Knowing and Selecting the Right Drive Motor

Drive Systems

 

Aug 2, 2018

By Owen Hurst

There are a lot of things to consider before selecting the right motor for your intended use, particularly with recent advancements in drive system technology and control solutions. With a wide variety motor types to choose from, all factors and logistics need to be considered. The days of simply buying a standard electric motor and plugging it into your application are gone.

With the global push for efficiency, using motors that consume a large amount of energy and run at full speed for prolonged periods of time has been replaced with a plethora of more efficient options. But before considering the necessary concerns regarding motor purchases we need to briefly step back and look at the history of motor development and why the options for drive motors and controls has become such an essential component.

A brief history

It has been over 180 years since the introduction of the first electric drive motor, and since then there has been a steady progression in solutions related to the transfer of motion and the numerous types of electrical machines in operation.[1] Moving forward to more recent times there have been periods of popularity for particular motor types that helped to drive the industry to better the available solutions. DC drives, which had a peak in popularity in the 1990s, are now typically used in specialized industry sectors (although the ongoing AC vs. DC debate and expansion of products requiring DC power may lead to a resurgence).

Even more recently than the DC drive peak has been the focused use of induction motors, driven by their simple construction, reliability, low cost and control applications. Globally more than 90% of users have reported using induction motors in their industrial systems.

However, the energy required to power these motors is a growing issue. Electrical motors consume roughly 30-40% of global power output, and about 90% of the power used by the industrial sector.[2]

In a world increasingly focused on limiting energy consumption through technological advancements, drive motors have become a key focus to lower global energy consumption rates. The problem received regulatory attention in Europe, where the EU banned the sale of the lowest efficiency electric motors in mid 2011. For a listing of IEC efficiency standards for electric motors, visit http://www.iec.ch/perspectives/government/sectors/electric_motors.htm

The answer to lowering the consumption rates of drive motors has come in the form of more efficient drive motors and advanced control solutions with real-time energy monitoring and varying the frequency or speed of drives. One of the most talked about is the rise of variable frequency drives (VFDs), also known as variable voltage frequency drives (VVDFs), variable speed drives, micro drives, or inverter drives. Essentially, a VFD is an adjustable speed drive system that controls the speed and torque of an AC motor by adjusting the motor input frequency and voltage. Additional motor types making their way to the playing field are permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), as well as rising interest in the use of stepper motors and brushless direct current motors (BLDCM).

Choosing a suitable motor

with a variety of options for motors and motor control systems now available, the question becomes which motor to choose for your application? And admittedly, it is not the easiest answer at first glance, but requires a variety of considerations.

Start by asking yourself these questions:

1) What is the maximum speed I need for my application?
2) How much torque do I need?
3) Are there size restrictions I should be aware of?
4) Environmental conditions in the application location? (e.g., dust, direct heat, moisture, air flow…)
5) Do you plan to use a control system?
6) What’s my budget?

These are the primary considerations before selecting a drive motor, and will lead you to the next big question. Do you choose an AC or DC motor? And to answer this question we need to briefly consider the primary differences.

DC motors typically have a high spin rate (more than 15,000 rpms) that must be adjusted to your use but can operate off batteries. These motors are found a variety of applications, from small items to industrial machines. The motors are small, have relatively simple control systems, can start and stop quickly, and are relatively cost effective. However, they are not exactly precise (speed fluctuation is possible), and are susceptible to degradation from environmental impacts or excessive loads.

AC motors cannot be powered using batteries and require direct power connection. But like DC drive motors, they have a wide application range from household items to industrial applications. They also tend to be lighter, produce less friction, have a longer lifespan, higher starting torque, lower maintenance costs, and for synchronous AC motors no slip. However, they are harder to control in terms of speed, communication systems are more intensive and complicated, they tend to be rather noisy, and in terms of induction AC motors they require a starting switch and can experience rotational slips.

After considering the preliminary questions regarding your application requirements and briefly outlining the primary advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC motors, purchasers are better positioned to choose the motor that will be most cost effective for their application and provide the highest ROI in terms of energy consumption, product life and functionality.

Owen Hurst is Managing Editor of EIN’s sister publication, Panel Builder & Systems Integrator: http://panelbuildersystemsintegrator.ca

Notes
1. Teresa Orlowska-Kowalska, Mateusz Dybrowski. “Industrial Drive Systems. Current State and Development Trends,” Power Electronics and Drives 1 (36), 2016. p. 5
2. Otto Herman., Design Principles for Industrie 4.0 Scenarios, 2015; K Schwab, The Fourth Industrial Revolution, 2016

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Ontario EV ChargeON Program Accepting Applications until January 31, 2024

    Ontario EV ChargeON Program Accepting Applications until January 31, 2024

    November 29, 2023 The province is accepting applications for the EV ChargeON program to build publicly accessible charging stations in communities with less than 170,000 people, as well as in any Indigenous community in Ontario. Eligible applicants include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, Indigenous businesses, organizations and communities, and broader public sector organizations like hospitals and… Read More…

  • A Closer Look at ESA’s EV Charger Installation Blitz & EV Charger Considerations

    A Closer Look at ESA’s EV Charger Installation Blitz & EV Charger Considerations

    Earlier this year, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) conducted an EV charger installation ‘blitz’ as part of their campaign to educate homeowners and consumers, in an effort to improve EV charger installation safety in Ontario. Read More…

  • I Have Two Questions for You

    I Have Two Questions for You

    November 24, 2023 By Keith Sones, Valard EVP Strategy & Business Development I have two questions for you. First, how many people do you think you’ll meet in your life? It’s not that hard to determine, quite frankly. Yes, it requires a lot of assumptions to represent the “average” person, but it is possible. Before… Read More…

  • Sonepar Partners with Design de Plume on Land Acknowledgement

    Sonepar Partners with Design de Plume on Land Acknowledgement

    November 24, 2023 Sonepar Canada announced on its LinkedIn page that it has partnered with a women-led, indigenous-owned design team,  Design de Plume Inc. to create a four-piece art collection to acknowledge the land that their head offices are built upon. “At Sonepar, we are committed to fostering a trusted partnership with Indigenous communities across Canada…. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Rexel Announces Changes to Group Executive Committee

    Rexel Announces Changes to Group Executive Committee

    December 1, 2023 Rexel today announced the appointment of Roger Little as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the USA and leader of the USA-Canada cluster, effective December 18, 2023. Roger Little has been CEO of Rexel Canada since March 2014 and will succeed Brad Paulsen as CEO of Rexel USA as Mr. Paulsen leaves the… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Distributor Member: Electromart Inc.

    EFC Welcomes New Distributor Member: Electromart Inc.

    November 30, 2023 For over 40 years, Electromart has been going the extra distance to ensure their customers purchases are easy and fun! Primarily geared to serve tradesmen, contractors, commercial, industrial, and retail clients, the company offers knowledge and experience to its customers. The EFC-Official Representative for Electromart is Joan Orgel, Operations Manager. More information… Read More…

  • Graybar Ontario Team Contributes Greatly to the Purse Project

    Graybar Ontario Team Contributes Greatly to the Purse Project

    November 30, 2023 Team lead, Stefanie Cosentino, Graybar Canada, Women’s Network-Ontario Region committee member, and Andrew Fitzpatrick, Graybar Canada, gathered their teams and really did an incredible job with purse donations. The team donated over $500 in cash, which was matched by Graybar, and filled 27 purses, with the top 10 items needed and more…. Read More…

  • Adriano Occhialini joins AEMC® Instruments as the New District Sales Engineer in Canada

    Adriano Occhialini joins AEMC® Instruments as the New District Sales Engineer in Canada

    November 30, 2023 AEMC Instruments, part of the Chauvin Arnoux® Group announces the appointment of Adriano Occhialini as District Sales Engineer in Canada.  As AEMC® Instruments continues its expansion into Canada, Adriano will help bring his expertise and innovative solutions to more customers and businesses across the entire Canadian country. Prior to joining AEMC® Instruments, Mr. Occhialini worked over 20… Read More…