Load Reactor Tutorial

Product catalog summary

Introduction to Load Reactors:
Load reactors are essential components used to enhance the reliability of motors and drives. They help prevent premature motor insulation failures by reducing peak voltage, turn-to-turn overvoltage, and minimizing repetitive voltage stress. Additionally, they contribute to reduced motor temperature, thereby increasing motor insulation life by two to four times. Load reactors also provide output short circuit protection, allowing time for over-current shutdown circuits to act before power devices are destroyed.

Specifications:

NEMA Design “B” Motor Specs: Maximum peak voltage of 1000 volts, voltage rise time greater than 2 µsec, and less than 500 V per µsec.
NEMA Inverter Duty Motor Specs: Maximum peak voltage of 1600 volts, voltage rise time greater than 0.1 µsec, and less than 16,000 V per µsec.
5% Reactor: Suitable for 1000 ft, PWM with rise time greater than 4 µsec.

Performance Benefits:
Load reactors significantly reduce motor temperature and audible noise. For instance, a 5% reactor shows a notable reduction in motor temperature compared to no reactor. Additionally, they decrease audible noise levels in motors of different horsepower and speeds, as demonstrated in the provided decibel and inductance charts.

Product Features:
MTE load reactors are low-cost motor protection filters and long lead filters that can be used in both line and load applications. They extend motor life and decrease motor noise. These reactors are IGBT protected, have a 16,000 volt/usec dv/dt rating, and a 5600 V peak dielectric strength. They are suitable for switching frequencies up to 20 kHz and can be used on either the line or load side.

Technical Specifications:
Each variable frequency drive must be equipped with an output reactor offering no less than 4.5% effective impedance at rated motor amps. The reactors must be IGBT protected, high frequency compensated, and suitable for switching frequencies up to 20 kHz. They must be UL-506 and UL-508 approved, with Nema 1 enclosed units being UL Listed. The continuous current rating must be equal to or greater than the rms output current rating of the drive. Reactors should be copper wound with a UL class H (180 C) insulation system, suitable for an ambient temperature of 45 C, and have a maximum temperature rise of 115 C. Their watts loss must be less than 1% of the rated load. Box lug type terminals are provided for reactors rated up to 400 amps, while higher current reactors may have copper tab type terminals. The recommended reactor type is MTE Corporation type “RL” series.

Catalog excerpts

Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 2 >

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Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 3 >

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l 1000 volts peak (maximum) > l > > 2 mm sec voltage rise time > l < < 500 V per mm sec > Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 4 size="-2">

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l 1600 volts peak (maximum) > l > > 0.1 mm sec voltage rise time > l < < 16,000 V per mm sec > Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 5 size="-2">

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4sec Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 6 >

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Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 7 >

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5HP, 460V PWM Noise Level (Decibels) > & 450 rpm > . 900 rpm u 1800 rpm > 0.0 3.0 6.0 9.0 Inductance (MH) Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 8 size="-2">

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Noise Level (Decibels) > 1800 rpm > 0.0 MH 0.4 MH 0.8MH 1.2 MH 1.6 MH Inductance > Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 9 size="-2">

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l Low cost motor protection filter > l Low cost long lead filter > l MTE reactors can be used in both line and load applications > l Load reactors extend motor life > l Load reactors decrease motor noise > Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 10 size="-2">

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l IGBT Protected > l 16,000 volt/usec dv/dt rating > l 5600 V peak dielectric strength > l Suitable for switching frequencies up to 20Khz > l Same reactor line or load side > Load Reactors MTE CORPORATION 11 size="-2">

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