article · Energies
Variable speed alternating current drives are increasingly widespread, making precise energy efficiency assessments essential. Evaluating these systems requires examining multiple variables, particularly how motor choice influences energy losses within the associated frequency converter. Research investigates the energy performance of a variable frequency pump drive paired with either an induction motor or a synchronous reluctance motor. Using both analytical and numerical models, the effect of each machine type on losses in a low-voltage two-stage frequency converter is evaluated and compared. The work also proposes an alternative method to determine the converter load current magnitude and power factor. In addition to theoretical evaluations, experimental tests were conducted on 1.1 kW induction and synchronous reluctance motors. These experiments yield a quantitative estimate of the differing converter loss profiles produced by each motor design.
Electric motors and variable speed drives consume substantial amounts of industrial power. Understanding how motor design affects losses within the frequency converter itself helps engineers design more efficient pumping systems. By accounting for whole-system efficiency rather than evaluating the motor in isolation, industrial operators can reduce electricity waste and improve overall system design.
The findings are relevant to manufacturers of low-power electric drives, pump systems, and industrial automation components. Because the work evaluates 1.1 kW motors using both computational models and physical experiments, it sits at an applied, laboratory-tested stage. It provides drive designers with quantitative data and calculation methods to optimise converter selection for specific motor types.
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Due to the rapid increase in the number of variable speed AC drives, the analysis of their energy efficiency has become highly essential. However, such an analysis requires consideration of a wide variety of factors. This includes considering the energy loss in the frequency converter, depending on the motor type. In this article, a computational comparison of the energy properties of variable frequency pump drive employing two types of electric machines, i.e. an induction and a synchronous reluctance motor, is presented. The effect of the motor type on the losses in a low-voltage two-stage frequency converter using analytical and numerical models, with a further comparison, is investigated. Furthermore, an alternative approach to determine the current magnitude and power factor of the load of the converter is suggested. Eventually, this study provides a quantitative estimate of the increase in losses in the converter caused by using the two different motor types. Several experimental tests are conducted on induction and synchronous 1.1 kW reluctance motors.
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DOI: 10.3390/en12061144
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