Magnetek, Inc.

Marcus Adams

John Backman

Bryan Radke

A system and method for detecting a brake dragging during normal operation of a motor monitors torque at zero speed and at constant speed. For an inertial system acted upon by gravity, a value of torque required to maintain zero speed is approximately the same as a value of torque required to maintain operation at a constant speed. In an exemplary, elevator system, a motor drive determines the torque required to maintain zero speed operation of an elevator cab after a holding brake opens and before it begins controlling the motor to rotate. The motor drive again determines the torque required to maintain a constant speed and compares this value to the value of torque required to maintain zero speed. If the difference between the two values of torque is greater than a predefined threshold, then the motor drive determines that the brake is dragging and sets an error message.

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Plymouth, WI, United States of America

Marcus Adams