Modernization of DC Drives
Modernization of DC Drives
Modernization of DC Drives
When it comes to the question of whether it is Will the requirements for the drive change
worthwhile modernizing an existing DC drive or in future (load requirements,
less expensive to replace it entirely with an AC environmental conditions)?
drive, there are also various arguments which In what condition are the individual
need to be assessed: Basically, there are several components of the system (reliability, age,
options available for a modernization job:[1] maintenance outlay)?
I. Replace the entire DC drive (converter and How far will the supply conditions change
motor) by a new DC drive. in future?
II. Replace only the converter cubicle, if the Before a decision is made to modify a drive from
motor is still in good condition. DC to AC design, the following points should be
III. Replace the converter module by a modern taken into consideration:
digital unit. Outlay for new power cabling.
IV. Replace the old, analog drive electronics by Space requirements for converter cubicles.
new, digital electronics while continuing to Dissipation of energy losses from the
use the power section (recommended only switch room sufficient?
for ratings above 1 MW). 5. Replace the Foundations, mounting for motor
entire drive system with a new AC drive.
sufficient?
When answering the question of what approach
Space requirement for new motor.
constitutes the optimum solution in a particular
Duration of conversion work.
case, the following main criteria are important:
If the following requirements have to be met, then the use of DC drives should be
examined: [2]
Degree of protection for motors IP54? No Continuous operation even at low speed?
hazardous areas? Less heat generation in the control room? d)
Is motor maintenance possible (accessibility)? Frequent acceleration and deceleration
Is space at a premium for motors and control routines?
units? Wide speed setting range at constant power
4-quadrant operation with regeneration? (>1:1.5)?
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dynamic performances. The nonlinear FLBC The FLBC is able to control the speed of a dc
characteristics permit one to achieve the drive as well as the rotor speed and flux of a
performances of the cascaded control using vector-controlled induction motor drive. The
only one control loop. This is feasible by a reduced number of rules, membership
suitable choice of the scaling factors together functions, and the application flexibility
with the rules of the fuzzy controller. together with the possible implementation on
low cost microprocessors.
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Insulation Resistance Checks:
Measuring the motor winding insulation resistance can indicate cleanliness and moisture levels and
help to determine the potential for insulation failure.
This test is performed by applying a voltage (typically 500 or 1000 V) to the motor windings and
measuring the resistance from the insulation to ground.
A hi-pot test measures the dielectric strength of winding insulation and can determine whether the
insulation has a weakness that may cause failure when the motor is operating. A high-pot test typically
applies more than 1000 V to the windings for new motors, and 60% of this calculated value for used
motors.
Balance and Alignment Check:
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Like most rotating machinery, motors can be seriously affected by dynamic unbalances.
The causes of balance problems include overhung loads, poor alignment between the motor and the
driven equipment, shaft deflection, an imbalance in the driven equipment that transfers to the motor,
and a weight imbalance on the motor fan or the motor shaft.
References
[1] ABB, Technical Guide 4 to Variable Speed Drives.
[2] R. Speed; A.K. Wallace, Remedial strategies for brushless DC drive failures.
[3] D. Berthiaume, Justification for AC vs. DC drive systems.
[4] F. Cupertino; A. Latinize; L. Salvatore, A new fuzzy logic-based controller design method
for DC and AC impressed-voltage drives.
[5] J. Zhang; T.H. Barton, Robustness enhancement of DC drives with a smooth optimal
sliding-mode control.
[6] Pavel Brand Stetter, Sensor less Control of DC Drive Using Artificial Neural Network.
[7] U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP), Improving
Motor and Drive System Performance: A Sourcebook for Industry.