Siemens Power Module  6SL3225-0BE31-1AA1

Model Code Decoding

6SL3225-0BE31-1AA1

6SL3225: G120 PM250 power module (supports energy regeneration, active rectification)

0BE: 3-phase 380～480 V AC input

31: Power rating code

1: Built-in Class A EMC filter

AA1: Standard version with regeneration capability

Important Distinction: PM250 ≠ PM240. The PM250 features native regeneration capability to feed braking energy back to the grid; external braking resistors are not required for heavy-duty braking applications.

1. Core Electrical Parameters

⚠️ Control Unit (CU) not included. It must be combined with CU230P-2 / CU240E-2 / CU250S or other control units to form a complete frequency converter.

III. Key Feature Description

1. Energy Regeneration

Energy generated during motor braking is fed back into the grid. Ideal for frequent start-stop equipment, hoists, centrifuges and downward conveyor lines. Compared with PM240 plus braking resistor solutions, it delivers higher energy efficiency and lower heat generation.

2. Built-in Class A EMC Filter

Meets industrial EMC requirements and can be directly installed inside factory cabinets. Additional EMC evaluation is required for applications within commercial buildings.

3. Modular G120 architecture: Free combination of power module and control unit, facilitating spare part replacement.
4. Series Comparison & Selection (For Replacement Reference)

6SL3225-0BE31-5AA1: PM250, 15 kW heavy duty, built-in Class A filter

6SL3225-0BE31-8AA1: PM250, 18.5 kW heavy duty

Models without integrated filters carry the suffix UA0 (e.g. 6SL3225-0BE31-1UA1). Please avoid confusion.

1. Typical Applicable Working Conditions

Elevators, lifting equipment, cranes, downward conveyors

Centrifuges, test benches and loads with frequent braking

Applications requiring braking energy recovery and prohibiting heat generation from braking resistors

1. Selection Pitfall Reminders
2. If energy regeneration is unnecessary, PM240 power modules (prefix 6SL3224) are available at lower cost.
3. PM250 cannot directly replace PM240 due to different internal topologies.
4. Derating is mandatory for light-duty operation above 40°C and heavy-duty operation above 50°C.
5. Output reactors are recommended for long motor cables to reduce dv/dt and protect motor insulation.

6SL3225-0BE31-1AA1 (SINAMICS G120 PM250, 11 kW HD / 15 kW LD, Built-in Class A EMC Filter)

Core hardware characteristic: Active rectification, grid energy regeneration, no need for braking resistors to dissipate regenerative energy. This makes it the preferred choice for frequent braking, potential energy loads and continuous generating operating conditions. It is less cost-effective for unidirectional continuous operation with rare braking, such as ordinary fans and pumps.

Recap of Rated Capacity

Heavy Duty (HD): 11 kW, 26 A; Light Duty (LD): 15 kW, 32 A

Power Supply: 3AC 380～480 V

PM250 = Regenerative power module, different from dissipative PM240

1. Preferred Application Scenarios (Maximize Regeneration Benefits)
2. Lifting & Hoisting Equipment (Potential energy loads generating power during descent)

Small overhead cranes, electric hoists, lifting platforms, parking lift mechanisms

Material elevators, elevator test benches, small freight elevator drives

Operating characteristic: Motors operate in generating mode when lowering loads. Regenerative power is fed back to the grid, eliminating heat from braking resistors and reducing cabinet temperature rise.

2. Conveying Machinery (Downward Belt & Inclined Conveyors)

Downward inclined belt conveyors, gravity discharge belts

Roller drives with continuous downward transportation generating regenerative energy during deceleration or shutdown

Horizontal conveyors and upward conveyors rarely produce regenerative energy; PM250 is generally not prioritized.

3. Test Equipment & High-Inertia Rotating Loads

Motor performance test benches, load test benches, inertia flywheel systems

High-speed centrifuges, winding/unwinding equipment (tension control, rapid acceleration & deceleration)

Frequent acceleration and emergency braking continuously generate regenerative energy, eliminating fire risks caused by overheated resistors.

4. Tension Control for Winding & Unwinding Processes

Film, paper, textile and cable winding/unwinding machines

Motors are passively driven during unwinding and continuously generate power. The regenerative solution removes the need for high-power braking resistors and reduces cabinet footprint.

5. Machine Tools & Rotating Tooling

Large CNC rotary tables, turnover fixtures, grinding spindles with frequent forward/reverse rotation and rapid stopping

Suitable for automated machine stations with continuous cyclic processes requiring fast braking.

6. Auxiliary Drives for Rail Transit & Material Handling

AGV charging test systems, small rail transfer vehicle drives, shuttle trolleys

1. Usable but Not Recommended (Poor Cost Performance)

Regenerative energy is minimal in these applications; PM240 + braking resistor delivers lower initial investment:

Ordinary water supply pumps, cooling tower fans, unidirectional ventilation fans

Standard horizontal conveyors, general mixers, unidirectional extruders

PM250 can only be considered if on-site restrictions apply: installation of braking resistors is forbidden, cabinet heat generation is prohibited, or space is insufficient to mount resistors.

III. Inapplicable Scenarios (Selection Red Lines)

1. Equipment with high short-term impact loads, drives for explosion-proof motors (additional explosion protection assessment required; the module itself carries no explosion-proof certification)
2. Offshore environments with high salt spray and heavy corrosion; protected cabinets are mandatory before installation
3. Sites with poor grid quality and frequent power outages: PM250 active rectifiers are sensitive to grid fluctuations
4. Multi-drive systems with shared DC bus: PM250 is a standalone regenerative module. For such applications, SINAMICS S120 should be adopted.
5. Recommended Matching Control Units (Mandatory for the Power Module)

CU240E-2: General positioning and vector control; first choice for most automation equipment

CU230P-2: Fan/pump basic technology, suitable for simple speed regulation

CU250S: Supports closed-loop vector control with encoders; recommended for high-precision lifting and tension control applications

1. Selection Comparison Tips for Same Power Rating
2. Frequent braking / potential energy loads → 6SL3225-0BE31-1AA1 (PM250 regenerative type)
3. Unidirectional operation with infrequent braking → 6SL3224 series PM240 + braking resistor for lower upfront cost

6SL3225-0BE31-1AA1 (PM250 Frame Size FSC) Dimension Specifications

1. Overall Dimensions of Power Module Body (Excluding Control Unit)

Height(H) × Width(W) × Depth(D) = 334 mm × 189 mm × 185 mm

Frame Size: FSC

Net Weight: 7.5 kg

Protection Class: IP20 (indoor cabinet installation)

Dimension Definition:

Height: Vertical mounting length (top to bottom)

Width: Horizontal transverse dimension

Depth: Protrusion inward into the cabinet

1. Critical Installation Notes (Cabinet Design Reference)
2. Additional depth occupied by mounted control units

CU230P-2 / CU250S: Extra 65 mm forward extension

CU240E-2: Extra 40 mm forward extension

2. Mandatory Cooling Clearances (Siemens Official Specification)

Minimum clearance above module ≥100 mm; minimum clearance below ≥50 mm

Side-by-side installation: Maintain ≥1 mm gap; ≥5 mm recommended for high-heat operating conditions

3. Mounting Hardware

Fixed with 4 × M5 screws; mounting hole layout matches standard FSC mounting baseplates.

III. Common Confusion Reminder

The filterless variant 6SL3225-0BE31-1UA1 also adopts the FSC frame and shares identical overall dimensions. The only difference lies in internal filter hardware.