Get Your Motor Running: Understanding Starting Torque
This Benshaw white paper provides an in-depth look at starting torque — the critical factor that determines how effectively an electric motor accelerates a load from rest. It explains torque fundamentals, outlines equations for calculating motor torque and acceleration requirements, and uses practical examples to demonstrate how different machines—from fans to compressors—demand varying starting conditions.
Key Points
- Understanding Starting Torque: Explains how the combination of work torque and acceleration torque affects a motor’s ability to start and reach full speed efficiently.
- Equations and Calculations: Provides key formulas for determining motor torque (in both metric and imperial units), acceleration torque, and required start current.
- System-Level Considerations: Emphasizes evaluating the entire electrical system—mains supply, starter, and protective devices—for long start times or heavy loads.
- Global Perspective: Highlights Benshaw’s expertise as a worldwide leader in applied motor controls, offering solutions across industries and applications.
- Application-Specific Needs: Illustrates how different machines—such as fans, compressors, punch presses, and flywheels—require unique starting torque characteristics.
- Impact of Load Inertia: Details how high-inertia loads demand greater acceleration torque and influence system selection, including soft starters and fusing.
- Practical Engineering Insight: Encourages using engineering principles and experience to determine appropriate torque and motor selection for reliable starts.