Altivar HVAC ATH200 Variable-Speed Drives

Introduction

Schneider Electric’s Altivar HVAC ATH200 series is a range of variable-speed drives for compact HVAC-machine applications from 0.37 kW to 22 kW (0.5 HP to 30 HP). The series combines motor-speed control for HVAC equipment with embedded Modbus serial-line and BACnet MS/TP communications, supporting integration into building-oriented control systems without requiring those protocols to be added externally.

The drives are intended for use in commercial buildings, OEM-built HVAC equipment, and mission-critical facilities. Their support for multiple motor technologies and control approaches makes the range applicable to fan- and pump-oriented systems as well as other HVAC machine designs within its power range.

What it does

ATH200 drives regulate the speed of asynchronous, synchronous, and permanent-magnet motors. Available control modes include variable-torque control for fan and pump loads, sensorless vector control, and standard V/F control.

The range is designed for applications where motor output can be adjusted to suit operating demand rather than running continuously at a fixed speed. Embedded Modbus serial line and BACnet MS/TP interfaces provide communications options for monitoring or coordinating drive operation within an HVAC control architecture.

The series is rated with IE2 efficiency class according to IEC 61800-9-2 and can provide 110% of nominal drive current for 60 seconds. It also includes a Safe Torque Off function certified to IEC 61508 safety integrity level 3 and performance level e (PL e) according to ISO/EN 13849-1-2. A2L refrigerant certification is specified for the range.

Applications

Typical uses that follow from the ATH200’s HVAC focus and supported control modes include:

• Variable-speed fans in compact HVAC machines
• Pump control in commercial-building HVAC systems
• OEM-built air-handling and ventilation equipment
• HVAC equipment requiring BACnet MS/TP or Modbus serial communications
• Motor-control installations using asynchronous, synchronous, or permanent-magnet motors
• HVAC systems in mission-critical facilities within the drive’s specified power range

Design considerations

The ATH200 range covers 0.37 kW to 22 kW, so drive selection should align with the motor and application power requirement. Its variable-torque fan/pump mode is specifically relevant to those load types, while sensorless vector control and standard V/F offer alternative control approaches where appropriate.

The drives have an IP20 protection degree. Installation design should therefore account for the environmental protection required by the finished equipment or enclosure. The specified operating ambient-temperature information indicates operation from +50°C to +60°C with a derating factor, making thermal conditions and derating part of the system-level selection process.

For connected HVAC systems, the embedded Modbus serial-line and BACnet MS/TP interfaces should be considered alongside the planned control-network architecture. Where safety integration is required, the specified Safe Torque Off function provides a defined functional-safety capability. The series is also specified for IEC 60721-3-3 3C3 environmental compliance.

Availability and further information

Further technical information is available through the source/distributor and datasheet links provided on this page.