Our project team is attempting to use a 7.5 kW 3-phase AC motor to run a brake dyno, and need a control method to run a set of predetermined speed sequences for testing purposes (ex. 30 rpm for 5 seconds, 50 rpm for 10 etc...).
It's still early days, but it's been clear that a variable frequency drive is the way to go to control the motor speed, so if we need to run some test sequences autonomously, what are our best options? From what we've found so far, VFDs seem suited to interfacing with programmable logic controllers. Are PLCs capable of running these tests if we have around 15 different test sequences the user can choose from? And I've also seen videos of projects where an arduino is used to output a PWM signal to the VFD to do the same speed control, but now with the bonus of being programmable, but the lack of documentation and "plug and play" potential is an acceptable yet disappointing compromise.
Forgive any apparent oversights, for we are mainly mech-fluids and mech-material students flailing around helplessly with these electronic components. Any wisdom and guidance would be appreciated and cheers in advance.
It's still early days, but it's been clear that a variable frequency drive is the way to go to control the motor speed, so if we need to run some test sequences autonomously, what are our best options? From what we've found so far, VFDs seem suited to interfacing with programmable logic controllers. Are PLCs capable of running these tests if we have around 15 different test sequences the user can choose from? And I've also seen videos of projects where an arduino is used to output a PWM signal to the VFD to do the same speed control, but now with the bonus of being programmable, but the lack of documentation and "plug and play" potential is an acceptable yet disappointing compromise.
Forgive any apparent oversights, for we are mainly mech-fluids and mech-material students flailing around helplessly with these electronic components. Any wisdom and guidance would be appreciated and cheers in advance.