Depending on how often they\u2019re needed, damper actuators can be classified further: two-position control, or modulating for more precise control. For sporadic operation, two-position manual control is the best option. For frequent or daily operation, an automated electric damper with electric motors is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globaltech.net.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/damper-619x1024-1.jpeg\")
When evaluating a miniature motor to pair with an actuator, keep in mind that it may need to be customized. Ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How much torque and force must the motor-linear actuator combination deliver to hold the damper in position with the required control precision?<\/li>
- Can the motor withstand temperature extremes?<\/li>
- Can the motor components be customized to withstand HVAC cycles?<\/li>
- Does the motor offer the position feedback required by the integrated damper?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Rotor design for extreme temperatures and cyclic load<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
For custom stepper motors used with damper actuators in HVAC applications, rotor design is critical. Within the damper actuator, the motor will start and stop under varying thermal conditions, putting additional thermo-mechanical stress on the rotor and other internal components. The nonlinear material used in rotors must have certain thermal properties \u2014 especially belonging to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) \u2014 to operate reliably in extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globaltech.net.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Image_3_stepper_damper_actuators-768x425-1.jpeg\")
Stepper motor cross-section<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Choosing linear and nonlinear material-based assemblies can be challenging because the performance of nonlinear materials, like adhesives, depends on material chemistry and processing parameters. In addition, certain ceramic magnet grades makes the decision even more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globaltech.net.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Image_4_stepper_damper_actuators-768x213-1.jpeg\")
Forces that act on the rotor assembly<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Design validation through qualification testing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to validate your design by verifying its performance in the field under static environmental conditions like temperature and humidity or specific load conditions. The material scheme you chose already considers these conditions. However, their performance at dynamic conditions that could involve rapid temperature, humidity or sudden load changes, or combinations of multiple factors, must be validated via simulations or analytical testing to determine the motor\u2019s long-term performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, at Portescap we validate rotor assemblies at accelerated temperatures and thermal shock conditions in environmental chambers and ovens to confirm that a rotor assembly will meet the application\u2019s extreme requirements. We also conduct axial and torsion force tests to determine rotor mechanical strength at a specific temperature requirement, as well as accelerated life testing to predict a motor\u2019s service life in its application under specific test conditions. The tests are performed under loaded and unloaded conditions depending on the application requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globaltech.net.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Image_5_stepper_damper_actuators-768x384-1.jpeg\")
Accelerated thermal cycle of a stepper motor<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Custom, reliable stepper motors can suit your needs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stepper motors represent a good technology choice for use in electrically operated dampers. They are more affordable than brushless DC motors, and typical HVAC damper applications do not need the latter\u2019s superior variable speed capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right stepper motor is critical to efficient airflow control in HVAC systems. That\u2019s why you\u2019ll need to choose from a wide variety of stepper motors with different configurations. Stepper motors offer the HVAC damper actuator market an attractive price-to-performance ratio, and Portescap provides custom stepper motors to ensure you meet your needs. Remember to bring your application requirements to your stepper motor partner so they can help you address them during the critical design and validation stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Released date: January 31, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n