Torque(current control) motor test rig

I am building a test rig which will have two 50HP dc motors connected together, which will me used to test the motors/drives under current control.

My question is how to physically connect the two motors together. Should I just have a fixed coupling or should I have some sort of clutch arrangement?

Any suggestions?

Why use a clutch?

I don't see why you need a clutch if you can control the load.

If this is production testing, you may want to design a "quick change" coupling to save time.

star_watcher said:

I am building a test rig which will have two 50HP dc motors connected together, which will me used to test the motors/drives under current control.

My question is how to physically connect the two motors together. Should I just have a fixed coupling or should I have some sort of clutch arrangement?

Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

I think you need to describe the setup better - for example
1. What is the load, variable (or?) and how do you adjust it
2. What are you testing - motors or controllers or?
3. Why do you want to couple and uncouple motors?
4. A brief explanation of test parameter and desired measurements wold help.

Dan Bentler

Hi guys, Its not a production rig its just to test drives and motors off line from the main system.

My concern is if for some reason we have a stall condition or overload condition.

Dan,

1. The load is variable, on the test rig it will be via a pot. On the main system it is via a computer voltave output.
2. I am testing motors, tachos, and controllers.
3. I dont need to uncouple the motors I'm asking do I need a clutch or is a fixed coupling ok?
4. The rig is to test the operation of mainly the motor controllers but also the motors.

Thanks for your help.

Most of my customers are doing dynamometer testing systems

The controller takes care of limiting torque and speed and changing the limits as desired.

I would pick a coupling that can withstand some miss-alignment that wont be too difficult to change when you need to test a motor. Maybe a rubber "tyre" type coupling.

Nick