SEW-EURODIVE: Maximizing Gearmotor Speed Range

November 2, 2018

Maximizing Gearmotor Speed Range is SEW-EURODRIVE’S technical white paper that shows how to operate VFDs above 60Hz to widen gearmotor speed range, improve system stability, and reduce cost. In fact, operating VFDs as high as 120Hz may significantly enhance gearmotor performance.

Many engineers assume that the inverter and gearmotor must operate within the 60Hz threshold. Some think that going to a high speed above 60Hz may cause the motor to overheat. But in reality, stopping at 60Hz may actually cause the motor to overheat at a low speed.

With a carefully designed drive system and correct ratio, pushing the operating frequency above 60Hz is possible using one of two proven control methods – field weakening or supercharging. Both methods are discussed in detail, along with technical charts and formulas. Through a common conveying example, the paper demonstrates how to properly select a gearmotor that will significantly enhance performance in the following ways:

• Increase stability by reducing inertia mismatch

• Widen the available speed range

• Eliminate a costly ventilator fan at low speed

• Eliminate motor overheating at low speed

• Enable the use of a smaller motor

Visit www.sewwhitepapers.com/vfd to download the PDF.

Related Articles

Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Why Stop at Efficiency? Build EtherCAT Networks for Maximum Reliability

    September 16, 2025 In the race toward smarter, more automated industrial operations, every microsecond counts. In response to rising demands for higher precision, speed, and synchronization across industries like robotics, packaging, and semiconductors, EtherCAT has become the standard for high-performance motion control. Its unique “on-the-fly” processing principle delivers deterministic, high-speed communication that traditional industrial Ethernet… Read More…

  • Schneider Electric Canada Leverages AI to Help Buildings Reach Net Zero Without Full Scale Rebuilds

    September 9, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Schneider Electric Canada is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to transform energy management across various end markets. To help buildings in Canada reach net zero, Schneider takes a multi-pronged approach to leverage AI to identify energy inefficiencies in homes and commercial and industrial institutions and monitor and adapt the technologies… Read More…