High speed torque sensor for electric motor & generator testing

As rotational speeds increase, electric motor and generator manufacturers need a reliable and versatile method of measuring torque accurately for both product development and quality control in production and assembly applications. To meet this need, Kistler designed the Type 4503A torque sensor to provide a flexible instrument for use at rotational speeds of up to 50,000 rpm with a choice of fourteen measuring ranges from 0.2 to 5,000 Nm.

Additional benefits are two, switchable ranges, with the second range being either 1:10 or 1:5 of the rated torque, integral digital signal conditioning providing both analogue and digital outputs, contactless signal and power transmission and a speed sensor output of up to 360 pulses per revolution.

The option of two, switchable ranges allows precise measurement of both peak and operating torque with the same sensor. In applications with a high peak but moderate operating torque, a sensor with only one measuring range would have to be selected to withstand the peak torque which would compromise measurement accuracy at the lower operating torque.

The contactless power and signal transmission between the rotating shaft and the stator, combined with precision manufacturing, and high grade shaft balancing, essential for reliable, high speed operation, ensure that the sensors maintain calibration over a long life in both laboratory and production environments. Typical applications include testing of electric motors, generators and drive performance and measurement of transmission or spindle drive friction at manual workstations or networked, automated production cells.