Regeneration: alternative to batteries? Can I hook (say) a 60W bulb up?

8 years 5 months ago #29530454 by howiem
I understand the need for something to soak up the power *generated* by a motor when you stop powering it and inertia keeps carrying it. In the docs there are lots of mentions of using a battery (and warnings that if you have a safety power cutoff, you've got to make sure there's something left connected that can absorb any juice created).

My applications are all static (ie plugged in, not battery powered): I've made a motorised camera slider, and I'm working on a robot arm (6 DC servos).

I'm using SDC2130s.

They're powered by switch-mode PSUs, and so far I haven't implemented anything to handle regeneration current. I want to prolong the life of my motor drivers / PSUs, though, but without the extra weight / housekeeping that 24V-worth of batteries would need.

Is there a reason I can't just hook up any old dump-load? I was thinking of a good old fashioned 60W incandescent bulb (with diodes to provide a path to the bulb only if the voltage on the motor side exceeds the PSU voltage).

(And as an aside - what do big industrial [welding / assembly etc] robots do about regeneration currents? Do they just have massive capacitors sitting in the control boxes?)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 5 months ago #29530457 by TechSupport
You can use perhaps a shunt resistor that would dissipate the load, however, just remember that PSU's don't take back in any negative current so if motor regen were to occur, it could damage the PSU.

As far as any big industrial set up, each varies; either they have some sort of circuit of their own like a shunt resistor, or they they use the recommended protections we provide.

dev.roboteq.com/dev1/index.php/docman/mo...om-regeneration/file

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

8 years 5 months ago #29530467 by howiem
Thanks for the input!

I suppose it's not such an issue for people doing battery-powered projects (well, OK, regeneration is an /advantage/ for battery-powered stuff) but I hate the idea of having to have a battery strapped to my mains-powered devices.

Lithium batteries have made things a lot easier, but still... they're a consumable, and they'll be the first thing to need replacement. So I'll have a look at using a bulb (or similar) as a shunt first. Keep things as solid state as possible :)

Thanks!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: tonysantoni
Time to create page: 0.056 seconds