Every electric motor must have some form of motor control. Motor control options can range from extremely simple, such as the on/off switch on a handheld power tool, to highly complex, such as the motor control functionality found in such devices as variable frequency drives or even programmable logic controllers. Choosing the right motor controller is just as important as choosing the right electric motor, especially in highly industrial settings or for complex applications in the oil, gas, and power production industries.
Starting Control
The most basic types of motor control all have one thing in common: they can start and stop the motor. This is usually achieved simply with the flick of a switch, but some motor starters can be operated automatically when connected to a timer or other controller. Solid state starters and other soft starters offer a step up from the basic on/off operation of simple starters, offering the additional benefit of using less torque and voltage to start the motor gently.
Speed, Torque, and Acceleration Control
A more advanced motor control option is the variable frequency drive, or variable speed drive, which can give the user more control over the speed of the motor, the amount of power it puts out, and how quickly or slowly it accelerates to full speed, among other things. With a soft start, this amount of control can increase the longevity of the equipment it runs and save energy in many applications. There are variable frequency drives which can control only one of these aspects of electric motor functionality or several, depending on what the motor is being used to run.
Intelligent Control
Intelligent control designs use monitoring electronics to determine whether the motor needs more power or less. When the electric motor is put under a lot of stress, intelligent controllers will increase the torque that the motor puts out so that it can handle a heavier load. Conversely, it can signal the motor to produce less torque when a lighter load is present, saving energy and decreasing wear on the motor and equipment. A programmable logic controller is one popular option for intelligent control, because it can be used to control a number of different devices at once from one central location. Intelligent control designs like the programmable logic controller make full automation in industrial settings possible.
Customized Electric Motor Control
Although there are already hundreds of excellent motor control products on the market, there can be times when a customized design is called for. This is particularly true in cases where full automation is necessary, or when advanced motor control equipment needs to fit in a tight space. An Electric Motor Specialist at Five Star Electric can help you determine which products will best suit your needs and can design control panels or power control rooms to your specifications if you can’t find something you like.
