Electronic load to substitute for motor

[BobM2]

We test the electrical controls for our winches by actually connecting the controls to the winch and loading the winch. I'd like to use a programable electronic load in place of the winch. To simulate the on/of transients of the winch's motor the electronic load would ideally have a programable inductance, resistance, back emf generator and noise supply (for motor commutation noise simulation). I'm guessing there aren't any electronic loads out there that would do this. Any ideas?

 

[buzzp]

I have not seen any. I think they would be cost prohibitive. However, there are programmable power supplies that you could use to simulate the motor current/voltage through your controls. This would include phase angles, harmonics, etc. I believe you are doing the best test possible - using the equipment it will be controlling.

 

[jraef]

I agree with buzzp. We use load banks to test current ratings and heat runs on solid state motor controls, but every unit we ship is connected to a motor and run against a load as well. It is the only truly valid test. We use a transaxle and disc brake system from a cargo tractor to load them. It was cheap and easy to implement, albeit not very high-tech looking.

The other somewhat simple system if you are speaking of smaller loads is to use 2 motors coupled together, the 2nd one connevcted to a variable speed drive so it can act as a varuialbe load against the test system. Search for the term "dynomometer" for reasources on building or buying one.

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"