On the new test stand, the braking torque is generated by a second motor operating as a generator.
Through a loss-optimized intermediate circuit coupling of the drives, the braking energy gained can be fed back into the drive system. By providing suitable set profiles from a higher-level PLC to the drives, the universal test stand can thus be operated with negligible energy consumption, and climate control of the control cabinet can be omitted.
The modular hardware structure and the FPGA-based design of the powerful E°Darc C drive system from Eckelmann FCS used here make it possible to integrate application- and technology-specific know-how directly into the servo controller. The new universal test stand can test timing belt drives under real conditions.
Constant high-dynamic acceleration and braking as well as braking torques that simulate operating loads can quickly drive up energy costs on such test stands, especially since the application often runs continuously for weeks — always near nominal operation.
This also speaks for the particular suitability and robustness of the E°Darc C drive technology for machining centers, where Eckelmann FCS drive controllers usually bring tool spindles up to speed (up to 40,000 1/min) and handle similar loads.
