The Missouri S&T Electric Machines Lab, established in 1984 by Emerson, has 6 research stations with 15-kW dynamometers. Upgraded in 2004 with a gift from Emerson.
Each dynamometer station consist of a 15-kW dc machine powered by a modern four-quadrant drive. The rated speed range is from -2700-RPM to 2700-RPM. A variety of test motors are available at each station including 3.7-kW induction, compound dc, and wound-rotor synchronous machines. The machines are mounted on a torque table which has the capability of sensing up to 20-Nm. Meter and contactor panels are available for connection of power sources and sensing instantaneous values for up to six voltage and six currents.
In addition to the power electronic components at each station, the MotorLab has two mobile power electronic racks. Each rack consist of thirty-six (36) IGBTs and associated fiber-driven gate drive circuitry. These units are self-contained in that the sensors, DSP, and computer control are on the back side so that no external connections are required. The control is located close enough to the power section to reduce interference, but on the other side of a wall for safety. On the power section, the IGBT configuration can be re-wired to make a wide variety of power converter topologies including multilevel and multi-phase structures.
For studying small motors (less than 1-kW), four (4) stations have been set up. Each station consists of a motor/generator test stand, a PC with data acquisition card, a meter panel, a scope with current and voltage probes, and a rack of power sources and power electronics. For test motors, each station has the traditional synchronous, induction and dc machines as well as permanent-magnet ac machines for brush less dc drive experiments.