Lab testing, field monitoring and troubleshooting of adjustable speed drives and motors

Adjustable speed drives, which are electronic speed controllers with conventional AC motors, are being used in increasing numbers in industrial and commercial settings.  These motor drives offer many benefits over older methods of motor load and speed control, including higher efficiency, more accurate speed control, and many automated control features.

Along with these benefits, problems sometimes occur that are directly related to adjustable speed drives.  The most common problems include high line harmonics produced by the drives, nuisance tripping of drives and motors, electrical resonance, motor overheating or failure, and mechanical resonance.  With correct information about the drives, motors and electrical system, most problems can be solved or avoided.

Powertech Labs is well equipped for making field measurements on adjustable speed drives and motors, with two state-of-the-art monitoring instruments for three phase circuits up to 600 A at 600 V rms line-to-line.  Measurements of voltage and current rms levels, harmonics, and waveforms can be used to determine the source of adjustable speed drive problems.  With our experience and knowledge of adjustable speed drives and power systems, we will analyze each problem and recommend the most effective solutions.

Our laboratory is equipped with dynamometers providing 1/10 to 300 motor loading, which allows three phase voltage, current, power, efficiency, power factor, input and output harmonics, torque, rpm, and other motor and drive performance characteristics to be measured accurately under controlled laboratory conditions.  These tests may be used to evaluate the performance of a new or repaired adjustable speed drive before it is installed, or to assess a drive that have been in service for some time.

Powertech’s services can be used to assist electrical utilities, plant designers, engineers, maintenance people, and equipment suppliers in evaluating and troubleshooting drives.  We will help you save time and money through efficient solutions to your adjustable speed drive problems.

For more information, please contact:

• Chris Morton — Manager, Measurement & Testing
  • Phone: (604) 590-7490