Motors, Drives

Motors, Drives January 15, 2020

When are VFDs essential?

Engineers should understand variable frequency drive technologies, and the key considerations for designing a VFD to control a motor

By Shreeram Srinivasan, CDM Smith, Chennai, India; and Bernard Pettiford, PE, CDM Smith, Atlanta
Courtesy: CFE Media
CNC Motion Control December 10, 2019

Motion control, motor sales increase slightly in Q3 2019

TheMotion Control & Motor Association (MCMA) reported that global motion control and motor suppliers have received orders at $2.65 billion through the third quarter of 2019.

By Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Courtesy: CFE Media and Technology, EASA
Motors, Drives December 5, 2019

Your questions answered: Right-sizing pumps with variable speed drives

Webcast presenter Eugene Vogel answered questions on variable speed drives (VSDs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and their value for manufacturers.

By Eugene Vogel
Virtualization, Cloud Analytics November 11, 2019

Top 5 Control Engineering articles November 4-10

Articles about the Engineers' Choice finalists, information and the cloud, control system migration, wet and flooded motors, and IIoT project tips were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 4-10. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Position, speed and torque control are most important with servo drives. Courtesy: Control Engineering 2019 Motor Drives Study
Motors, Drives October 12, 2019

Survey respondents offer motor drive advice

Motor drive advice was offered in a write-in question in the Control Engineering motor drive research, summarized in the September issue.

By Mark T. Hoske
Accessing the VFD’s HMI via a wireless or Bluetooth connection to adjust settings or collect diagnostic data can negate the need to suit up with personal protective equipment (PPE). This is because the operator can access the HMI without opening the enclosure containing the VFD. Courtesy: Yaskawa
Motors, Drives October 9, 2019

Smartphones help with VFD configuration: Your questions answered

Additional answers provide more details about smartphone programming for variable frequency drives (VFDs).

By Michael Hall
Figure 1: In the wake of tropical storms (hurricanes, monsoons and cyclones) with heavy rain, maintenance professionals and motor repairers need creative solutions to speed the removal of moisture and contamination from thousands of swamped motors. Courtesy: EASA
Motors, Drives October 7, 2019

How to deal with wet or flooded motors

Saltwater becomes a major problem.

By Chuck Yung
Insulation resistance tests were conducted before final reassembly. Courtesy: Sulzer
Gears and Bearings September 23, 2019

Rapid overhaul of generator rotor needed due to lack of maintenance

Carrying out routine maintenance on a large turbine generator calls for expertise as well as the experience to achieve an efficient and cost-effective project.

By Alex Edwards
Motors, Drives September 6, 2019

2019 Motor Drives Study

Five trends on buying, specifying motor drives

By Amanda Pelliccione
Figure 2: A prime example of mechatronic integration is the combining of motor and drive components into one package. Exploded view of an integrated step motor shows the technique, which is applicable to other electric motor types as well. Courtesy: Applied Motion
CNC Motion Control September 3, 2019

5 enduring developments in electronic motion control

Motor drives, power-switching transistors and microprocessors, sophisticated control algorithms, software influences, and mechatronic integration are among the standout electronic motion control developments.

By Frank J. Bartos, P.E.