In order to understand how a single phase induction motor operates, it is helpful to understand the basics of a three phase induction motor In a three phase motor, the current in the stator (the stationary coils in the motor) sets up a rotating magnetic field. The magnetic field rotates due to the 120° phase [...]
If asked to define the difference between a standard motor and a custom motor, most engineers will not only give the meanings by definition, but will include opinions of the implied meanings of these words. The word “custom” can bring to mind different connotations like expensive, long lead times, or experimental. Conversely, the next person [...]
There are three major steps to determine motor operation costs. First, use energy efficiency and required output power to calculate input power. Next, multiply the hours per year and input power to establish the energy usage. Finally, the energy usage and electrical rate are used to calculate the annual operating cost. How to Calculate Cost [...]
Back-drive-ability is generally defined as the degree of ease of which a motor or gear motor can be driven by its attached load when power is removed from the motor. Typically, a motor is fairly easy to back-drive by turning the output shaft by hand. A gear motor (motor attached to a gear reducer) is [...]
To cover the answer to this question, we will focus on a “wye” connected brushless DC (BLDC) motor utilizing three hall switches as the feedback device. While different devices can be used for feedback like resolvers and encoders, hall switches are the simplest. Groschopp has developed the timing diagram below to help engineers understand the [...]
When your application calls for a motor with a high-speed requirement, high starting torque, or high power density, a universal motor is often a good choice. If you are looking for a universal motor you will notice that many manufacturers offer different options for different frame sizes and lengths. You will also notice that with some of [...]
Your guide to understanding new RoHS 2 directives Most manufactures in the supply chain for European goods are familiar with the original Restriction of Hazardous Substances, European Union Directive 2002/93/EC, more commonly known as RoHS. This directive restricts the maximum concentration limits of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated bipheyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) [...]
Environmental Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motor or Gearmotor There are a myriad of external influences for motors in various applications that could be considered when specifying a fractional horsepower motor. At Groschopp we sometimes run into very extreme applications from highly explosive environments to motors that need to run underwater. There are several [...]
The relationship between temperature and electric motors is often misunderstood. The ambient temperature of a motor can affect both its performance and its life. Let’s take a look at some basic information about motor ambient temperature and how this relates to a motor’s insulation system. Ambient Temperature The ambient temperature of a motor is defined [...]
What is horsepower? How do I calculate my horsepower? These are common questions we receive from our customers. To answer this question, let’s first define what horsepower is. Horsepower, like any unit of power, is simply a rate at which work is being done. Literally, the horsepower unit originates from an experiment which set out [...]
