When looking to buy an electric motor, it is critical to consider requirements beyond speed, torque, voltage and power. In this blog, we will unfold 20 factors that are worth considering before deciding on an electric motor.
Voltage:
Will you able to access to a wall or do you require a motor that can run on batteries? Whether a wall outlet is available? Is the voltage standard (115 volts) or industrial (more than 230 volts)?
Frequency:
Electric motors work at 60 Hertz for items operating within the US. But if your electronic product is for the use outside of the US, you might need to consider a 50Hz or 50-60Hz option.
Speed:
Is there a predetermined speed or speed at which you require the motor to function? If adjustable or exact speeds are important, you may require an additional control to the motor.
Torque:
How much initial torque will your application require? Will gravity be a hindrance that needs a robust consideration? Does the torque need of the motor vary all through the motor’s period of function? What will be the “worst-case scenario” amount of torque your application might need?
Power:
Is the power (amount) you assume your application requires equal to the power it is using in actual? When giving specifications to your electric motor manufacturer, ensure if you are using maximum power or running power.
Duty cycle:
It is vital to know your AC motor’s duty cycle? Will your electronics item be continuously running (continuous enough for the AC motor to reach its full functioning temperature) or with time in short bursts for the motor to cool down in between cycles?
AC Motors that run irregularly, often, can use a smaller AC motor than applications with the torque and same speed, however running continuously.
Life Cycle:
How long of a period does your item need? Applications that work quite irregularly can often obtain with the limited life cycle and higher maintenance arrangements of DC and universal motors. Applications that continuously run and that demand to be operated for thousands of hours without maintenance work may need an AC or DC motor (brushless) that has a much longer life.
Enclosure Rating & Environment:
What type of environmental aspects will the AC motor be exposed to? Do you need enhanced protection from dust or water? Does the application have unique requirements—such as stainless steel in the food industry? Or require preventive measures against corrosive materials?
Configuration and Frame Size:
Is there constrained space inside the application that limits what motor decisions are accessible to you? Does the output shaft of the engine should be situated with a particular goal in mind to work with the item’s structure? Will an inline gearbox work or do you require a right angle arrangement?
Environment Temperatures:
Will your item be operating in extremely cold or hot temperatures? Knowing the expected climate range can aid when defining which materials, for example, lubricating with grease or oil, are crucial to the construction of the AC motor.
Altitude:
Will your motors be running in locations at high elevations? High altitudes of 5,000ft or higher mean thinner air, changing the forecasted performance of the motor.
Noise:
Every motor makes noise because of the moving parts. However, for a few applications that are in public places or hospital settings, it is vital to have an AC motor that functions as quietly as possible. Extra noise reduction can be gained via the reconfiguration of gears or adjustments in materials.
Ventilation System:
For an application requiring higher ingress safety, will the kind of ventilation system you need or want to be available? Non-vent motors give extra protection against the elements compared to fan-cooled motors. However, they also take a longer time for the motor to cool down after running.
Feedback Device:
Do you want to understand how your motor is working? Encoders and hall-effect sensors gain data from the motor and can be mixed with control to permit motor speed and direction to be regulated.
Control:
Does your application handle delicate things and require a delicate beginning or stop? Or would you like to have the option to alter speeds or routinely alter the motor’s course? Could your application run on more than one voltage? Motor controls can be utilized to modify a motor’s specifications, but they likewise give current over-burden and other security assurance.
Working Costs:
Before putting resources into a motor for your application, look at the normal working expenses of each motor sort dependent on motor proficiency, life hope, upkeep, beginning expenses, and so on. You can download our free speed torque force and effectiveness number cruncher to help decide motor working expenses.
Productivity:
A motor’s proficiency will shift contingent upon numerous components. Effectiveness factors are more significant for electric motors greater than one strength since they make up most of the energy utilization. Fractional horsepower motors additionally will, in general, be more proficient than integral motors because of their design and construction.
Maintenance:
Before making your motor decision, make sure your choice is practical for the application. If you pick an AC motor, will anybody be able to access it to replace brushes or perform other maintenance?
Loads:
Will your application have to deal with a range of loads or the load consistent? Will the changes in load be sudden or gradual? If you have to deal with a variety of loads, make sure to give multiple load points when assessing motor specifications.
Back Drive:
Is it necessary for the motor in your application to stay in a bolted position if power is reduced? Do you have the option to effectively run a motor without the utilization of power?
For high-mass burdens, back-drivability can be useful as it permits the heap to load to coast and secures the gearbox if power is gone. Contingent upon the application, it may be important to install a brake to the motor unit.
Wrap Up
That ends our question list to consider when you purchase an electric motor. Depending on specific motor needs, there may be some additional factors to consider. If you are unsure which of the above specifications is important, talk through the list with your AC motor manufacturer to be confident your application gets the proper motor.