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DC injection braking and a burned out transformer

I have been fettling a lathe which was fitted with DC injection braking. I was a bit unsure about the condition of the components in an enclosure on the back, but having looked up a bit about motor control circuits and having learned about ladder diagrams, I have satisfied myself that I know what has happened.


At some stage, a transformer (240/130V) has burned out. That leaves two questions: (1) why? and (2) what is the spec of the old one?


The horizontal surfaces of the enclosure and its contents have been covered by a thin brown layer, which I assume is vapourised enamel from the transformer windings, but there is no evidence of any further damage.


Father taught me never to replace a fuse without finding the fault which blew it. Along the same lines, I want to be satisfied that none of the other components has caused a short circuit. However, it appears that it is the primary which has overheated. So my first question is what would happen if the secondary of a transformer is shorted. Would it be fried? Woud the primary be fried? Or would both be fried?


My second difficulty is determining the spec of the transformer. The circuit diagram has "N" and "240" on the primary side, and "Z" and "130" on the secondary side. I assume that this means that the secondary provides 130 V, which after rectification, is fed to the motor. The problem is that there are no markings on the transformer. The manufacturer of the unit ceased trading 10+ years ago, so no help there. The motor plate specifies 6.4/3.7 A. The transformer wires (both sides) are about 4.2 sqmm CSA so good for 3 - 5 A (?). Based on a weight of 4.0 kg and the transformer's dimensions, and comparing them with current models; I am guessing that a 320 VA transformer is required. My second question is whether my above reasoning is sound.


Before anybody else says it, yes, I think that I could get a modern module which will do the job, but isn't it more satisfying to fix rather than replace?

eabde54935c495ab8feb4fb009758b5e-huge-20190425transformer.jpg

Parents
  • of side interest , there are other ways of slowing an AC machine, including to put a capacitance and a load  accross it so it becomes an induction generator - this is most effective at higher speeds, as the generated voltage is speed dependant, and DC injection is better at stopping the shaft dead when it is already slowing.

    various patents have expired .

     DC braking 1958  dc we understand

    combining the bet of two methods DC braking which unlike normal DC injection,  still works in a powercut.
     

     1948 auto generator DC breaking 
    In accordance with the present invention, direct current for dynamic braking of the rotor 11 following interruption of the line circuits at the contacts 14 is derived from the kinetic energy of the rotor itself thereby avoiding the use of external power for dynamic braking.  

    I suspect with modern polymer film capacitors for generation and electrolytics for the DC smoothing capacitor this has become a lot more practical now than it would have been when first proposed - a set of  60uF paper capacitors for half horse power at 220v phase to phase would have added a significant volume and cost.
Reply
  • of side interest , there are other ways of slowing an AC machine, including to put a capacitance and a load  accross it so it becomes an induction generator - this is most effective at higher speeds, as the generated voltage is speed dependant, and DC injection is better at stopping the shaft dead when it is already slowing.

    various patents have expired .

     DC braking 1958  dc we understand

    combining the bet of two methods DC braking which unlike normal DC injection,  still works in a powercut.
     

     1948 auto generator DC breaking 
    In accordance with the present invention, direct current for dynamic braking of the rotor 11 following interruption of the line circuits at the contacts 14 is derived from the kinetic energy of the rotor itself thereby avoiding the use of external power for dynamic braking.  

    I suspect with modern polymer film capacitors for generation and electrolytics for the DC smoothing capacitor this has become a lot more practical now than it would have been when first proposed - a set of  60uF paper capacitors for half horse power at 220v phase to phase would have added a significant volume and cost.
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