Altivar Drives Target HVAC Efficiency and Integration

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems account for a significant share of building energy consumption, making motor control strategies central to efficiency and reliability. In this context, Schneider Electric has introduced a new generation of Altivar variable speed drives for HVAC applications, including the ATH200 and ATH600 models.

Extending control across building and industrial HVAC systems
The Altivar HVAC drive range is designed for use in commercial buildings, OEM equipment, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals, airports, and data centers. These environments require stable airflow, temperature regulation, and continuous operation, often under variable load conditions.

The drives support energy savings of up to 30% through variable speed operation and load optimization, aligning motor output with real-time demand. This approach reduces energy consumption compared to fixed-speed systems, particularly in applications such as chillers, air handling units, and pumping systems within a broader digital supply chain of building operations.

The ATH200 model is positioned for compact systems and OEM integration, where design constraints and faster development cycles are key factors. The ATH600 targets higher-performance installations that require continuous operation, advanced control, and tighter integration with building management systems.



ATH200

Operating range and resilience in demanding conditions
HVAC installations often operate in varied environmental conditions, including rooftop units, outdoor installations, and enclosed mechanical rooms. The Altivar drives are specified to operate across a temperature range from -10°C to 60°C, addressing thermal and environmental stress factors.

The system design includes protection mechanisms against electrical and mechanical stresses, contributing to reduced downtime in applications where system interruption can affect occupant safety or operational continuity, such as in healthcare or data center cooling.

Integration with building automation and simplified installation
The drives are designed for direct integration into building management systems (BMS), supporting native Modbus and BACnet communication protocols. This eliminates the need for additional communication modules or external contactors, simplifying system architecture and wiring.

Installation is further streamlined through integrated electromagnetic compatibility filters and built-in motor thermal protection. Standardized cabinet dimensions of 200 mm support consistency in panel design, while compliance with REACH, RoHS, and ASI material standards aligns with sustainability requirements in modern building projects.

Application libraries and compatibility with Schneider Electric’s Modicon M172/M173 controllers and Harmony HMI interfaces enable faster commissioning and configuration. This ecosystem approach allows system integrators to deploy coordinated HVAC control strategies with reduced engineering effort.



ATH600

Cybersecurity and refrigerant compatibility in evolving HVAC systems
As HVAC systems become part of connected building infrastructure, cybersecurity and refrigerant transitions are increasingly relevant. The Altivar drives meet IEC 62443-4-2 Level 1 cybersecurity requirements, incorporating firmware integrity checks and update mechanisms to maintain system security over time.

The drives are also certified for use with A2L refrigerants and support systems using A3 refrigerants up to 18.5 kW. This enables compatibility with lower global warming potential refrigerants used in modern chillers and heat pumps, supporting compliance with environmental regulations.

Positioning within modern HVAC control architectures
By combining variable speed control, communication protocols, and cybersecurity features, the Altivar HVAC range aligns with the requirements of connected building systems. These systems increasingly rely on integrated control layers to optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and maintain operational continuity across diverse HVAC installations.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

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