Discover Expert Tips for Ensuring Optimal Motor Performance.
1. Use the right motor for the job
Using motors that are correctly specified for the application is crucial. When using variable speed drives, it's common to slow down the motor, which can also slow down the cooling fan and potentially cause overheating. To prevent this, consider using an oversized motor for heavy load applications or a force ventilation cooling system to maintain proper cooling at all speeds. Additionally, using a PTC-thermistor or thermostat and wiring it correctly into the control system can help prevent motor overheating.
2. Use the most efficient motors for your requirements
In order to minimize running costs and optimize energy consumption, it's important to use the most efficient motors for your needs. Consider using a Total Cost of Ownership Calculator to guide your decision-making process when replacing or upgrading old, lower efficiency motors to higher efficiency models.3. Protect your critical equipment
Implementing a Smart Asset Management system can help monitor critical motors and identify any potential problems before they result in unexpected failure. Monitoring key performance indicators such as vibration and temperature allows for proactive planning and prevents costly downtime.
4. Ensure your motors are correctly aligned
During installation, it's important to ensure accurate alignment to prevent accelerated wear of the bearings that support the internal components of the motor. Look out for signs of vibration, audible noise, and overheating, and promptly investigate and address these issues to avoid unexpected failures and associated downtime.
5. Keep it cool
Proper cooling is essential for electric motors. Regularly clean the cooling channels and remove any debris to ensure an uninterrupted flow of air and maximum cooling. Additionally, make sure that the motors are rated correctly for the ambient temperature of the application to ensure a long and productive life cycle.
