Question 1

What is a motor drive system?

Accepted Answer

A motor drive system is a combination of hardware and software that is used to control the speed, torque and direction of an electric motor. The main component of a motor drive system is the drive, also known as an inverter or a variable frequency drive (VFD). The drive receives input from a control system, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a human-machine interface (HMI) and uses this input to adjust the voltage and frequency of the power supplied to the motor. This, in turn, controls the speed and torque of the motor.

The drive may be a separate unit or it can be built into the motor. The drive converts the incoming AC power to DC and then inverts back to AC with variable frequency and voltage to control the speed of the motor. In construction, motor drive systems are primarily in HVAC systems for controlling the speed of fans and pumps.

Question 2

What are the types of motors used in building electrical systems?

Accepted Answer

There are several types of motors that are commonly used in building electrical systems, including:

Induction motors: These are the most widely used type of motor in industry. Induction motors are robust, reliable and relatively inexpensive. They are widely used in HVAC systems, conveyors, pumps and other industrial machinery.
Permanent magnet motors: These motors use permanent magnets to provide a constant magnetic field and are known for their high efficiency and high power density. Permanent magnet motors are used in some HVAC systems and other applications where high efficiency is important.
Synchronous motors: These motors run at a constant speed and are typically used in applications where precise speed control is required. They are used in some HVAC systems and in some industrial applications such as paper mills and metal rolling mills.
DC motors: These motors are known for their high starting torque and precise speed control. They are used in some HVAC systems, elevators and other applications where precise speed control is required.
Servo motors: These are precision motors that are used in applications requiring precise position and speed control, such as robotics and machine tools.
Stepper motors: These motors are used in applications requiring precise position control, such as robotics and printing presses. They are known for their precise positioning and are used in some HVAC systems, elevators and other applications where precise position control is required.

Question 3

What are the two basic types of motor drives used today?

Accepted Answer

The two basic types of motor drives used today are:

AC drives: Also known as variable frequency drives (VFDs), these drives control the speed and torque of AC motors by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to the motor. AC drives are widely used in industrial, commercial and residential applications.
DC drives: These drives control the speed and torque of DC motors by adjusting the voltage and current supplied to the motor. DC drives are typically used in applications where precise speed and torque control is required, such as robotics and machine tools.

Both types of drives can provide precise control over the speed and torque of the motor and can also help improve energy efficiency by allowing the motor to run at its optimal speed for a given load. They also allow for better control over the process or equipment being driven.

Question 4

What is VFD used for?

Accepted Answer

A variable frequency drive (VFD) is a device that is used to control the speed of an electric motor. It works by varying the frequency of the power supplied to the motor, which changes the motor speed. VFDs are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications to control the speed of fans, pumps, conveyors, etc. They are also used to improve energy efficiency by allowing motors to run at the optimal speed for the specific applications.

Motors and Drives

Growth expected for motor, industrial gear markets

Decoding your motor’s nameplate

Trends in the LV drives market

Solid growth rate projected for the LV drives market in 2021

Low-voltage drive market projected to have slow, steady recovery

Back to Basics Education Session: Electric Motors

Differences between NEMA and IEC electric motors

Benefits of auto-tuning VFDs

Airport logistics market expected to get boost from Asian market

Infrastructure bill projected to grow low-voltage market in key areas