Die-cast copper rotors for improved motor performance

모터 성능 향상을 위한 다이캐스트 구리 로터

Authors

J.G. CowieCopper Development Association Inc., New York, NY, USAD.T. BrenderCopper Development Association Inc., New York, NY, USA

Abstract

Aluminum has been the common conductor material for the squirrel cage of the induction motor largely because of ease of manufacturing by pressure die casting. Short die life in die casting the higher melting copper resulting in high production cost has prevented the copper rotor from attaining a place in integral horsepower motors. Because of its higher electrical conductivity, copper in the rotor reduces energy losses. Data presented in this paper show that in addition to reduced rotor losses and improvement in overall electrical energy efficiency, an important derivative benefit is reduced motor operating temperature which will lead to longer motor life and reduced maintenance costs in high duty cycle motors. Overall motor losses as measured in laboratory dynamometer tests using IEEE Specification 112B were reduced by 14 to 23% in copper rotors compared to aluminum counterparts. Other performance characteristics of copper rotor equipped motors are described. A short summary of tests of high temperature die materials and their use in die casting copper is presented.

Fig. 1. Schematic illustration of diminishing returns in effecting further reductions in motor losses
Fig. 1. Schematic illustration of diminishing returns in effecting further reductions in motor losses

Keywords

Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of the placement of electric  resistance heaters and insulation in the die material tests.
Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of the placement of electric resistance heaters and insulation in the die material tests.
Fig.3 Cross-section of rotor for three-phase  motor showing copper filling the  conductor bar slots.
Fig.3 Cross-section of rotor for three-phase motor showing copper filling the conductor bar slots.

References

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