Sizing DC Motors for a Two-Wheeled Balancing Device

AI Thread Summary
When sizing DC motors for a two-wheeled balancing device, it's essential to calculate both the required torque and rotational speed. The desired speed can be determined by the wheel size, but torque calculations are more complex and require consideration of load and balance. The discussion compares two motors: the CIM motor and a more expensive Midwest Motion motor, noting that the latter offers higher torque and a larger diameter. Key factors influencing the choice include torque ratings, efficiency, and additional hardware costs. Understanding these specifications is crucial for selecting the right motor for effective performance in a balancing device.
uglyoldbob
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I recently started doing research to build one of these (popular?) two-wheeled balancing things. (A segway clone)
I don't know how to calculate the proper size motors (a pair of motors) for this. I know you have to consider the torque and rotational speed required to size the motor.

Desired rotational speed is easy, I just take a desired speed and a wheel size and figure out how fast it needs to rotate to reach that speed.

I'm not sure how to calculate torque requirements.
 
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Here are some motors I am comparing. The difference here is price (and obviously additional hardware on the more expensive one)

There is the CIM motor, according to the specs:
http://www2.usfirst.org/2005comp/Specs/CIM.pdf
Torque, speed, current, power, efficiency
0, 5310, 2.7, 0, 0 (free)
64, 4320, 27, 205, 63 (normal)
45, 4614, 19.8, 154, 65 (max efficiency)
171.7, 2655, 67.9, 337, 41 (max power)
343.4, 0, 133.0, 0, 0 (stall)

Here is a midwestMotion products motor: (it is the expensive one)
http://www.midwestmotion.com/products/brushed/12VOLT/12%20VOLT,%20250-324%20RPM%20GEARMOTORS/12%20VOLT,%2040-149%20IN-LBS/ENCODER%20-%20BRAKE%20COMPATIBLE/MMP%20S28-150E4-12V%20GP81-014%20TECH%20SPECS.pdf
Torque, speed, current, power, efficiency
0, 4140, 1.7, 0, 0 (no load)
110, 3640, 28.2, 296, N/A (rated continuous)

The more expensive motor has more torque from what I read on the datasheets. It is 3.2" diameter vs 2.5" on the CIM motor. What other big differences am I missing here (I put up links to the spec sheets of each motor)?
 
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