Why consider nameplate ratings while choosing electric motors

Electric motors when selected appropriately can serve you for years. Keeping its operation and maintenance part up-to-date can add up some more additional years to the motor’s life. However, there are certain factors that have to be considered while the selection of motor. One of them is nameplate rating. Most amateur people don’t actually realize the importance of nameplate rating and end up buying model that doesn’t fit into their requirements. 

As a matter of fact, electric motors are sized or rated under standard set of circumstances. In simple terms, there are different categories of motors which are designed for different purposes. While making choice, consider nameplate rating, as it determines the performance, service life, and describes procedures for curbing internal motor heat. 

If you choose electric motors having lower power than what it actually needs, it can create excessive load over the machine. For instance, if a motor with 40 HP (Horse Power) is over loaded under condition like accidentally using it to drive larger load than 40 HP or operating under low rated voltage, the machine will draw extreme amperage in order to supply the demanded power to manage the load. Overload power which when exceeds the nameplate rating the motor will turn hotter than its ability to bear temperature. This will in turn affect the machine in terms of deteriorated winding insulation and eventually shortens its life. This is due to the reason that the motor conductors and insulation are not designed to handle power loads more than the nameplate ratings. 

Nameplate ratings illustrate the operating parameters and convey the information to the users. It tells users that if the model is suitable for their application. Hence, it simplifies the process of selecting motors.

Brushless Electric Motors Frequently Asked Questions

Do you know next to nothing about brushless drives? Why not get started with your search for information by checking out some previous questions on the specifics of this type of machine? We have collected three of the most common questions people ask about brushless drives, including  popular misconceptions and prejudices to ensure that you make the best choices concerning your electric motors.

•   Can brushless drives be used in hybrid energy cars?

Yes! A high powered brushless drive coupled with a reliable controller can be used successfully in any type of vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, golf cart, fork lift or boat. Many DIY kits are available for converting your vehicle into a more energy efficient machine and include parts such as the integral bridge, differential gear box and braking system.

•   How long does the average brushless electric motor last?

The longevity of any machine depends very much on the quality of construction and the application you are using it for. Other influential factors include the surrounding environment – including  such specifics such as air quality, humidity and floating debris – duty cycle, input power and load coupling. Generally, however, brushless machines last much longer than the brushed equivalents, as the product lifetime is limited only by ball bearing wear.

•   How is speed measured in brushless drives?

Determining the speed of your brushless machine can be a little confusing as there is no standard unit used in this field. The two most popular methods of measuring speed used by manufacturers, however, is by turns and using a KV value. As a general guide, you should understand that the fewer the turns on a brushless electric motor the faster the acceleration, whereas a higher KV number means faster acceleration.

How to choose size of the electric motors for your vehicle

For electric vehicle, lighter weight is what everyone recommends. Light weight means lesser load on the vehicle engine. Therefore while choosing electric motor you need to be watchful for its weight and avoid overcapacity motor. Over capacity electric motors don’t just increase the over all weight of the vehicle but also demands more batteries in storage bank. In this way, additional batteries further increase the vehicle weight.

Since electric vehicle conversion is about balancing, so it is you who will decide on the range and performance you expect from your vehicle. Performance of vehicle doesn’t simply need your wish your vehicle should also support your demand. Considering all the factors along with the selection of electric motor will help to achieve the conversion you are looking for. For this, you need to plan and calculate all the figures of your vehicle. Take engine capacity and size, vehicle size, maximum speed it can run on diesel, etc. in consideration. Getting right electric motor will prove to be rewarding.

If you feel trouble in finding right motor, then it is better to contact professional. Even if you pay some money to the professional to calculate and select right option, still it will be cheaper than the readymade electric vehicle. So don’t be fearful to spend on professionals, because it is better to take time and spend little more money than finally having a vehicle that doesn’t fit into your requirement and have retire earlier than its actual age. There are various vehicle conversion professionals who can suggest you the best option and get you the right motor.