Variable Speed Control Mechanisms
Speed control mechanisms allow an engineer or technician to adjust the speed of mechanical systems like pumps and motors. There are several types of variable speed control mechanisms that can be utilized by engineers depending on the application and the specific needs.
Motor driven variable speed mechanisms (DC and AC) have been used for more than 100 years. The most common type of variable speed control is a Voltage source inverter. This type of inverter works by changing the applied volts and frequency to the motor, thus changing its speed. Voltage source inverters are the most expensive type of variable speed control mechanism but offer the most flexibility. There are also current source inverters, which are cheaper but require the use of more components and are more difficult to install.
A stepper motor is another form of variable speed control. This type of motor uses a series of magnetic fields to move its armature which in turn changes its rotational speed. Stepper motors are widely used in medical equipment and robotics, as they are able to achieve precise speed and positional control.
An even more sophisticated type of variable speed control is the vector drive. Vector drives use complex algorithms to control the speed and current of the motor They are often used in applications where exact speed, position, and torque control are required. Vector drives can be quite complex, but the advantage is their ability to adjust the speed of the motor to different loads.
Another type of speed controlling system is a brushless DC motor. These motors are electrically commutated and operate without any brushes, thus increasing their service life. Brushless DC motors can be used to control speed in various applications, such as in automated manufacturing machines and power tools.
Finally, closed loop systems are another type of speed control mechanism. This type of system uses sensors to measure and verify the speed of the motor and then adjust the speed as necessary. Closed loop systems offer a high level of accuracy, since the speed can be precisely controlled.
Ultimately, the best speed control mechanism for a given application will depend on the specific needs of the engineer or technician. Automotive and industrial markets have a wide variety of speed control mechanisms available, and the engineer must determine which will work best given the task at hand.
