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Motor and inverter tester works under dynamic conditions

13 August, 2014

HBM has developed a system for measuring the performance and efficiency of electric motors and inverters that, it claims, is the only one that can record both electrical and mechanical parameters under dynamic conditions.

Taking the measurements needed to raise the efficiency of electric drivetrains has traditionally been a chore. Typically, a power analyser is used, but while these instruments can provide calculated results, they do not provide the raw data.

HBM’s new eDrive system combines its T12 or T40 torque sensor with a GEN3i data acquisition system and, optionally, a temperature satellite, to provide continuous synchronous and dynamic acquisition of mechanical and electrical signals from electric drive systems. As well as taking temperature, torque and rotational measurements, the system can also monitor up to 18 current and voltage channels at voltages up to 1kV, at a sampling rate of up to 2 MS/s. A rotating torque sensor with a slotted disc is used to record the mechanical torque and rotational signals.

According to HBM applications engineer, Mike Hoyer, the system is “the only completely integrated test solution on the market that allows engineers to record, verify and study both electrical and mechanical parameters under dynamic conditions”.

The system incorporates an intuitive graphical user interface, developed specifically for electric motor and inverter testing. Two-wire, high-voltage shielded cables are available to ensure noise immunity. For extra safety from high voltages and currents, an optical Ethernet interface allows the system to be displayed and controlled from a remote location or control room via a PC.

HBM's eDrive system can provide real-time views of electrical and mechanical parameters in motor-inverter drivetrains

The system provides not only the raw data, but also real-time analysis. Powerful software provides a complete characterisation of the electrical drivetrain being tested. It analyses the raw data and displays real-time results – such as true, reactive and apparent power and efficiency calculations.

A programmable formula database can be used to determine equivalent circuit diagrams, to calculate air gaps or cogging torques for motor analysis, and to calculate space vectors, part transformations and THD to analyse inverter behaviour.




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