Lenze Unveils Next‑Generation i550 & i650 Inverters for IE5/IE7 High‑Efficiency Drive Systems

Hameln / Nuremberg, Germany – At the SPS Smart Production Solutions 2024 exhibition, global automation leader Lenze launched its new generation of i550 and i650 frequency inverters, the core of the company’s groundbreaking IE5/IE7 high‑efficiency motor drive system. Designed for sensorless precision control, the new inverters combine extreme energy efficiency, compactness, and simple operation for intralogistics, packaging, textile, and general machinery applications.

The complete drive package includes m550/m650 permanent magnet synchronous motors, g500 gearboxes, and the new i550/i650 variable frequency drives. Together, they form a system that delivers IE5 and IE7 efficiency classes, reducing motor losses by up to 60% compared to conventional IE2/IE3 solutions. The inverters support sensorless vector control (SLSM) and deliver 300% overload torque, enabling highly dynamic starts and precise positioning without encoders.

• IE5/IE7 System Efficiency: Up to 60% lower energy losses; reduces CO₂ footprint and operational costs.
• Sensorless Control: No encoder required for accurate speed/position control; simpler wiring, lower cost, less maintenance.
• High Overload Capacity: 300% overload torque for fast acceleration and stable operation in demanding cycles.
• Decentralized & Compact: The i650 motec variant can be mounted directly on the motor, saving control cabinet space and cabling effort.
• Integrated Safety & Logic: Built‑in STO (Safe Torque Off), optional CIP Safety, and integrated PLC/positioning functions; often eliminates the need for an external controller.
• Regenerative Energy Recovery: Reuses braking energy, reduces heat, and removes the need for external brake resistors.
• Wide Power Range: i550: 0.25 kW – 11 kW; i650: 0.75 kW – 22 kW, scalable for small to medium machinery.

Klaus Dierkes, Product Manager Electromechanics at Lenze, emphasized:

“Machine builders and end users want higher efficiency, smaller footprint, and simpler integration. The new i550/i650 inverters, paired with our IE5/IE7 motors, deliver exactly that—sensorless precision, industry‑leading efficiency, and plug‑and‑play usability."

Field tests across intralogistics, packaging, and textile machines confirm significant energy savings and high reliability. Lenze also provides the free EASY System Designer tool for fast drive sizing, energy simulation, and project configuration.

Lenze is a global full‑service automation provider with 75+ years of experience, focusing on drive technology, motion control, and Industry 4.0 solutions. The company operates in 45 countries with around 3,600 employees and generated €828 million in revenue (2023/24)