VIDAR is designed to be a dimensional interchange for an equivalent rated NEMA motor in the same frame. The footprint and shaft dimensions are the same. The overall length (“C” dimension) of VIDAR ranges from 4-6” longer compared to most commercially available NEMA manufacturers depending on frame size. The additional length is due to the power converter and should always be reviewed when selecting any VIDAR unit.
No, VIDAR cannot be run across the line on direct 480V AC. VIDAR uses a synchronous reluctance magnet assisted motor that must be operated by a converter. 

There is no bypass option available for the above reason.
Yes, VIDAR can be run from your existing motor starter by installing a jumper on the M1 digital input to a common multi-use terminal. This will allow the unit to start upon power up at nameplate speed.
There are several methods of speed regulation for VIDAR. A fixed speed reference entered via the VIDAR keypad is the simplest method. For active control, an analog input signal through a twisted pair control wire to the VIDAR control board is a primary method. The other standard option is Ethernet/IP and Modbus/TCP communications. You may also program each of the six relay contacts to provide a different, discrete speed reference. You may also indirectly control speed by holding a process setpoint using VIDAR's built-in PID controller.
There are a small group of parameters and commands required to run VIDAR for most applications. There is no keypad directly mounted on the unit. A separate VIDAR keypad can be directly connected to the unit via an external RJ45 (Ethernet) cable to program parameters, while still adhering to the hazardous area classification. New installations may take advantage of the Start-Up Wizard, which asks the users a series of questions to program as desired. VIDAR is also compatible with Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP protocols.

As the motor nameplate characteristics are already factory implemented, there are fewer parameters to set compared to a traditional VFD and the process is simpler.

The power converter is contained in a separate removable enclosure that can be replaced without affecting the motor. The motor can remain coupled to the pump. Hence, the drive enclosure is a modular component and easily serviced. Approximate time to switch out the drive is under 1 hour maximum.

Yes, there is thermal overload protection included for both the motor and drive as standard. The motor has two thermistors embedded on the winding and an insert for a customer provided RTD bayonet probe on the opposite drive end bearing.
In the event of a voltage dip, VIDAR has the capability to detect the event and catch the spinning motor on a restart. The system detects the voltage dip within 200 milliseconds and records the RPM and direction of rotation. This operating point is then immediately restored without disruption to the service.

This capability is different from how a traditional VFD would handle a voltage dip as the VFD relies on the charged capacitors in the DC Bus to withstand the drop. If the duration of the voltage dip is too long for the capacitor to withstand (once again can be fractions of a second,) then the VFD will trip since it will not have sufficient power. 

VIDAR does not depend on a DC Bus storage capacitor to handle a voltage dip since the power converter does not have this component - VIDAR is AC to AC conversion. VIDAR's capability of “catch the spinning motor” should therefore be a more reliable system to handle a voltage dip. Please contact us for more information on the topic.
We guarantee full torque capabilities until 437V for 460V units.

VIDAR meets the IEEE-841 standard of 0.08 in/sec peak velocity for 2, 4, or 6-pole machines.

Harmonics from a traditional VFD are generated mostly by rectifying AC to DC voltage. VIDAR does not rectify AC to DC voltage and will inherently meet ultra-low harmonics in the 3-5% range for current harmonic distortion at full load. In comparison, a 6-pulse VFD without any harmonic mitigation generates 40 to 85% THD and requires filtering, higher pulse drive (18 or 24-pulse) or an active front end to achieve the 3-5% THD. The active front end is equivalent to adding another set of IGBT’s - requiring more space and higher price compared to the drive without the active front end. Active or passive filters can also significantly reduce THD but are not required with VIDAR. While IEEE 519 technically refers to an entire facility’s output harmonics and not an actual component, the 3-5% range is the value generally referred to for meeting IEEE 519 and VIDAR meets this.
There are three possible configurations supplying the incoming 3-phase line power to a facility 
  1. Solid Grounding (Wye) 
  2. Ungrounded (Floating Delta) and 
  3. Resistance Grounded (Wye with resistance added between grounded point) 
The ungrounded Delta and resistance grounded systems are comparable as they do not allow or limit current in the event of a ground fault. The resistance grounded system provides an intermediary between the ungrounded and grounded system which can be regulated by the resistance value. The benefit to resistance grounding is that damage to the load can be mitigated in the event of a fault by allowing a controlled fault current. This can also be advantageous to prevent complete equipment shutdown when there is only a minor fault condition. Ungrounded systems were more commonly installed in the 1940 – 50’s and modern systems are grounded or resistance grounded. 

VIDAR includes a front end RFI filter to mitigate high frequency electromagnetic noise present on the power lines. As is common with VFD’s, the RFI filter has a jumper connecting it to ground. In order to accommodate a floating Delta or resistance to ground system, the jumper/screw is removed. The only case in which the jumper/screw is installed is a solid grounded WYE connected system.
The external fan on the motor provides adequate cooling over the frame to both the motor and converter to stay within its temperature limits with a 10:1 variable torque speed range within the ambient rating of 40°C. The optimized motor and integrated drive design by usage of a synchronous reluctance motor permits adequate thermal management using only a fan without the need for a fixed speed blower.
VIDAR offers a robust design that considers many issues that contribute to shaft voltage and bearing currents. Tests done to elicit shaft voltage measurements show VIDAR's shaft voltage at a minimal, safe level in which bearing damage is magnificently unlikely. By directly commutating among the three AC input voltages, the AC-Link converter inherently reduces dV/dt stress through its three-level modulation pattern (lower magnitude of voltage rise). With only about a 6" lead length from the converter to the motor terminals, there are infinitesimal impacts from reflected waves. Lastly, VIDAR has no DC Buss ripple, thus the magnitude of high frequency content is comparatively less. 
Yes as long as the generator gives a frequency from 46-62 Hz on the line and voltage is within the unit’s operating range.
VIDAR is certified as Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, Temperature Code T4. 

For Class 2 Division 2 Groups E, F, and G for dust applications, contact the VIDAR application engineering team. Currently VIDAR is not rated for Class 2 environments. It may be possible with certain modifications and a case by case certification testing to achieve Class 2 certification. 

VIDAR is not designed for Division 1 areas.
VIDAR is an industrial grade product designed with severe duty features. The motor follows IEEE-841 design standards in all ways possible. 

Drive/Converter Ingress Protection: The power module enclosure (endplate) meets IP66 – completely dust tight and protection from powerful spray jets.

Drive/Converter Corrosion Resistance: The entire VIDAR external surface for the motor and converter is painted with corrosion resistant paint. Internal surfaces of the motor stator and rotor are given a corrosion resistant coating.
VIDAR carries the CSA mark with the C and US indicating the product was tested by CSA per an agreement with UL and is certified for use in both Canada and the US according to applicable Canadian and US standards.
For temperatures above 40°C, the derate factor is -1.3A per °C above 40°C. That means if you were to operate at 50°C, you can only get  87% of the power out versus the power out at standard ambient temperatures.

For elevations: the maximum altitude possible is 2000m (due to corner ground). If installed between 1000-2000m, decrease rated current by 1% or lower ambient temp rating by 0.5°C per 100m increase in altitude above 1000m.
VIDAR can achieve 150% starting torque. This is consistent with normal VFD capabilities and each datasheet has overload curves to determine the allottable time spent in that high starting torque operational condition.
The VIDAR motor is rated for Class H insulation for a total temperature of 180°C. (140°C rise from 40°C ambient)
An AC Motor operating at synchronous speed (no slip) with torque produced through electrical reluctance.
Synchronous reluctance motors utilize the flux carrier portions of the rotor to lock into the stator's rotating magnetic field (reluctance torque). The rotor flux barriers create higher reluctance pathways that hold the field in place. It operates without slip at synchronous speed. Reluctance torque is proportional to current density and inversely proportional to airgap (airgap is the distance from the rotor edge to the inner stator tooth edge). Torque is generated when the rotating magnetic field lines produced by a stator pole travel along the path of least reluctance (along the flux carrier in the rotor). 

Induction motors induce a current in the aluminum rotor cage creating magnetic polarity on the rotor. The rotor in turn chases the stator's rotating magnetic field due to the opposite magnetic polarities. This generates torque and rotation. There is slip between the stator's magnetic field and rotor's in an induction motor, resulting in operating speeds less than synchronous speeds (asynchronous).
The construction of the synchronous reluctance rotor is stacked steel laminations with a series of hollow slots. The hollow slots serve as flux barriers while the remaining lamination steel serves as flux carriers. An induction motor rotor has a die cast aluminum cage inside the steel laminations. 
VIDAR comes standard with a top-mounted F3 location. A terminal box extension kit can be provided as an option to achieve F1 or F2 for left-side or right-side conduit box mounting.