Motor Sizing Calculator

Accurate motor sizing calculations for various applications

Motor Sizing Calculator

Compliant with IEC 60034 Standards

Recommended Motor Parameters:

Continuous Power (kW): 0.00

Acceleration Torque (Nm): 0.00

Total Peak Torque (Nm): 0.00

How to Use the Motor Sizing Calculator

Input Required Torque

  1. Enter the continuous torque required by your application in Newton-meters (Nm).
  2. This is the torque needed to overcome friction and external loads.

Input Operating Speed

  1. Provide the desired operating speed of the motor in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).
  2. This is the speed at which the motor will run during normal operation.

Input Acceleration & Inertia

  1. Enter the desired acceleration time in seconds.
  2. Input the total load inertia in kilogram-meter squared (kg.m²).
  3. These values are crucial for calculating peak torque during acceleration.

Motor Sizing Fundamentals

Key Factors

For successful motor sizing, three important factors must be determined: torque, inertia, and speed.

  • Torque: The rotational force required to move the load.
  • Inertia: The resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion.
  • Speed: The rotational velocity at which the motor operates.

Step-by-Step Calculation

The motor sizing starts with a first-pass estimation of all loading and a simple move profile defining the worst-case acceleration and velocity requirements. This process follows the Laws of Motion by Newton.

  1. Define/calculate the key aspects of the motion profile required.
  2. Calculate/estimate all of the torque loadings in the system.
  3. Estimate any additional torque required due to the environment or the system dynamics.
  4. Check your results against an initial motor selection that fits within your desired size and physical constraints.
  5. Factor in the motor itself to the system and repeat step 4 if necessary.
  6. Check the electrical input power requirements to see that they align with what’s available.

Key Factors & Formulas

Continuous Power (kW):
P_cont = (T_req × N × 2π) / (60 × 1000)

Acceleration Torque (Nm):
T_accel = (J_load × N × 2π) / (60 × t_accel)

Total Peak Torque (Nm):
T_peak = T_req + T_accel

Where: T_req = Required Torque (Nm), N = Operating Speed (RPM), J_load = Load Inertia (kg.m²), t_accel = Acceleration Time (s)

Example Calculation

Motor Sizing Example:

Required Torque: 10 Nm

Operating Speed: 1500 RPM

Acceleration Time: 0.5 s

Load Inertia: 0.01 kg.m²

P_cont = (10 × 1500 × 2π) / (60 × 1000) ≈ 1.57 kW

T_accel = (0.01 × 1500 × 2π) / (60 × 0.5) ≈ 3.14 Nm

T_peak = 10 + 3.14 = 13.14 Nm

Results: Continuous Power = 1.57 kW | Acceleration Torque = 3.14 Nm | Total Peak Torque = 13.14 Nm

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