::: Epstein test
::: CHALLENGE :::
Developing a data acquisition system to automate the process of measuring the characteristics of electrical steels generating the Epstein square. Aiming to generate the magnetization curve, the B-H curve and the specific loss of the test piece.
::: SOLUTION :::
Using a PC-based architecture with data acquisition board from National Instruments, with integration and development carried out by the LabVIEW software. The system is properly designed to meet customer needs, including configuration and control features of the test, signal processing, storing results and reports.
::: Description :::
Embraco, a Whirlpool’s compressor division company in Brazil, a world leader in the manufacture of compressors for refrigeration, needed a system to assess the quality of electrical steels (suppliers) used in the compressor’s electric motors. This tool is essential to assist designers in the continuous search of better quality and efficient products.
The software was developed in LabVIEW to meet customer needs and it complies with NBR-6151 standard (1996) – Products with Rolled Steel Plans for Electric Use – verification of properties, standardized procedure for carrying out tests on sample of electrical steels by Epstein frame.
The system has a screen for setting the test cycle where the steel properties, the range of magnetic induction and the frequencies to be tested are informed. Through the acquired current and voltage signals we obtained the magnetic induction, the magnetic field and the specific material losses. The software automatically adjusts each point to be measured, according to the points previously defined, and with the completion of the test the magnetization curve and the curve of losses are available in both graphs and tables.
At the end of the test the user can request a test report, which is generated by the application software in the form of an Excel document with a table of data on the results of the tests. The curves are also stored in the computer for future viewing of the tests, such as a historical trend.
For more information about this application or others developed by DAQSYS, contact by phone +55 (41) 9967-6977 or info@daqsys.com.br.
