VEICHI VFD Concept: A Unified Platform for Industrial Automation
VEICHI Electric, founded in 2005 in Shenzhen (China), has developed a unified concept for building frequency converters that combines multiple series into a single logical system. The essence of the approach is that all new-generation series — AC01, AC10, AC70 and AC310 — are built on common principles: identical parameter structure, book-style form factor, compatible control panels, and unified communication protocols.
This approach provides a concrete advantage: an engineer who has mastered the configuration of one series can work with any other without retraining. Parameters are grouped according to the same principle, and function codes match across series. If a function is absent in a lower-tier series, the parameter is simply skipped, while the rest remain in their positions.
AC01 Series: Compact Drives for Basic Applications
The VEICHI AC01 is the most compact series in the lineup, designed for pumps, fans, conveyors, and other equipment where complex control is not required. The power range spans from 0.4 to 7.5 kW. The series is available in both single-phase (1x220 V) and three-phase (3x380 V) configurations.
Despite its compact dimensions, the AC01 is equipped with full-featured functionality: a built-in PLC for cyclic operation, an EMC filter in every model, and IP20 protection rating. Input current for single-phase models ranges from 3 to 16 A, and for three-phase models from 2.5 to 17 A. The price range is from 5,612 to 14,746 UAH, making the AC01 the most affordable series from VEICHI.
AC10 Series: A Versatile Drive with Extended Range
The VEICHI AC10 is a mid-range series covering power ratings from 0.75 to 22 kW. The model range includes single-phase units (1x220 V, designation T/S2) from 0.75 to 2.2 kW and three-phase units (3x380 V, designation T3) from 0.75 to 22 kW. All models feature a built-in EMC filter and IP20 protection.
The AC10 is suitable for applications requiring a broader power range and wider communication capabilities: industrial ventilation, pumping stations, compressor equipment, and packaging lines. A detailed overview of the series with configuration examples can be found in the article about VEICHI AC10.
AC70 Series: Heavy-Duty Modes and High Power Ratings
The AC70 is a series for demanding industrial applications with power ratings from 0.75 to 355 kW (three-phase supply 3x380 V). Single-phase models are available in the AC70E subseries (with built-in EMC filter) from 0.4 to 2.2 kW, and AC70 T/S2 from 4 to 5.5 kW.
The key distinction of the AC70 from the lower-tier series is its support for heavy loads (G/P mode), where G denotes normal load and P denotes heavy load with increased starting torque. For example, the AC70-T3-055G/075P model operates as a 55 kW drive for a pump or as a 75 kW drive for a crusher. Output current up to 670 A (355 kW model) enables control of powerful motors at quarries, rolling mills, and cement plants.
AC310 Series: The Flagship Platform with Maximum Functionality
The VEICHI AC310 is the most feature-rich series in the lineup, with power ratings from 0.75 to 400 kW. The AC310 most fully embodies the unified platform concept: support for expansion cards (I/O, encoders, communication modules), a built-in PLC, vector control algorithm capability, and automatic restart after power failure.
Single-phase AC310 models (1x220 V) cover the range from 0.75 to 11 kW. Three-phase models (3x380 V) span from 0.75 to 400 kW, with models from 132 kW upward housed in a floor-standing enclosure (designation -L). The EMC filter is available as an option for three-phase models and is built into the 0.75 kW single-phase model.
VEICHI Series Comparison: Specifications Table
| Parameter | AC01 | AC10 | AC70 | AC310 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power, kW | 0.4 – 7.5 | 0.75 – 22 | 0.4 – 355 | 0.75 – 400 |
| Supply 1x220 V | 0.4 – 4 kW | 0.75 – 2.2 kW | 4 – 5.5 kW | 0.75 – 11 kW |
| Supply 3x380 V | 0.75 – 7.5 kW | 0.75 – 22 kW | 0.75 – 355 kW | 0.75 – 400 kW |
| EMC Filter | Built-in | Built-in | None (AC70E — yes) | Option |
| Protection Rating | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 |
| G/P Mode | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in PLC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (extended) |
| Floor-Standing Enclosure | No | No | No | From 132 kW |
| Expansion Cards | No | Limited | Yes | Full set |
| Price (min.), UAH | 5,612 | 6,264 | 11,049 | 8,700 |
Unified Control Panels for All Series
VEICHI has developed three types of control panels compatible with all new-generation series:
- LED panel (basic) — compact, with a single seven-segment display line. Shows frequency, current, and voltage. Sufficient for most standard applications.
- LED panel (extended) — with two display lines and additional quick-access buttons. Simultaneously shows the set frequency and the actual frequency.
- LCD panel — a liquid crystal display with a graphical interface, menu navigation, acceleration curve display, and fault log.
All panels connect via a standard twisted pair (RS-485) and can be mounted up to 100 metres from the drive. This allows the panel to be installed on a cabinet door or on a remote operator station.
Design Features: Why VEICHI Chose the Book-Style Form Factor
All new-generation series are built in a so-called book-style enclosure — flat, with minimal depth. This approach offers several advantages:
- Reduced cabinet depth — the book-style enclosure requires 20–30% less space in depth compared to the classic form factor.
- Better heat dissipation — thanks to modern IGBT modules, heatsink area is reduced without sacrificing cooling efficiency.
- Easily replaceable fan — the 24 V DC fan can be replaced without removing the drive from the cabinet.
- Conformal board coating — a conformal coating (similar to that used by Schneider Electric) protects the electronics from moisture and dust.
- EU certification compliance — the series carry CE marking and comply with the EMC and LVD directives.
Choosing the Right VEICHI Series by Application Type
The correct choice of series depends on the specific operating conditions. Here are recommendations based on typical scenarios:
- Pumps and fans up to 7.5 kW — AC01. Simple, compact, and the most affordable option. Learn more about typical application scenarios.
- Conveyors and mixers up to 22 kW — AC10. Versatile, with a built-in EMC filter. Answers to common questions can be found in the VFD FAQ collection.
- Heavy machinery 30–355 kW — AC70. The dual G/P rating provides torque headroom.
- Complex systems up to 400 kW — AC310. Full set of expansion cards, vector control, and built-in PLC.
- Soft start without speed regulation — VEICHI soft starters SI23/SI30 series, when only starting current limitation is needed.
Communication Capabilities and Expansion Cards
The AC70 and AC310 series support the installation of expansion cards:
- Communication modules — Modbus RTU (standard), Profibus-DP, CANopen, EtherCAT. These enable integration with PLCs and SCADA systems.
- I/O cards — additional discrete and analogue inputs/outputs for complex control schemes.
- Encoder card — for closed-loop vector control with an incremental or absolute encoder.
- Braking module — built into models up to 22 kW (AC310); for higher power ratings, an external braking resistor is used.
- DC choke — reduces harmonic distortion in the mains and improves reliability under unstable power supply conditions.
Conclusion
The VEICHI unified platform concept is a practical solution for enterprises that use multiple VFD series of different power ratings. The unified parameter structure reduces the time required for personnel training and commissioning. The book-style form factor minimises cabinet dimensions, while the wide power range (from 0.4 to 400 kW) allows a single brand to cover needs ranging from a domestic pump to an industrial crushing complex.
