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Dave Polka

Motors & Drives: A Practical Technology Guide

Motors & Drives: A Practical Technology Guide

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  • More about Motors & Drives: A Practical Technology Guide

This practical guide, developed by industry veteran Dave Polka, covers the latest advancements in AC and DC drives, including discussions on machine safety, application-specific drives, enhanced programmability, and communication technologies. It is a valuable resource for design engineers, automation and control specialists, maintenance technicians, and students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2021
Publisher: Instrument Society of America


This comprehensive guide, meticulously crafted by Dave Polka, a distinguished industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, serves as an invaluable resource for design engineers, automation and control specialists, maintenance technicians, and students alike. While the fundamental principles of AC and DC drives have remained unchanged, the technology has undergone a remarkable transformation, and this revised edition takes a fresh perspective on how market demands have propelled motor and drive technology to spearhead the industry in exciting new directions.

The second edition of this text incorporates a substantial amount of new material, encompassing comprehensive discussions on various topics. These include:

AC drives and machine safety: This section delves into the safety considerations and features of AC drives, emphasizing their role in ensuring the safe operation of machinery.

Application-specific drives and soft-starters: It explores the design and implementation of custom-designed AC drives tailored to specific industrial applications, including soft-starters for efficient motor starting.

Enhanced programmability for AC drives: This chapter discusses the advanced programming capabilities of AC drives, including adaptive, function block, sequential, and IEC-61131-3 programming. It highlights the benefits of these programming techniques in optimizing drive performance and meeting diverse application requirements.

Master-follower, Ethernet, fiber-optic, and PLC communications: It provides an in-depth exploration of communication protocols and technologies used in AC drives, such as master-follower, Ethernet, fiber-optic, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) communications. It discusses the advantages and challenges of each communication method and their applications in industrial automation.

The principles of DC and variable frequency AC drive technology: This section introduces the fundamental principles of DC and variable frequency AC drive technology, including their operation, control strategies, and applications. It provides a comprehensive overview of these technologies and their significance in modern industrial processes.

An overview of drive components and types of drives: This chapter offers a detailed examination of the various components and types of AC and DC drives. It highlights common applications, energy savings, and the suitability of different drive configurations for specific industrial processes.

DC and AC motor and drive operation: It delves into the operation of DC and AC motors, including their principles, characteristics, and applications. It covers topics such as motor types, speed control, torque generation, and the integration of motors with AC drives.

AC vector, servo, and permanent magnet motors: This section provides an introduction to AC vector, servo, and permanent magnet motors, their characteristics, and their applications in industrial automation. It discusses the advantages and limitations of each motor type and their suitability for different industrial processes.

In addition to these comprehensive discussions, the book includes easy-to-understand explanations, summaries, review questions, glossaries, and reference tables for formulas and conversions. Designed as a valuable tutorial and desk reference, this resource is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of AC and DC drives, their applications, and the latest technological advancements in the field.

Whether you are a design engineer, automation specialist, maintenance technician, or student, this guide will provide you with a solid foundation in AC and DC drive technology. Its comprehensive coverage, practical insights, and user-friendly format make it an invaluable resource for advancing your knowledge and skills in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.

Weight: 1088g
Dimension: 181 x 254 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643310527
Edition number: 2 Revised edition

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