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How to calculate the breakdown torque of an AC motor?

Jun 23, 2025Leave a message

Calculating the breakdown torque of an AC motor is crucial for anyone dealing with these machines, whether you're an engineer, a technician, or just someone looking to understand how things work. As an AC motor supplier, I've had my fair share of experiences with customers asking about this very topic. So, let's dive right in and break down how to calculate the breakdown torque of an AC motor.

First off, what is breakdown torque? Breakdown torque is the maximum torque that a motor can develop without an abrupt drop in speed. In simpler terms, it's the point where the motor can no longer handle the load and starts to slow down significantly. It's an important parameter because it tells you the limit of what your motor can do.

There are a few different ways to calculate breakdown torque, and it really depends on what information you have available. One of the most common methods is using the motor's equivalent circuit model. This model represents the electrical and magnetic properties of the motor in a simplified way.

The equivalent circuit of an AC motor typically consists of a stator resistance, a stator reactance, a rotor resistance, a rotor reactance, and a magnetizing reactance. These values can usually be found in the motor's datasheet. Once you have these values, you can use the following formula to calculate the breakdown torque:

[T_{b} = \frac{3V_{1}^{2}}{2\omega_{s}}\frac{r_{2}}{\sqrt{(r_{1}+\frac{r_{2}}{s_{b}})^{2}+(x_{1}+x_{2})^{2}}}]

Where:

  • (T_{b}) is the breakdown torque
  • (V_{1}) is the stator voltage
  • (\omega_{s}) is the synchronous angular velocity
  • (r_{1}) is the stator resistance
  • (r_{2}) is the rotor resistance
  • (x_{1}) is the stator reactance
  • (x_{2}) is the rotor reactance
  • (s_{b}) is the slip at breakdown torque

The slip at breakdown torque ((s_{b})) can be calculated using the following formula:

[s_{b}=\frac{r_{2}}{\sqrt{r_{1}^{2}+(x_{1}+x_{2})^{2}}}]

Now, I know this might seem a bit complicated, but don't worry. Most of the time, you won't have to do these calculations by hand. There are plenty of software tools available that can do the job for you. Just input the values from the datasheet, and the software will give you the breakdown torque.

Another way to estimate the breakdown torque is by using the motor's nameplate data. The nameplate usually provides information such as the rated power, rated speed, and rated torque. You can use these values to make a rough estimate of the breakdown torque.

A common rule of thumb is that the breakdown torque is usually around 2 to 3 times the rated torque. So, if your motor has a rated torque of 100 Nm, you can expect the breakdown torque to be somewhere between 200 and 300 Nm. However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual breakdown torque can vary depending on the motor's design and operating conditions.

It's also important to note that the breakdown torque can be affected by factors such as the supply voltage, frequency, and temperature. For example, if the supply voltage is lower than the rated voltage, the breakdown torque will also be lower. Similarly, if the temperature of the motor increases, the resistance of the windings will increase, which can also affect the breakdown torque.

As an AC motor supplier, we offer a wide range of motors, including High Speed Motor, Synchronous Variable Frequency Motor, and MILL AC Motor. Each of these motors has its own unique characteristics and breakdown torque requirements.

When choosing a motor for your application, it's important to consider the breakdown torque. You want to make sure that the motor can handle the maximum load that it will be subjected to. If the breakdown torque is too low, the motor may stall or overheat, which can lead to premature failure.

If you're not sure which motor is right for your application, or if you need help calculating the breakdown torque, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you. We can provide you with detailed information about our motors, including their breakdown torque values, and help you make the right choice.

Synchronous Variable Frequency Motor4

In conclusion, calculating the breakdown torque of an AC motor is an important step in ensuring the proper operation of your motor. Whether you use the equivalent circuit model or the nameplate data, make sure you have a good understanding of the motor's capabilities. And if you need any help along the way, we're here for you. Contact us today to start the procurement process and let's find the perfect AC motor for your needs.

References

  • Fitzgerald, A. E., Kingsley, C., & Umans, S. D. (2003). Electric Machinery (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
  • Chapman, S. J. (2012). Electric Machinery Fundamentals (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
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