Electric drives
Electric drive is an industrial system which
performs the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy or vice
versa for running various processes such as: production plants,
transportation of people or goods, home appliances, pumps, air compressors,
computer disc drives, robots, music or image players, etc.
An electrical drive system uses electrical components. These electrical
components contain fewer mechanical wear parts, reducing the need to replace
these parts, resulting in lower operating costs for the electric drive
system. Electric drive systems are very simple. They consist of an electric
storage battery, a speed controller with throttle, and a dc electric motor.
Characteristics
An electric drive provides electrical retarding and reduces service brake
wear. The system also has many operational advantages including the control
of wheel slip and slide, thus reducing the tire wears. The system delivers a
smoother ride for the operator. The electric drive system enhancements
include improved retarding grids, slip control algorithms, the latest in
diagnostic and trouble shooting software and silencers.
Applications
The electric drive system is especially designed to suit the propeller or
rotor research. Both sting and strut mounts are accommodated. The electric
drive system is capable of powering three phase AC motors as large as 75
horsepower. Electric drives are also used in boats and are capable of
driving the boats at hull speeds comparable with speeds produced by internal
combustion engines. In order to have a boat propeller turn at an efficient
slow rotation, a reduction gear is an integral part of the motor. To be able
to reverse the motion there is a switch in the throttle that controls a
forward or reverse relay that alters the rotation of the motor. They are
used in vehicles to give better payload, faster acceleration, improved
mobility, and lower fuel consumption.