Sizing DC Motors for a Two-Wheeled Balancing Device

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on sizing DC motors for a two-wheeled balancing device, specifically comparing the CIM motor and a Midwest Motion motor. Key factors in motor selection include torque and rotational speed, which are critical for achieving desired performance. The CIM motor offers various torque and speed specifications, while the Midwest Motion motor provides higher torque at a larger diameter. Understanding these specifications is essential for selecting the appropriate motors for balancing applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and rotational speed calculations
  • Familiarity with motor specifications and datasheets
  • Knowledge of balancing mechanisms in robotics
  • Basic principles of electrical engineering related to motors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate torque requirements for balancing devices
  • Explore the differences in motor efficiency and power ratings
  • Learn about PID control systems for balancing applications
  • Investigate additional motor options and their specifications for robotics
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, hobbyists, and robotics enthusiasts involved in designing and building two-wheeled balancing devices or similar robotic applications.

uglyoldbob
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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)?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Replies
34
Views
5K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
5K