Drive Application Notes

Variable Torque Applications

In most processes, the load varies with speed as described
using one of the following terms: variable torque loads,
constant torque loads, constant horsepower loads, and impact
loads. When applying a control and motor to a process, it is
important to determine how the load is related with speed.

Breakaway Torque - A pump or fan normally requires less

than 50% of full load torque to start initially from rest.
Accelerating Time - A variable torque load normally has a low
inertia. Also, the accelerating torque required is low and the
drive and motor usually have sufficient capacity to meet the
time requirements for most pump and fan applications.

Variable torque loads are good candidates to apply Adjustable

Frequency Drives (AFDs) for energy savings. Typical
examples of such loads are centrifugal pumps, centrifugal fans,
centrifugal blowers, and centrifugal compressors. Savings can
reach as high as 60% in some applications. For example,
heating and cooling systems can have an AFD installed to
control fan speed. Instead of operating the motor at a fixed
speed and adjusting the airflow by means of dampers and
vanes, the motor speed can be adjusted to control airflow.
Lowering motor speed saves significant energy, and it can be
done automatically when the AFD is interfaced with the heating
and cooling system control.

Decelerating Time - Regenerative braking is normally not

required when stopping pumps and fans.
Squared Torque Variation
A variable torque load having a squared relationship means that
the torque varies at a rate proportional to the square of the
speed and horsepower varies as the cube of the speed,
reaching 100% load torque and horsepower at a defined speed.
(See Figure 1)

Centrifugal pumps are also likely candidates for AFDs and

ultimately energy savings. Like fans, centrifugal pumps boast
variable torque load, and HP requirements drop off
exponentially as speed is reduced. The Wisconsin Center for
Demand-Side Research indicates that savings can reach 25%
for fans. Savings for blowers and central refrigeration systems
can reach 35%, and savings for feed water pumps can be as
high as 50%. An AFD also has the benefit of increasing the
motors connected power factor to near unity.

Per Unit Torque or HP of Driven Load

1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

Horsepower

0.25

0.00
0.00

Load Application Considerations

Torque

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.00

1.25

Per Unit of Base Speed

With a variable torque load, the loading is a function of the

speed. Specifically, as the speed is increased or decreased, the
torque required of the load will change with the square of the
speed.

FIGURE 1
SQUARED TORQUE VARIATION

Because of the very low torque requirements at low speed, low

speed operation is not normally an important consideration with
variable torque applications. Motor load decreases, which
offsets the affects of reduced cooling. During running, the
highest motor load, and therefore operating temperature,
occurs at the highest operating speed because the load
increases with speed for variable torque loads.
The
horsepower requirement of the load continues to increase
above base speed yet the motor torque may be decreasing if
control voltage is being held constant. For operation above

Speed Range - Minimum speed requirement is usually not less

than 50% (30 hertz) of base speed. Normally, a pump or fan
will provide very little output below this speed. Maximum
speed is usually not greater than base speed 100% (60 Hertz).
Speed Regulation - Loading normally does not change at a
given speed for a variable torque load. Also, the speed is
usually automatically controlled by system parameters such as
pressure, level, temperature, etc.
1

AP208, 10/01

MOTOR APPLICATION NOTES

motor base speed, the motors capability must exceed the load
requirements.
Although the load inertia for some variable torque applications
such as large fans can be high, rapid acceleration is typically
not required. As a result, the load can usually be accelerated
without exceeding motor rated torque.

Linear Torque Variation

A variable torque load having a linear relationship means that
the torque varies linearly with speed and horsepower varies as
the square of the speed, reaching 100% load torque and
horsepower at a defined speed. (See Figure 2)

Per Unit Torque or HP of Driven Load

1.25

1.00

0.75
Torque

0.50
Horsepower

0.25

0.00
0.00

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.00

1.25

Per Unit of Base Speed

FIGURE 2
LINEAR TORQUE VARIATION

AP208, 10/01