Present state and a futuristic vision of motor drive technology

September 2010 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

A major driving force behind the industrial revolution was the invention of the electric motor more than a century ago. Its widespread use for all kinds of mechanical motion has made life simple and has contributed to the advancement of humankind.

The advent of the inverter, which facilitates speed and torque control of AC motors, has propelled the use of the electric motor to realms that were inconceivable 30 years ago. Advances in power semiconductors, along with digital controls, have resulted in motor drives that are robust and can control position and speed to a high degree of precision. Use of AC motor drives has also resulted in energy savings and improved system efficiencies.

Yaskawa Electric Corporation has been at the forefront of drive technology for many years. The development of more efficient, more powerful electric motor drives to power the demands of future generations is important for achieving energy savings, and improving productivity.

The paper 'Present state and a futuristic vision of motor drive technology' reviews Yaskawa’s role in the development and application of inverter technology for AC motor drives and introduces a futuristic vision for motor drive technology.

For more information go to http://motioncontrol.co.za/+0809_YaskawaMotorDriveTech

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