Power moves Power moves Developments in electric motors and drives are boosting efficiency, simplifying setup, and cutting costs. By John DeGaspari, Associate Editor I nnovations in electric motors and drives, both alternating current and direct current, are offering equipment designers benefits such as better speed control, lower power consumption, and space savings across a vast range of applications.
New drives offer compact designs and simplified installation and startup.
Mo. The controller is targeted to a huge installed base of fan, pump, and compressor motors. Multiple speed capability usually requires complex and expensive motor designs with multiple windings and external relays and electronics, explained Anacon Systems' vice president of sales and marketing, Bill Shepherd. On the other hand, single-speed motors set rotation speed by the existing line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. Anacon Systems' motor controllers enable a low-cost, electronic control system that can be set by the OEM designer, providing improved efficiency at speeds below the line frequency. The chip also has a great deal of programmability, allowing the speed of the motor to be varied based on an input signal.