Motor control to synch multiple motors rpm

[Fred B]

Is there a simple motor control that can synch multiple motors to operate at same rpm simultaneously?

 

[petersonra]

Is there a simple motor control that can synch multiple motors to operate at same rpm simultaneously?

depends on how synched it needs to be and how you want to accomplish the synching.

most VFDs have a follower function where you can take an analog output from the drive that is the master drive and feed it to the next drive.

or you can have a master encoder that all the drives look at and follow.

 

[kwired]

depends on how synched it needs to be and how you want to accomplish the synching.

most VFDs have a follower function where you can take an analog output from the drive that is the master drive and feed it to the next drive.

or you can have a master encoder that all the drives look at and follow.

Guess it depends on what you call simple as well.

I wouldn't call even a basic on/off VFD setup simple compared to across the line contactor for controller method, though it may be about same difficulty level when it comes to how do you connect it for simple on/off control method.

 

[petersonra]

Guess it depends on what you call simple as well.

I wouldn't call even a basic on/off VFD setup simple compared to across the line contactor for controller method, though it may be about same difficulty level when it comes to how do you connect it for simple on/off control method.

I suppose the simplest is to just turn them on and say they are synched. But, in context, I suspect he wants a little more control than that.

 

[kwired]

I suppose the simplest is to just turn them on and say they are synched. But, in context, I suspect he wants a little more control than that.

I would think simple induction motors would be harder to synch, but at same time more forgiving because they might allow more margin for slip than wound rotor type motors. That slip will still end up being inefficiency and ultimately given off as heat though.

 

[Fred B]

I would assume very in synch. Looking to use DC motors as drives for an all wheel drive application on an all terrain vehicle, making a powered 4 wheel drive quad cycle. If can get so no bugs on smaller scale would look to scale up. Thinking if I can eliminate a frictional power loss from a transmission and transfer case by going direct drive can use smaller motors, only would work if a can synch motors. Wouldn't want the motors fighting each other or pulling more to one side.

 

[drcampbell]

For a vehicle, with one motor per wheel, (or per axle) you'll want to synchronize torque, not speed or position. As long as there's no slip, the road will provide speed & position synchronization. (and will take care of differential speed when turning)

There's more to it, of course. You'll need to detect wheel slip (and for an ATV, a wheel not in contact with the ground at all) and limit the speed difference, for starters.

 

[drcampbell]

clarification: As long as there's no tire/pavement slip, the road will provide speed & position synchronization.