Future trends in adjustable speed drives

Journal Article · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Energy Engineering

OSTI ID:160793

Murphy, H G

Adjustable speed drives are an evolving technology stimulated by the demand for improved process control and tempered by environmental conditions--an evolution controlled by the dynamics of electrical power, power devices and traditional control methods. How these factors interact controls future trends and product offerings for a variety of adjustable speed motor controllers. With the topic of adjustable speed motor controllers` a reasonable place to start would be with the motor. Although many types of motors can be used for variable speed applications, this paper will focus on the ac motor and the electronic controllers associated with ac motors. Both frequency and voltage are controllable motor parameters. Controlling either or both can improve the performance of the ac motor within a given application. Each type of controller offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, however, the simultaneous control of frequency and voltage provides the greatest benefits. The adjustable speed controller that provides simultaneous control of frequency and voltage for ac motors is the AFD or adjustable frequency drive.

• OSTI ID: 160793
• Journal Information: Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 92; ISSN EENGDO; ISSN 0199-8595
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
DESIGN
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
FREQUENCY CONTROL
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
PERFORMANCE
SPEED REGULATORS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT