I am trying to use a 7.2V 2000maH NiCD battery to run my EV which comprises of a Castle Sidewinder 3 ESC and 4600kV motor. When I don't use a voltage regulator, it runs fine. I would like to regulate my voltage (and current) in order to get consistent results, but when I use the regulator, it seems to draw too much current and the motor kinda starts moving and then dies. I am reading a nominal amperage of about 8.5
Can anyone recommend any solutions or maybe a different Voltage regulator that might allow it to run better?
This is the one I am using:
Buy a voltage regulator that can handle the current your motor requires. Until you tell us what that current is, you probably won't get more detailed advice.
windu34:
When I don't use a voltage regulator, it runs fine. I would like to regulate my voltage (and current) in order to get consistent results
Normally, when controlling a motor, you don't use a voltage regulator - you instead control voltage and current via PWM using the h-bridge (or speed controller)...
What kind of "consistent results" are you looking for? Maybe there's a solution that won't involve trying to find (or build) a high-current capable voltage regulator?
Finally - have you tried building a linear regulator? Linear regulators tend to be inefficient, but they handle current surges (like from a motor) much better than switching regulators. Provided your linear reg isn't dropping the voltage too much, you won't have much heat output on the reg. For greater current handling, use a linear reg (an LM317 would probably work ok) with a TO-220 or TO-3 case, and mount it to a heatsink. Likely, for your current requirements, you'll also need to add one or more bypass transistors (with their own heatsink as well).
cr0sh:
Normally, when controlling a motor, you don't use a voltage regulator - you instead control voltage and current via PWM using the h-bridge (or speed controller)...
Agreed!
If you really need to use a voltage regulator, you need a very powerful one.
You're likely much better off using some sort of feedback from the motor in order "to get consistent results".
cr0sh:
What kind of "consistent results" are you looking for? Maybe there's a solution that won't involve trying to find (or build) a high-current capable voltage regulator?
+1
Power electronics is all about switching, not dissipation, so you would never use
a linear voltage regulator, just adjust the PWM to compensate for changes in
supply voltage and load. Are you wanting a velocity control loop then?
EV which comprises of a Castle Sidewinder 3 ESC and 4600kV motor.
What is the operating voltage of the motor? The below h-bridges might be an option.
Hi,
I am trying to use a 7.2V 2000maH NiCD battery to run my EV which comprises of a Castle Sidewinder 3 ESC and 4600kV motor. When I don't use a voltage regulator, it runs fine. I would like to regulate my voltage (and current) in order to get consistent results, but when I use the regulator,
Can't you use the ESC to do your controlling?
Can you please post a copy of your circuit, in CAD or a picture of a hand drawn circuit in jpg, png?
Thanks.. Tom......