Understanding the Parameters of Synchronous Motors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on understanding the parameters of synchronous motors, including rated power, torque, speed, voltage, and current. Participants explore the implications of these parameters in various contexts, including variable frequency drives and electric vehicles, while also addressing issues related to efficiency and power factor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that rated power indicates the maximum power the motor can deliver, while others question whether the motor can operate at any power below this rating.
  • There is a discussion about rated torque being the maximum torque the motor can produce, with some participants noting that this may not apply at zero speed due to thermal effects.
  • Participants clarify that synchronous machines run at synchronous speed, implying that rated speed is indeed the maximum speed, but variable frequency AC supplies can allow speed variation.
  • Some contributions highlight that rated current should not be exceeded, but the calculation of current may depend on whether reactive power is considered.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the relationship between rated parameters and the calculations involving input and output power, particularly in relation to efficiency exceeding 100%.
  • There is mention of discrepancies in manufacturer specifications, particularly regarding the absence of KVA ratings and the implications of power factor on current calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on several points, including the interpretation of rated parameters, the implications of power factor, and the calculations related to efficiency. Multiple competing views remain, particularly regarding the definitions and applications of these parameters in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the definitions of rated parameters may vary by manufacturer and application, and that assumptions about reactive power and efficiency calculations may lead to confusion. There is also a lack of standardization in the presentation of power ratings, which complicates comparisons.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineers, students, and professionals interested in the operational characteristics of synchronous motors, as well as those involved in the design and application of motor control systems.

PhysicsTest
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TL;DR
I want to understand the parameters of the synchronous motors.
I want to understand the parameters of the synchronous motor

Rated Power -> This is the maximum power the motor can deliver -> Is it correct? I can operate the motor for any power less than this?

Rated Torque -> This is the maximum torque beyond which the motor cannot produce?

Rated speed -> This is the maximum speed the motor can run upto?

Rated Voltage -> This is the voltage at which the motor can run?

Rated Current -> The motor should not be operated beyond this current? Can i derive this if i know the rated voltage and rated power?

Is the understanding of the above parameters correct? If i assume that the motor is driven by an inverter.
 
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Most ratingsare as you say, the maximum.

PhysicsTest said:
Summary:: I want to understand the parameters of the synchronous motors.

Rated speed -> This is the maximum speed the motor can run upto?
Synchronous machines run at synchronous speed. You can't vary the speed.
PhysicsTest said:
Summary:: I want to understand the parameters of the synchronous motors.

Rated Current -> The motor should not be operated beyond this current? Can i derive this if i know the rated voltage and rated power?
Only is reactive power is zero. Otherwise, you need voltage and volt amps.

Do you understand reactive (imaginary) power?
 
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I keep forgetting variable frequency AC supplies. If you have one of those, you can vary the speed, and rated speed is maximum speed.
 
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IMO - "rated" typically implies continuous duty. Maximums could be something completely different.

In EVs for example - the operation will take the motor to Zero Speed (RPM) and still have some significant torque. Short term this can be the rated torque, but this may not be continuous rated torque ay zero speed due to localized heating.

Also in specific applications or specific manufacturers have a nominal rating or operating point that they use to help their nomenclature as well.
 
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Windadct said:
IMO - "rated" typically implies continuous duty. Maximums could be something completely different.
Those words are not an exact science. Yes you can exceed rated parameters for short times. Often, thermal effects dominate. But a beginner can start with the basic definition and let nuances come later.

Sometimes, manufacturers provide both numbers. Aircraft have a design cruising speed (rated) and a ##V_{NE}## Never Exceed speed. Above ##V_{NE}##, the wings may break off.
 
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I was referring explicitly to the OP's query regarding Sync Motors- even in an EV the EV's spec will tend to be the MAX power, but that will be limited by the controller, not the physical limits of the device.
 
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anorlunda said:
Only is reactive power is zero. Otherwise, you need voltage and volt amps.
Do you understand reactive (imaginary) power?
Yes i understand it, the reactive power which cannot be used to do useful work, it is stored in inductor and capacitor and then released. But i have seen most manufacturers using KW instead of KVA, then i am not sure how to find the total current to be supplied.
I am still confused with the discussion of the rated parameters. Is there a standard followed or document i can refer to?
Meanwhile i tried to decode the motor parameters from the following link volcano motors

Variable speed AC motors

1612614297611.png

From the above table i understand the O/p power is = 0.75KW. There is no mention of KVA, why? How do i calculate? Is it KVA = 16*43 KVA = 688KVA
I/p power = V*I * Power factor = 16*43 * 0.79 = 543 W = 0.543 KW. I observe the input power is less than the output power of 0.75KW, why?
The other calculation of o/p power is = Torque * Speed (rad/s) = 2.75 * 2600*2 * PI/60 = 748W = 0.748KW. This is matching.
Efficiency = Output / Input , the output is greater than the input, the efficiency is greater than 100%, how is it possible? What is the mistake.
 
PhysicsTest said:
There is no mention of KVA, why?
Power factor is another way to express the same thing, avoiding the need to deal with KVA or VARs.

Good for you for spotting an erroneous >1 efficiency. We either have a misinterpretation, or an error.

My guess is an error by whoever made that nameplate. They might have started with V and P and multiplied by .79 to calculate A where they should have divided. If so, then the amp draw could be 59 A rather than 43. 16*59 * 0.79 = 746.
 
anorlunda said:
My guess is an error by whoever made that nameplate. They might have started with V and P and multiplied by .79 to calculate A where they should have divided. If so, then the amp draw could be 59 A rather than 43. 16*59 * 0.79 = 746.
The output power is correct using the formula P = Torque * Speed = ##2.75 * 2600*2 * \pi/60 = 748W = 0.748KW.## The efficiency as per the table is 79.8. Hence the input power should be
efficiency= ##748*100/\text{Input power} = 79.8 ##
Input power = ##748*100/79.8 = 937.3 KW##. If i assume the current calculation is wrong then the current is
##V*I*\cos\theta = 937.3 ##
##I = \frac{937.3} {16*0.79} = 74.15 A##
 
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I verified another table in the same link Volcano motors for the permanent magnet brushless motor
1612624229772.png

I/p power = 24*44.6 = 1070.4 KW
O/p Power = 2600*3.31*2*PI/60 = 0.9KW
Efficiency = 900*100/1070 = 84% and it matches with the values specified in the table. But my major confusion is there is no power factor mentioned or KVA. Generally any motor contains the inductor and resistance, so why the information is not mentioned?
 

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