While most people place high importance on a motor’s electrical components and the services that keep them in good condition, such as Electric Motor Rewinds, Electric Motor Rewinds Singapore, one should not forget its mechanical parts, too. The rotor is one such example that needs to be well maintained by addressing any issues that may cause them to become unbalanced and reduce the longevity and performance of the motor system.
Read on as we explore the importance of rotor balancing, how mechanical and electrical conditions play into a rotor’s alignment, and how maintenance can significantly help protect your critical motor assets.
Why rotor balancing matters in electric motors
Rotors in electric motors convert electromagnetic or electrical energy into rotational motion, and they can only reliably operate when they maintain even weight distribution across their rotational axis. Rotating parts in all types of mechanical assembly can potentially become unbalanced during operation, and when the weight gets unevenly distributed, it causes their rotational centre to fall out of alignment with the geometric axis.
Imbalance can start off as a noticeable increase in noise and vibration, which, when left unaddressed, can result in premature motor failure and compromise its safety and operational efficiency. Rotor balancing helps keep this from happening to your motor as well as reduces its noise and vibration to further extend its service life.
The various types of unbalance
Before getting started with rotor balancing, it is important to first understand the different types of unbalance, which include:
Couple unbalance
This type of balance happens when the mass and running axes intersect, typically warranting correction in two axial planes.
Static unbalance
Static imbalance occurs due to the parallel displacement of the mass axis in relation to the shaft axis and requires correction in only one axial plane.
Dynamic unbalance
This is a combination of couple and static unbalance where the mass and rotational axes no longer intersect. Dynamic unbalance issues are commonly repaired by righting the balance along two axial planes.
Role of mechanical and electrical elements in rotor balancing
Successful rotor balancing requires evaluating and addressing both mechanical and electrical factors in a motor since neglecting to consider the latter means ignoring the effect that electrical imbalance and similar irregularities can have on the mechanical parts.
Below are some examples of the interconnected role that mechanical and electrical factors play in rotor balance:
- Vibration induction
As the machine operates, electrical problems can cause imbalance and then vibration, reducing rotor performance by increasing its mechanical imbalance. The result is reduced system stability.
- Force generation
Uneven winding, force imbalance and other such electrical issues will unevenly distribute force on a rotor, causing imbalance and inhibiting smooth rotational movement.
- Winding integrity
An imbalanced rotor promotes vibrations in motor systems, which degrades stator winding integrity. Winding analysis is a vital means of evaluating electrical conditions and their possible effect on rotor balancing.
- Dynamic interactions
These refer to the interactions between electrical and mechanical parts that occur during rotation. They can generate mechanical instability and worsen problems with electrical balance and vibration in rotors.
Conclusion
Rotor balancing services are essential to preserve the mechanical and electrical health of your motors and other electro-mechanical equipment with rotating components. Engage with an electrical engineering company in Singapore today for your rotor balancing needs to ensure motor protection and get quality solutions that get your assets back online as soon as possible.
