How Long Can We Use an Electric Motor? from perrilshy's blog

Electric motors can last a long time under the right conditions. But even in the best circumstances, degradation still continues and failure eventually happens. Fortunately, we can do a few things to increase the lifespan of an electric motor. Keeping  it in good condition means maintaining its power capabilities, knowing its intended application and correctly reading its nameplate ratings.

Power of Electric Motors

Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical power that can push a load over a distance. Unlike internal combustion engines that produce constant force over a limited range, electric motors can generate linear or rotary torque (force). However, like any other mechanism they eventually break down if not maintained properly.

The way in which an electric motor is designed and used is two of the most important factors in its lifespan. The efficiency of an electric motor is a measure of how efficiently the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. A lower motor efficiency means less mechanical power is produced for a given amount of electrical energy.

There are a few different methods to calculate motor power factor and efficiency, but one of the easiest is to use a Fluke 438-II to perform a basic three-phase motor power analysis. This method requires a good understanding of motor and inverter voltage harmonics, as well as the ability to interpret the root mean square (RMS) measurement of the three-phase input power to the motor. The next step is to estimate the load that the motor is serving. This can be done using various measurements of input power, speed, and slip. The estimated load can then be compared to the motor's rated full-load capacity. If a direct-read power measurement is available, this can be used to calculate the motor part-load efficiency directly.

Efficiency of Electric Motors

Electric motors convert electrical power into mechanical energy (motive power). As energy is converted, some of it is lost in the form of heat. For this reason, the mechanical output power is always lower than the electrical input power. The ratio of the two is called the motor's efficiency. For most motors, the best efficiency is at or near full load. The efficiency drops off rapidly as the load decreases. buy electric motor from surplusrecord industrial electrical motors are the best buy of electric motor used electric motor for sale at surplusrecord. surplus motor are the best Buying used or surplus industrial surplus motors is a financially wise and environmentally responsible decision. However, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase.

 Using the appropriate size of motor for a given application is one of the best ways to improve efficiency. In addition, a properly sized motor requires less current to operate than an oversized one.

It is possible to measure the efficiency of a motor with specialized test equipment. However, it is usually easier to use the watts per hp rating on the nameplate of a new or recently rewound motor as a starting point. Then use a simple model to estimate the cost of energy used by the motor and its processes. You might be surprised to discover how much unnecessary energy usage is costing your business. Changing a process to run more efficiently can result in significant savings in operating costs, including electricity and maintenance expenses. A successful program requiring changes to equipment can also reduce downtime and minimize the need for costly repairs.

Size of Electric Motors

Getting the size of an electric motor right is key to maximizing its performance and lifespan. It’s important to consider the environmental conditions, operational requirements, and available power in evaluating the appropriate motor size for an application. Properly sized motors operate the driven equipment most efficiently, which minimizes wear and tear on both the electric motor and the equipment it’s driving.

The first step in sizing a motor is to calculate the load. This involves determining the torque, inertia, and speed requirements of the application. The moment of inertia is the amount of resistance an object has to changing its speed or rotation rate. The speed of an object is determined by the distance between the center of gravity and its rotational axis.

Once the load is determined, the motor can be sized using code tables that provide full-load current ratings for specific phase, voltage, and horsepower motors. Installing a larger motor than the application requires can cause overheating and premature failure.

Another important factor in determining the lifespan of an electric motor is maintenance. Regularly inspecting the motor for signs of physical damage is essential. It’s also a good idea to record the results of these inspections so that any findings can be addressed before an issue becomes worse. Keeping the electric motor properly lubricated is also vital for longevity. Each motor has different lubrication requirements, so it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Maintenance of Electric Motors

Performing regular maintenance on electric motors can reduce the number of unplanned work stops and improve production efficiency. These steps can also prolong the lifespan of the motor and keep it running for a longer period of time. A proper maintenance program should include record keeping, insulation-resistance (IR) tests, visual inspections and voltage and current checks.

An accurate and strategic maintenance plan can also help to track a motor’s performance, which will lead to predicting potential problems before they occur. For example, vibration sensors can collect data over a long period of time and show a trend line that could indicate a faulty bearing or shaft alignment issues. Temperature sensors can also be used to monitor the condition of the motor and make sure that it is not leaking or overheating.

Another way to ensure the safety and longevity of an electric motor is to perform a thorough cleaning before storage. This is especially important if the equipment is located in an industrial setting. You should also check the commutator brushes, relays and contacts for signs of corrosion or dirt buildup. Once the motor is clean, you should disconnect the wires and check for continuity with a digital volt-ohm meter. This is a simple process, but it is vital to avoid damaging any internal components. If any wires are disconnected or have a broken connection, they should be fixed immediately before attempting to use the motor again. buy electric motor from surplusrecord industrial electrical motors are the best buy of electric motor used electric motor for sale at surplusrecord. surplus motor are the best Buying used or surplus industrial electric motors for sale is a financially wise and environmentally responsible decision. However, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase.