How To Reduce The Heat Generation Of The Stepper Motor?

As a digital actuator, stepper motors are widely used in many motion control systems. But many users of stepper motors may have this kind of problem. The stepper motor will generate a lot of heat while they are working.  In this blog, we will explore the reason behind this phenomenon and also provide some useful measures to reduce the heat generation of the stepper motor.

Reasons of Heat generation

The heat inside the stepper motor mainly originates from two aspects. One is due to copper and iron losses inside the motor. The interior of the stepper motor is composed of iron core and winding coil. Winding has resistance. when it is energized, it will produce losses. And the degree of the loss is proportional to the resistance and the square of the current, which is often referred to as the copper meteorite; The iron core of the stepper motor has hysteresis eddy current effect. It produces losses while in the alternating magnetic field, the degree of the loss is related to the material, current, frequency, voltage, which is called iron loss. Copper loss and iron loss will be manifested in the form of heat generation, thus affecting the efficiency of the motor.

The second reason is that the motor generates heat due to current and voltage changes during operation. Stepping motor generally pursue positioning accuracy and torque output. Its efficiency is relatively low and the current is generally large and often has high harmonic. The frequency of current alternation also varies with the rotational speed, thus the stepping motor generally has a heating situation.

Reasonable range of stepper motor heat generation

But how do we know whether the temperature of  the stepper motor is at the normal range? The reasonable range of motor heat generation depends mainly on the motor's internal insulation level. The internal insulation of the motor will be destroyed when the temperature is above 130 degrees. So as long as the internal does not exceed 130 degrees, the motor will not be damaged. At this case, the surface temperature will be below 90 degrees. Therefore, a stepper motor surface temperature of 70-80 degrees is normal. There are some simple tips for you to know whether the temperature is normal. Firstly, you can also roughly judge with a thermometer. Secondly, if you can touch the motor with your hand more than 1-2 seconds, it means the surfacetemperature of the motor is not more than 80 degree. Thirdly, you can drop a few drops of water. If the water quickly vaporized, then the surface temperature of the motor is higher than 90 degrees.

Measures to Reduce the Heat Generation

1. Reasonable selection of motor model

When selecting, the appropriate motor model should be selected according to actual needs, and try to avoid motors that are too large or too small. A motor that is too large can easily cause unnecessary current and heat generation, while a motor that is too small may not meet the load requirements, leading to excessive fatigue.

2. Optimize drive parameters

Reasonably set drive parameters, especially current control parameters. By adjusting the current size and control method, the heating degree of the motor can be effectively controlled. Normally, reducing the current appropriately can reduce heat generation, but it is important to ensure that it does not affect the operational performance of the motor.

3. Improving heat dissipation conditions

Optimizing the heat dissipation conditions of the motor can effectively reduce heat generation. Ensure that the motor is installed in a well ventilated location and add auxiliary cooling equipment such as heat sinks or fans to improve heat dissipation efficiency.

4. Reduce load

Reducing the load on the motor can reduce heat generation. Reasonable design of transmission systems, reduction of frictional resistance and inertial loads, and other methods can effectively reduce the load on the motor, thereby reducing heat generation.

5.Optimizing work efficiency

Improving the efficiency of the motor can reduce energy loss, thereby reducing heat generation. The selection of efficient motors and drivers, optimization of control algorithms, and reduction of no-load running time can all improve the working efficiency of motors.

6.Reasonable setting of operating parameters

Based on the actual application situation, set the operating parameters of the motor reasonably, such as acceleration, speed, etc. Excessive acceleration and speed can increase the load and heat generation of the motor, so these parameters should be appropriately controlled.