Water Utility Modernization
CFW11 drives, PLC500 controls, and Pump Genius automation stabilized pressure zones and cut demand charges.
Download Water Case StudyWEG CFW11 Variable Frequency Drive
Versatile General-Purpose VFD for Industrial Applications
The CFW11 is WEG's most versatile variable frequency drive, offering exceptional performance and flexibility for a wide range of industrial applications. With power ratings from 1/2 HP to 1000 HP, built-in PLC functionality, and extensive communication capabilities.
Power Range & Frames
200-240 V:
0.25 to 60 HP (0.18 to 45 kW) heavy-duty, normal-duty up to 75 HP
0.25 to 60 HP (0.18 to 45 kW) heavy-duty, normal-duty up to 75 HP
380-480 V:
0.5 to 700 HP (0.37 to 522 kW) heavy-duty, normal-duty to 950 HP
0.5 to 700 HP (0.37 to 522 kW) heavy-duty, normal-duty to 950 HP
500-600 V:
1 to 600 HP (0.75 to 450 kW) Canadian-rated line voltages
1 to 600 HP (0.75 to 450 kW) Canadian-rated line voltages
690 V:
10 to 900 HP (7.5 to 670 kW) medium voltage ready with transformer packages
10 to 900 HP (7.5 to 670 kW) medium voltage ready with transformer packages
Control Capabilities
Vector & Torque:
Sensorless and encoder-based vector with torque control, flying start, and synchronous motor support
Sensorless and encoder-based vector with torque control, flying start, and synchronous motor support
SoftPLC + Pump Genius:
IEC 61131-3 environment with Pump Genius multi-pump algorithms and process PI controllers
IEC 61131-3 environment with Pump Genius multi-pump algorithms and process PI controllers
Safety & Protection:
Safe Torque Off (STO), speed supervision, and extensive motor/drive protections with alarms
Safe Torque Off (STO), speed supervision, and extensive motor/drive protections with alarms
Integrated Functions
- Detachable keypad with copy and Bluetooth programming options
- Built-in EMC filters, DC link access, and dynamic braking on higher frame sizes
- Modular I/O for encoder, resolver, analog, thermistor, and relay expansion
- Pump, fan, crane, and winder macros with ready-to-use logic blocks
- Energy optimizer, sleep mode, and PID features for process efficiency
- Dual rating (heavy-duty/normal-duty) for precise sizing in retrofit applications
Industry Applications
- Municipal water, wastewater, and booster pumping
- HVAC central plants, cooling towers, and air handlers
- Metals, crane, and hoist modernization
- Pulp & paper, converting, and continuous process lines
- Oil & gas gathering, midstream, and injection skids
- OEM machinery requiring global certifications
Advanced Features & Benefits
Built-in PLC (SoftPLC)
Integrated programmable logic controller functionality eliminates the need for external PLCs in many applications, reducing system costs and complexity.
Pump Genius Technology
Specialized pump control algorithms for constant pressure, multipump, and multiplex applications with automatic alternation and energy optimization.
Communication Protocols
Multiple fieldbus options including Modbus RTU/TCP, DeviceNet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, and WEG's own WEGnetz protocol.
Motor Control
Advanced vector control with encoder feedback, torque control, and automatic motor tuning for optimal performance and efficiency.
Energy Savings
Automatic energy optimization, sleep function, and flying start capability deliver significant energy cost reductions.
Easy Configuration
Removable HMI with parameter copy function, setup wizards, and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities for quick commissioning.
Connected to Every Plant Network
EtherNet/IP & Modbus TCP
Dual-port Ethernet modules provide ring architectures, secure diagnostics, and PLC500 integration.
PROFIBUS / PROFINET
Seamless communication with Siemens PLCs, distributed I/O, and European-standard automation cells.
DeviceNet & CANopen
Legacy modernization is simplified with drop-in network replacements and full parameter access.
OPC UA & MQTT
Optional IIoT gateways push real-time performance metrics and alarms to historians and cloud platforms.
Synchronize with PLC500 Control
Large-horsepower drives need coordinated automation. We engineer PLC500 logic, drive parameter sets, and visualization that keep operators informed and protected across distributed assets.
- Pre-built PLC500 add-on instructions for speed, torque, and Pump Genius control modes
- Drive diagnostic tags integrated with TPW HMI graphics and alarm histories
- Energy dashboards consolidate kWh, demand, and maintenance counters for reporting
- Safe Torque Off, safe speed, and E-stop monitoring tied into SRW safety controllers
What We Deliver
Network Design
Fiber, copper, and wireless topologies with redundant PLC/drive communications and addressing.
Commissioning Scripts
Step-by-step verification for drives, PLCs, and safety circuits with documented pass/fail criteria.
Lifecycle Toolkit
Firmware management, spare parts lists, and operator training tailored to each facility.
Engineered Medium & Low Voltage Packages
From MCC buckets to outdoor walk-in enclosures, Gross Automation packages CFW11 drives with starters, bypasses, isolation transformers, and field wiring ready to drop into plant infrastructure.
- Arc-rated cabinets with line reactors, harmonic filters, and coordinated protection
- Remote keypad stations, CSW operator suites, and maintenance bypass solutions
- PLC500, SCADA, and building automation tie-ins with documented data maps
- Startup supervision, training, and thermography baselines to support reliability teams
Package Scope
Electrical Drawings
One-lines, schematics, conduit schedules, and nameplate engraving documents.
Mechanical Layouts
Panel elevations, heat load calculations, and footprint drawings for facility coordination.
QA & FAT Records
Torque logs, parameter exports, and witnessed test results archived for compliance.
Application Playbook
Municipal Water
Deploy Pump Genius multiplex sequences with automatic alternation, anti-cavitation, and SCADA alarming.
Metals & Cranes
Coordinate regenerative braking, load sharing, and crane anti-sway logic across multiple CFW11 drives.
HVAC Retrofits
Integrate BACnet gateways, building automation trend logs, and demand limiting for energy rebates.
Oil & Gas
Leverage conformal coating, NEMA 4X options, and surge protection for harsh pumping environments.
CFW11 Success Stories
Use these assets during stakeholder meetings to highlight proven upgrades with CFW11 drives and Gross Automation engineering.
Metals Crane Retrofit
Regenerative CFW11 packages with PLC500 safety delivered uptime gains and remote diagnostics for mill cranes.
Download Metals Case StudyPart Number Selection
How to Order
CFW11 drives follow a specific part numbering system. Our technical team can help you select the correct part number for your application.
Need Help Selecting?
Our drive specialists can help you choose the right CFW11 configuration for your specific application requirements.
Get Selection HelpTechnical Documentation
CFW11 Selection FAQ
How do I select the right WEG VFD for my application?
Consider motor horsepower, voltage, duty cycle (heavy-duty vs normal-duty ratings), required control mode (V/Hz, vector, or torque), communication protocol needs, and environmental conditions. Contact Gross Automation for application-specific sizing assistance.
What is the difference between CFW500 and CFW11 drives?
CFW500 drives are compact, installer-friendly units ideal for OEM machinery up to 150 HP. CFW11 drives offer higher power ratings up to 1000 HP, more extensive SoftPLC capabilities, Pump Genius algorithms, and broader communication options for complex industrial applications.
Do WEG drives include built-in PLC functionality?
Yes. Most WEG CFW series drives include SoftPLC functionality with IEC 61131-3 programming. The CFW11 and CFW500 series feature extensive logic capabilities that can eliminate the need for external PLCs in many applications.
