Electric drive is an industrial system which performs the conversion of
electrical energy to mechanical energy or vice versa for running various
processes. These include:
- Production plants
- Home appliances
- Transportation of people or goods
- Pumps
- Air compressors
- Music or image players
- Computer disc drives
- Robots etc.
An electrical drive system uses electrical components. These electrical components are made up of fewer mechanical wear parts, reducing the need to replace these parts, which result 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 of Electric Drives
An electric drive provides electrical retarding and reduces service brake wear. It also has many operational advantages. It includes 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 of Electric Drives
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.