
- Packaging conveyors
- Material handling machinery
Pumps and Fans
Variable speed control can help pumps and fans operate at the speed required by the process.
Applications may include:
- Industrial pumps
- Cooling systems
- Extraction systems
- Ventilation equipment
- Process fans
The correct control method will depend on the pump or fan characteristics and the process requirements.
Packaging Machinery
Packaging machines often require controlled acceleration, deceleration and coordination with other machine functions.
The i550 can be used in applications such as:
- Filling equipment
- Wrapping machinery
- Labelling systems
- Product handling
- Packaging conveyors
Machine Tools and Processing Equipment
The i550 may be suitable for machinery requiring adjustable motor speed and integration with a wider automation system.
The final specification will depend on the motor, required speed range, torque demand and machine control system.
Winding and Hoisting Applications
Some winding, lifting and hoisting applications require careful consideration of torque, braking, stopping performance and safety.
The i550 may be suitable for these applications when correctly specified with the required control, braking and safety arrangements.
These applications should be assessed individually because the inverter specification can be significantly affected by the load characteristics and duty cycle.
Selecting the Correct Lenze i550 Inverter
Choosing the correct i550 inverter requires more than simply matching the inverter power rating to the motor power.
The following information is useful when selecting a suitable model:
Motor Information
- Motor manufacturer
- Motor power rating
- Motor voltage
- Motor current
- Motor frequency
- Motor speed
- Motor type
- Motor connection
- Motor overload requirements
The motor current is particularly important because two motors with the same kW rating may have different current requirements.
Application Information
- What the motor is driving
- Required operating speed
- Required speed range
- Acceleration time
- Deceleration time
- Starting frequency
- Stopping frequency
- Load inertia
- Required torque
- Continuous or intermittent operation
- Any overload requirements
Control System Information
- PLC or controller manufacturer
- Required communication network
- Start and stop method
- Speed reference method
- Digital input requirements
- Analogue input requirements
- Feedback requirements
- Safety requirements
- Braking requirements
Installation Information
- Cabinet-mounted or decentralised installation
- Available panel space
- Ambient temperature
- Installation environment
- Protection rating
- Cooling requirements
- Supply voltage
- Available short-circuit current
- Cable lengths
- EMC requirements
Providing this information at the start helps avoid selecting an inverter that is either unsuitable for the application or unnecessarily over-specified.
Can Modern Drives Supply and Support Lenze i550 Inverters?
Modern Drives & Controls can help with the selection and supply of Lenze inverter solutions for industrial applications.
We can assist with:
- Identifying the correct Lenze i550 model
- Checking motor compatibility
- Selecting communication options
- Reviewing braking requirements
- Considering safety requirements
- Selecting cabinet or decentralised installation
- Supporting replacement inverter applications
- Helping with technical specification
- Supplying associated motor control equipment
If you are replacing an existing inverter, it is useful to provide the details from the existing drive, motor nameplate and machine control system.
A replacement is not always a direct like-for-like exercise. The new inverter may need to match the motor, control signals, communication network, braking arrangement and physical installation requirements.
Need Help Selecting a Lenze i550 Inverter?
If you are unsure which Lenze i550 inverter is suitable for your machine, Modern Drives & Controls can help you work through the requirements.
To help us identify the correct solution, provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Motor make and model
- Motor power and current
- Supply voltage
- Required motor speed
- Application details
- Control method
- PLC or communication network
- Braking requirements
- Safety requirements
- Existing inverter details, if replacing an older unit
You can contact Modern Drives & Controls for advice on selecting and specifying a Lenze i550 inverter for your application.
Modern Drives & Controls Ltd
Industrial inverters, geared motors, control panels and automation solutions.
[Contact us to discuss your Lenze i550 inverter requirements.]