If you’re looking to protect your motor from overload conditions and destructive overheating, look no further than the drive. Since power flowing into the motor must first flow through the drive, this system is a natural starting point to track, and ultimately guard against, overload conditions.

This is exactly what the “I Squared T” (I2T) algorithm does. Compared to traditional overload protection methods — which are implemented at the level of the motor — the I2T technique involves monitoring the square of the current (I) flowing through the motor over a period of time (t) to determine if it exceeds safe operating limits.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the benefits of the I2T method:

Superior to motor measurements. Traditional overload protection methods involve directly measuring the motor’s internal temperatures. However, these temperatures vary throughout the motor, making it difficult to obtain accurate readings.

On the other hand, the I2T algorithm — which relies on current data collected via sensors — will trigger the drive system to restrict the current if and when there is an overload that exceeds the peak current limit for the peak current duration limit. By considering the motor’s current, rather than its internal temperatures, the I2T method is more accurate and reliable.

Useful for predictive maintenance. As a side benefit to protecting the motor, the drive can also measure, log and report RMS current that goes to the motor. Users can analyze this Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) data to create predictive maintenance models or even apply machine learning techniques to process optimization.

Take a Deeper Dive in Our White Paper

To learn more about the I2T method, including how it compares to other motor overload protection methods, check out our detailed white paper. In it, we review equations analyzing motor thermals and heat dissipation and show how these equations serve as a jumping-off point for the I2T algorithm. We also present an application — complete with calculations — that involves a motor and drive with specific overload characteristics.

Download the White Paper

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