One hardware configuration for the DynoLAB EM system involves the
FieldPoint I/O, which allows the data acquisition and control hardware
to reside near the unit under test with a single network wire running
back to the control computer. CLICK to see full-size image. |
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The DynoLAB(TM) EM test system from Sakor Technologies Inc. (Okemos,
MI, U.S.) is said to be versatile and able to perform a wide variety
of tasks, such as performance testing, engineering evaluations, durability
cycling, quality-control validation, and in-use simulation with a single
system. When paired with the company’s Accudyne(TM) motoring dynamometer,
the new system is also capable of direct measurement of paramaters such
as true no-load speed and current.
“
The DynoLAB EM is extremely flexible due to its modular design,” says
Randy Beattie, president and CEO of Sakor Technologies Inc. “The
system was not designed for a specific configuration, rather it can be
expanded to monitor and control equipment from other vendors.” All
types of dynamometers, power supplies, active and passive electrical
loads, hipot and surge testers, and precision-resistance monitors, as
well as
solenoids, valves, heaters, coolers, and other devices used to test pumps
and compressors are just some examples of what can be used with the configuration,
Mr. Beattie says.
The DynoLAB EM is a data acquisition and PC-based test
cell control system, which includes I/O devices, signal conditioning,
and the software necessary
to control a test system. The Accudyne dynamometer is a four-quadrant,
motoring dynamometer that is capable of not only performing precise
loading of motors, but is also capable of driving the motor or other
components
being tested, Mr. Beattie says.
“
Many electrical motor test systems involve spin-up of inertial weights,
which are estimates based on purely electrical signals (with no actual
load on the motor) or standard ‘load-only’ dynamometers such
as eddy current, particle brake, or hysteresis brake unit,” Mr.
Beattie explains. “This type of setup can perform only one test
and is not capable of directly measuring such things as true no-load
speed,
true no-load
current, bearing losses, windage, cogging torque, or back-EMF generation.
Since these units are dependent on acceleration to generate torque, they
are not capable of performing testing at static speeds/loads.
Mr. Beattie
says that the appliance industry, like many others, is being pushed to
provide systems that have higher performance, with smaller
size and weight, and at a lower cost. “Since electricity generation
involves burning of fossil fuels, improved electric motor efficiency
is being mandated
by the government. Design engineers can use the DynoLAB EM to validate
the performance of constantly changing motor designs,” he explains.
DynoLAB EM Run Screen. CLICK to
see full-size image. |
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The DynoLAB EM system has control rates up to 100 Hz and acquisition rates
of more than 5 MHz and also has an easy-to-use, menu-driven interface
that
creates complex test sequence without complex programming, according
to the company.
“
Many people forget that a properly equipped system is capable of separately
driving and testing the components normally driven by the electric motor,” Mr.
Beattie points out. “This is a single system that can test the
complete system, rather than just the electric motor.” |
