Interactive AC Motor Performance Analysis
Understanding the relationship between load, speed, efficiency, and power is crucial for proper motor sizing, application analysis, and energy efficiency initiatives. This tool provides a dynamic visualization of these key performance characteristics based on standard motor nameplate data. By inputting specifications, engineers and technicians can generate and explore typical performance curves to better predict motor behavior under varying operational loads.
Speed vs. Load
This graph illustrates the relationship between the motor's load and its rotational speed (RPM). An AC induction motor runs at a "synchronous speed" when there is no load, determined by the electrical frequency and number of poles. As the mechanical load increases, the motor " slips" and the speed decreases slightly in a near-linear fashion up to its rated full load point. This slip is essential for generating torque.
Current vs. Load
This graph shows how the current drawn by the motor (Amps) changes with the load. Notice that even with no load, the motor draws a significant "magnetizing" current to create the magnetic fields. As the load increases, the current draw increases to provide the required torque. This relationship is critical for selecting proper overcurrent protection and sizing electrical conductors.
Efficiency vs. Load
Motor efficiency measures how well it converts electrical energy into mechanical work. As shown, efficiency is very low at light loads and increases dramatically to a peak value, typically between 75% and 80% of the full rated load. Running a motor consistently below 50% load is highly inefficient. This curve is paramount for energy cost analysis and selecting the correctly sized motor for an application to maximize efficiency.
Power Input vs. Load
This plot shows the total electrical power (in Kilowatts) the motor consumes from the source at a given load. While related to the load, the curve is not perfectly linear because it accounts for the motor's inefficiencies. The difference between the input electrical power and the output mechanical power is lost as heat. Understanding this input power is essential for forecasting electricity consumption and operational costs.
BR 15681 
US 6951 
CN 2176 
AR 2044 
SG 1139 
EC 1097 
AU 1020 
TH 965 
