Adjustable Speed Drives –
(a.k.a. Variable Speed Drives)

What They Are, How They Work

Application Information

OTHER APPLICATION FACTORS

Constant Torque Speed Range – On large motors, minimum speed limitations may be necessary for self-ventilated motors, since their cooling is entirely dependent upon motor speed and, there fore, diminishes as speed is reduced. Where rated torque operation is required continuously at lower speeds, either a higher rated drive motor or supplemental motor ventilation, such as a motor mounted cooling blower or external air duct, is required.

Torque Limitations – Most adjustable speed drives feature a torque limiter to protect the drive and the machine from torque overloads. The torque limiter (current limit) is normally adjusted to 150% of rated torque to allow extra momentary torque for breakaway, acceleration or cyclic overloads. Most drive systems are capable of sustaining the 150% torque overload for one minute or less.

Duty Cycle – Certain applications may require continuous reversals, long acceleration times at high torque due to inertia loads, frequent high rate acceleration, or cyclic overloads which may result in severe motor heating if not considered in the selection of the drive. Most drives with 150% overload capability will operate successfully if there are compensating periods of operation where motor temperatures can be normalized.

MEASURING MACHINE TORQUE

To measure the torque required to drive a machine, fasten a pulley securely to the shaft which the motor is to drive. Fasten one end of a cord to the outer surface of the pulley and wrap a few turns of the cord around the pulley. Tie the other end of the cord to a spring scale. See Figure 22.

Figure 22.

Pull on scale until the shaft turns. The force in pounds or ounces, indicated on the scale, multiplied by the radius of the pulley (measured from the centerline of the machine shaft) in inches gives the torque value in Ib-inches or oz-inches. On some machines, this torque may vary as the shaft rotates. The highest value of torque must be used when selecting a motor.

The running torque required by a machine will be approximately equal to the starting torque if the load is composed almost entirely of friction. If the load is primarily inertia or windage, the producing elements must be determined.

The running torque of a machine can be accurately determined by making a test run with an armature controlled DC drive (with a shunt wound or permanent magnet DC motor) of known horsepower rating. The DC drive should have an ammeter in the armature circuit so significant current readings can be observed and recorded throughout the speed range of the machine. Since armature current and torque are directly proportional within very close limits, the current readings will provide accurate information for selecting the drive rating required by the machine.

Most machines require a higher torque value to break it away, but once running, the torque requirement will decrease. Many drives have 150% load capability for one minute, which may allow the required additional breakaway torque to be obtained without increasing the drive horsepower rating.

If the running torque is equal to or less than the breakaway torque divided by 1.5, use the breakaway torque divided by 1.5 as the full load torque required to determine the motor horsepower.

If the running torque is greater than the breakaway torque divided by 1.5, but less than the breakaway torque, use the running torque as the
full load rated torque required to determine the motor horsepower.

Adjustable Speed Drive Application Information provided by: FINCOR Automation