Balancing a system using variable speed drivers

Unbalanced mechanical systems are always of great concern to engineers because of, the implications on the reliability of the systems. This paper presents two approaches to handling the problem in mechanical systems equipped with electrical motors driven by variable speed drivers. The two methods are able to verify the imbalance of the system based on the cyclic load factor (CLF) and on the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), both using the torque signal obtained from the drive. Algorithms were developed to obtain the necessary parameters from the drive and then converted into ladder programs able to be embedded in the drivers so that real time balancing control can be achieved. Experimental results demonstrate the possibility of assisting the balancing of mechanical systems based on the developed algorithms. Among the advantages of maintaining a balanced system using the present approach is preventing equipment wear, increasing the useful life and reducing maintenance costs.