Conveyor Belt Control Using Induction

Motor For Industrial Application

Submitted by:
Maham Naeem
Fatima Muhammad

2011-EE-61
2011-EE-62

Warda Gul

2011-EE-68

Sabooha Saadat

2011-EE-185

Supervised by: Dr. Syed Abdul Rahman Kashif

Department of Electrical Engineering

University of Engineering and Technology Lahore

Conveyor Belt Control Using Induction

Motor For Industrial Application

Submitted to the faculty of the Electrical Engineering Department

of the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science
in

Electrical Engineering.

Internal Examiner

External Examiner

Director
Undergraduate Studies

Department of Electrical Engineering

University of Engineering and Technology Lahore
i

Declaration
We declare that the work contained in this thesis is my own, except where explicitly
stated otherwise. In addition this work has not been submitted to obtain another degree
or professional qualification.

Maham Naeem
2011-EE-61

Fatima Muhammad
2011-EE-62

Warda Gul
2011-EE-68

Sabooha Saadat
2011-EE-185

ii

Acknowledgments
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent and the most Merciful! The successful accomplishment of any task does not solely depend on the efforts of students but also on
the guideline, encouragement and faith shown by teachers. We extend our gratitude to
Dr. Syed Abdul Rahman Kashif and all the faculty members who gave us their
undivided attention and support. Last but not least we would also like to thank our
parents and God Almighty. Without them we would not have been able to complete
any of this.

iii

Contents
Acknowledgments

iii

List of Figures

vi

List of Tables

viii

Abbreviations

ix

Abstract

1 Introduction
1.1 Problem Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.1 Research Problem Statement . . . . . . . .
1.1.1.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Estimate Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Research and Experimental Period . . . . . . . . .
1.3.1 Project Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 Remedy for afore mentioned problems . . . . . . .
1.4.1 Why V/F control has been implemented? .
1.4.2 Why has STM series been used? . . . . . .
1.4.3 Conveyor Belt Usage with STM32 F3 series

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3
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2 Inverters
2.1 Inverter Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Types of Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.1 Three Phase Inverter . . . . . . .
2.2.1.1 180 Degree Conduction
2.2.1.2 Gating Sequence . . . .
2.2.1.3 PWM Generation: . . .

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5
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3 V/F Control
3.1 Scalar Control . . . . . . .
3.2 Vector Control . . . . . . .
3.3 Understanding V/F control
3.3.1 Open Loop Control .
3.4 Control Implementation . .
3.4.1 For Voltage . . . . .
3.4.2 For Frequency . . .

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Contents
4 Hardware Implementation
4.1 Power Module . . . . . . . .
4.2 Inverter Module . . . . . . .
4.2.1 Optocouplers . . . .
4.2.2 Gate Driver Circuit
4.2.3 Three Phase Inverter
4.3 Induction motor . . . . . .
4.4 Conveyor Belt . . . . . . . .

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5 Simulation and Hardware Results

6 Conclusion and Recommendations for Further
6.1 Accomplished Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3 Recommendations for Further Work . . . . . .
6.3.1 Current Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3.2 Voltage Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3.3 Object Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3.4 Speed Measurement . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3.5 Implementation of Closed Loop Control

References

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20
20
23

Work
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List of Figures
1.1

Project Management[6]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10

Voltage Fed Inverter[5] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Line to neutral voltage waveform for phase a[5]
Line to neutral voltage waveform for phase b[5]
Line to neutral voltage waveform for phase c[5]
Line to line voltage waveform for all phases[5] .
Code showing Channel 1 (Reference Pulse) . .
Code showing 120 delay . . . . . . . . . . . . .
120 delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Code showing 240 delay . . . . . . . . . . . . .
240 delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10

Torque Speed Characteristic Curve[2] . . . .

Voltage Frequency Curve[7] . . . . . . . . . .
Multiplied reference pulse . . . . . . . . . . .
Multiplied 120 delayed pulse . . . . . . . . . .
Multiplied 240 delayed pulse . . . . . . . . . .
With Maximum Duty Cycle Of 4 KHZ Pulse
With Minimum Duty Cycle Of 4 KHZ Pulse .
Variable Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graph Between Voltage and Frequency . . . .

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4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13

Project Setup . . . . . . . . . .
AC source . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bridge Rectifier And Capacitor
Complete Power Module . . . .
Inverter Module . . . . . . . . .
Optocoupler[4] . . . . . . . . .
Gate Driver[1] . . . . . . . . . .
Connection Diagram[1] . . . . .
Gate Driver Circuit . . . . . . .
Pin Configuration of IRF450[3]
inverter pcb . . . . . . . . . . .
Induction Motor . . . . . . . .
Conveyor Belt . . . . . . . . . .

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22

5.1

Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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vi

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List of Figures
5.2
5.3
5.4

vii

Line to neutral Voltage Waveform(Simulation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Line to neutral Voltage Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Line to Line Voltage Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

List of Tables
3.1

Voltage and Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.1

Motor Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

viii

Abbreviations
PWM

Pulse Width Modulation

MOSFETS

Metal Oxide Semiconsuctor Field Effect Transisitor

ix

Abstract
Experimentation and implementation, is the essence of learning in the field of engineering
that is highlighted by the final year project. The economic growth of a country depends
on a flourishing industry and betterment in its work certainly gives a boost to the
previously normal outcome. Speed control of induction motors is a major concern of
todays industry, and while different techniques are being employed for it; in this project
v/f control has been utilized. The control is executed using the STM32F3. Usage of
STM32F3 controller for such applications has not yet been dealt with at this level,
which is why our study becomes important and more elaborate. The gating sequences
for inverter switches have been tested with simple PWM pulses with varying duty cycles.
The chapters coming forth give a detailed explanation on the working of three phase
inverters, V/F control, induction motors and the conveyor belt control. Amongst the
last chapters we show the underlying software and hardware work, with their results.
Where the actual concern is implementation of speed control to conveyor belts; that are
widely used in industry, speed control may be applied for several other functions too.

Chapter 1

Introduction
1.1

Problem Statement

Controlling speed of induction motors has always been a major concern for the industry.
With the coming years, improvement in this control is a necessity.

1.1.1

Research Problem Statement

The purpose of this project is to control speed of three phase induction motors making
it simpler and easier by employing the V/F technique. Industrial processes require some
defined speed ranges of induction motors for accomplishments of various tasks. This
control has been tested and implemented using the STM32F3203VC controller. STM
series provide a much efficient and quicker on/off control for the inverter operation,
which in turns caters for a smoother operation of motor.
1.1.1.1

Objectives

Speed of control of conveyor belt via three phase induction motor

Implementation of v/f control and pulse generation by STM32F3 series
Smart conveyor belt implementation

1.2

Estimate Funding

STM32 F3 microcontroller= 1800(PKR)

PCB (Three)= 8800(PKR)
Isolated transformers = 700(PKR)
Bridge rectifiers = 150(PKR)
Driver IC (IR2103) = 700(PKR)
Opto-couplers = 700(PKR)
1

Chapter 1. Introduction

MOSFETS (IFR450) = 1000(PKR)

Fuses (2 Amperes) = 100(PKR)
Induction motor = 3500 (PKR)
Conveyor belt = 6000(PKR)
Display setups = 6000(PKR)
Others = 7000(PKR)
Total (approximated) = 38000(PKR)

1.3

Research and Experimental Period

Step 1: The idea was first proposed in the 6th semester. We focused on the current
industrial needs and understood the importance of speed control and workings for
induction motors. (1-2 months)
Step 2: The next important task was to understand the implementation and working of all components and features of the project, for instance studying; three phase
inverters, induction motors, techniques to control the speed and conveyor belt design. (3-4 months)
Step 3: STM32 F3 controller features; their usage and efficient implementation.
(3-4 months)
Step 4: A full fledge working model/ PCB of three phase inverter. (2-3 months)
Step 5: Induction motor interfacing with the three phase inverter and its speed
control using the v/f technique (1-2 months)
Step 6: Design and implementation of conveyor belt. Controlling the belt with
the induction motor fixed on the side of the structure. (2 months)

1.3.1

Project Management

The concept of project management is essential for the successful completion of the target
set. The infrastructure of the whole project must be laid down and every big step must
be broken down to small ones. It is by the iterative development and accomplishment of
small tasks for a bigger and better impact on the overall outcome. The following figure
explains this concept.

Chapter 1. Introduction

Figure 1.1: Project Management[6]

1.4
1.4.1

Remedy for afore mentioned problems

Why V/F control has been implemented?

V/f control has many advantages over other speed control techniques the highlight of it
being easier and cheaper to implement. Industries require simpler and easy to implement methods for control that gives satisfactory performance too. V/f covers all these
aspects. Not only this, it also gives wider stable operating region, low starting currents
to begin with and better transient and steady state performances too. Understanding
its significance, made working on it even more important.

1.4.2

Why has STM series been used?

Usage of STM series for the purpose of speed control is not yet a widely used concept.
The STM series provides a much more efficient and reliable operation for the generation
of different PWM techniques and interfacing, enhancing control over the control belt
and setting a more stable functionality for the working of three phase inverters. Their
study and implementation for speed control in industry will prove to be a hallmark.

1.4.3

Conveyor Belt Usage with STM32 F3 series

Conveyor belts are chiefly meant for the purpose of conveying or carrying/transporting
objects from one place to another. The belts act as a medium of transportation, residing
on two or more pulleys for accomplishing its purpose. The pulleys are named as the
powered and empowered pulleys also known as drive pulleys and idler pulley respectively.
Industrial applications vary widely, and so does the conveyor belt type. It maybe used

Chapter 1. Introduction

either for simple transporting boxes within store rooms of a factory or even handling
bulk material movement (longer conveyor belts are used for this purpose). In our project
the conveyor belt is driven with the help of two pulleys, where the drive is provided by
the induction motor which is in turn controlled by the inverter.

Chapter 2

Inverters
The conversion of dc input to required magnitude and frequency of ac output is called
inversion. Inverters are solid state devices that can be given dc input in the form of
current or voltage; to be converted to respective ac output. Based on inputs; there are
different type of inverters namely voltage fed inverters, current fed-inverters, resonant
pulse inverters etc. The type of inverter widely used in the industry is the voltage
fed inverter, which has been implemented in the project for conveyor belt control. In
this type, the dc voltage being fed is kept constant, while output depends on the gating
sequence of the switches used. Output current is dependent on the value of load.

Figure 2.1: Voltage Fed Inverter[5]

2.1

Inverter Output

Output voltage of Inverter can be changed by two methods

1. Keeping the dc input voltage constant; while varying the gain of the inverter that
employs the technique of pulse width modulation for its gating sequence.
2. Keeping the gain of the inverter constant, varying the input dc voltage of the
inverter.

Chapter 2. Inverters

2.2

Types of Inverter

1. Single Phase Inverter

2. Three Phase Inverter

2.2.1

Three Phase Inverter

Three phase inverters can be made by either using three single phase inverters together,
that is, the whole inverter shall have twelve switching devices. But the exceeding number
of components and their control not only reduces efficiency but also makes it a tedious
task. We can in turn use the configuration shown below, which employs only six switches
fulfilling the same task. 3-phase inverters are frequently used for high-power applications.
They are also used for supplying 3-phase load particularly in AC motor drives. These
inverters can be operated in different modes such as 60 degree conduction, 120 degree
conduction and 180 degree conduction. We shall describe 180 degree conduction further
on.
2.2.1.1

180 Degree Conduction

Three phase inverter consists of six MOSFETs and six diodes. The diodes are parallel
to the switches and prevent the opposite flow of current. The three phase inverter
employs six MOSFETs as the switching devices. The on off control of these MOSFETs
via gate pulses determines the output voltage waveform. The switching control decides
how long one switch remains on or conducts. In 180 degree conduction every MOSFET
conducts for 180 degrees, or the gate pulse applied keeps the MOSFET in ON state for
180 degrees. At any given time only three of them remain ON while the rest are off.
Two switches of the same phase are never turned on simultaneously otherwise the DC
input provided would be short circuited.
2.2.1.2

Gating Sequence

Three PWM pulses generated from the micro-controller were applied to the opto-couplers
(they help in providing the electrical isolation and save the microcontroller from damage
in case a fault occurs) which in turn were fed to the gate drivers. The pulses applied
were 120 degrees out of phase with one another, which the gate drivers (IR2103) then
change to six pulses that is, the original pulses with their complements or 180 degree
shifted pulses.

Chapter 2. Inverters
Line to neutral and line to line voltages are shown below

Figure 2.2: Line to neutral voltage waveform for phase a[5]

Figure 2.3: Line to neutral voltage waveform for phase b[5]

Figure 2.4: Line to neutral voltage waveform for phase c[5]

Chapter 2. Inverters

Figure 2.5: Line to line voltage waveform for all phases[5]

2.2.1.3

PWM Generation:

Three pulses are generated with 120 and 240 degree delays with respect to the first pulse.
The inverted pulses are generated by the gate driver IC (IR2103).

Figure 2.6: Code showing Channel 1 (Reference Pulse)

The pulse with 120 delay is shown in figure below:

Figure 2.7: Code showing 120 delay

The pulse with 240 delay is shown in figure below:

Chapter 2. Inverters

Figure 2.8: 120 delay

Figure 2.9: Code showing 240 delay

Figure 2.10: 240 delay

Chapter 3

V/F Control
Induction motor controls are of two types
Scalar Control
Vector Control

3.1

Scalar Control

Scalar Control is an easily implemented control, in which only the magnitude and phase
of the variable quantities or parameters are to be set. For instance, in case of induction
motors we may control the parameter of flux via voltage or frequency to control the
torque. Even though these parameters affect each other too, that is, voltage by frequency
and torque by flux, we neglect it. This control is not as fast as or efficient as vector
control its simple and economical factors which make its use widespread.

3.2

Vector Control

Vector control is although a more complicated approach, but it is still a more precise and
faster control. What happens in this case is that each of the stator current, in the three
phases of motor, parameter is broken down or decoupled into two vectors; one vector
that controls magnetic flux and the other which is responsible for torque and then each
of this vector parameter is controlled separately.
Speed Control of Motors can be done by different methods such as follows:
Varying parameters of stator such as
1. Voltage
2. Current
3. Frequency
V/f Control
10

Chapter 3. V/F Control

11

Slip Control
Changing Poles
Varying rotor resistance
Vector Control
Amongst these controls V/f control is the most commonly used control. This is because
not only it is easier to implement, it also gives a good speed range for which an induction
motor can work.

3.3

Understanding V/F control

In case of V/f control our major concern is, as the name indicates, keeping the ratio
a constant. Why that is necessary, is explained as follows: Stator voltage is directly
proportional to both supply frequency and the flux in the air gap. It can be given by
the following equation:

If we ignore the resistance of the stator, the same could be considered for the voltage that
appears at its terminals. If the voltage is kept constant while decreasing frequency the
air gap flux would increase. This increase is unwanted and is the reason for iron losses
and decrease in the motor efficiency, which is why whenever the frequency is changed,
so is the voltage so that the ratio and in turn the flux remains a constant. With this
approach maximum torque of the induction machine remains a constant for different
speed ranges. This can be viewed through the following graph.

Figure 3.1: Torque Speed Characteristic Curve[2]

Another graph that follows can help better in the understanding of this concept: The
v/f control graph can be divided into three portions.

Chapter 3. V/F Control

12

Figure 3.2: Voltage Frequency Curve[7]

When the induction machine just starts the voltage is not zero but the frequency is,
so the voltage is kept at such a value that, there is a certain drop across the stator
resistance. The value of voltage is increased gradually up to cut off frequency for a
linear relation to establish between the two parameters. From cut off frequency to rated
frequency both the parameters increase at the same rate (within the maximum limits
of the machine), keeping the flux value constant and in turn the torque that would be
independent in such a way.
After the rated value of voltage of the machine is achieved increasing frequency any
further would only cause a disturbance in the ratio maintained and the flux would
decrease. Increasing voltage will damage the insulation of the stator windings and
therefore it is preferred to remain within the linear region.

3.3.1

Open Loop Control

The V/f control used here in the project is an open loop control, which is why even if
the output speed is a little varied from the theoretically calculated, it would not affect
the overall outcome as such. Feedback or closed loop control is needed for places where
high accuracy is required.

3.4

Control Implementation

3.4.1

For Voltage

Step 1: In order to vary the output voltage we generated 4KHZ PWM pulse.
Step 2: 4 KHz PWM pulse is multiplied with the reference pulse, of 50 Hz frequency.
Step 3: 4 KHz PWM pulse is multiplied with the 120 delayed pulse, of 50 Hz
frequency.
Step 4: 4 KHz PWM pulse is multiplied with the 240 delayed pulse, of 50 Hz
frequency.

Chapter 3. V/F Control

13

Figure 3.3: Multiplied reference pulse

Figure 3.4: Multiplied 120 delayed pulse

Figure 3.5: Multiplied 240 delayed pulse

Step 5:The duty cycle of the 4 KHz PWM pulse is varied to change the output
voltage. The duty cycle is changed by a variable resistor, which is fed to ADC of
the microcontroller.

Figure 3.6: With Maximum Duty Cycle Of 4 KHZ Pulse

Chapter 3. V/F Control

14

Figure 3.7: With Minimum Duty Cycle Of 4 KHZ Pulse

3.4.2

For Frequency

Voltage is changed by a variable resistor and correspondingly frequency is calculated so

that flux of the motor remains constant.

Figure 3.8: Variable Frequency

Figure 3.9: Variable Frequency

Chapter 3. V/F Control

15

Proceeding step by step, we first derive a relation between output voltage and voltage
across the variable resistor.
Vo = K*Va
where Vo = output voltage
Va = Voltage across variable resistor
and K is the constant of proportionality.
Kf = Vo/F-rated =220/50= 4.4
And Kf =Vo/f =K*Va /f
f = (K*Va)/4.4
We calculated the value of K by hit and trial so that the ratio output voltage and frequency comes out to be constant, K= 20

The graph is obtained from the following readings

Frequency
50
45
40
35
30

Voltage
73
66
58
51
40

Table 3.1: Voltage and Frequency

The graph between frequency and voltage shows that the ratio remains constant.

Figure 3.10: Graph Between Voltage and Frequency

Chapter 4

Hardware Implementation
The entire project set up is shown in the figure below. Each of its part is explained as
follows:

Figure 4.1: Project Setup

4.1

Power Module

The power module consists of a 220V AC source, which is rectified by a three phase
bridge rectifier; the pulsating DC is then smoothed out by a capacitor and fed as an
input DC source to the inverter. The complete power module is shown in Figure 4.4

Figure 4.2: AC source

16

Chapter 4. Hardware Implementation

17

Figure 4.3: Bridge Rectifier And Capacitor

Figure 4.4: Complete Power Module

4.2

Inverter Module

The three phase inverter is made of several different components working in a well
defined sequence. The pulses generated by the microcontroller can not be directly fed
into the MOSFETs. This is because the pulses generated have a very small magnitude
of voltage which is not sufficient to switch ON these devices. Also the microcontroller
needs to be protected in case of short-circuiting or any other fault that occurs in the
circuit. The components described below are in the sequence of usage in this module.

Chapter 4. Hardware Implementation

18

Figure 4.5: Inverter Module

4.2.1

Optocouplers

The pulses are fed to optocouplers instead. The ones used here are TLP250. These
provide electrical isolation to the microcontroller. We have used six of them. The pin
configuration of the isolator has been shown.

Figure 4.6: Optocoupler[4]

4.2.2

Gate Driver Circuit

The isolators send the signal to gate drivers IR2103. These are responsible for not only
inversion of the three pulses being fed but also add a dead band of about 520 nanoseconds
in them. This helps greatly as the pulses of two MOSFETs in the same phase, while

Chapter 4. Hardware Implementation

19

switching do not overlap and create a short circuit. These signals, that is, inverted and
no inverted pulses are fed to the MOSFETs. The connections, pin configuration and
description of the IC are given below:

Figure 4.7: Gate Driver[1]

HIN: Logic input for high side gate driver output(HO), in phase LIN: Logic input for
low side gate driver output (LO), out of phase VB: High side floating supply HO: High
side gate drive output Vs: High side floating supply return Vcc: Low side and logic fixed
supply LO: Low side gate drive output COM: Low side return

Figure 4.8: Connection Diagram[1]

At pins HIN and LIN we give the non-inverted pulses generated by microcontroller via
optocoupler. From pins HO and LO we receive the inverted and non-inverted output
ready to be given to the power MOSFETs. Three of them were used to cater for the six
power MOSFETs utilized.

4.2.3

Three Phase Inverter

Six power MOSFETs, IRF450, have been used to implement the three phase inverter
configuration. Each phase consists of two ICs, with complementing pulses.
These power MOSFETs have a large voltage rating approximately 500 V and a maximum
current rating of 14 Amperes, which allows us to vary DC input voltage for a wider range
The PCB of the module is shown in the figure below:
The fuses at the end of the three phases are to save the motor from burning due to short
circuiting or overcurrent.

Chapter 4. Hardware Implementation

20

Figure 4.9: Gate Driver Circuit

Figure 4.10: Pin Configuration of IRF450[3]

4.3

Induction motor

The inverter output is used to drive the three phase induction motor. The motor is
connected to the inverter, as the motor is driven the conveyor belt attached to it moves
as well. The motor specifications are given in table.
Phase
Frequency
Voltage
Current
Power
rpm

3
50Hz
220V
2A
10W
1450

Table 4.1: Motor Specifications

4.4

Conveyor Belt

The conveyor belt designed has a length of about 3 feet and width of 4.7 inches. The
entire structure is made of aluminum and supported on a wooden sheet by two aluminum
cases. The pulleys and bearings were designed in accordance to the conveyor size. There
are two pulleys, one controlled by the motor and the other is the idler that moves by

Chapter 4. Hardware Implementation

21

Figure 4.11: inverter pcb

Figure 4.12: Induction Motor

the movement of belt. The belt itself is made of flex sheet of about 80 inches in size and
3.5 inches width that is wrapped around the structure uniformly

Chapter 4. Hardware Implementation

Figure 4.13: Conveyor Belt

22

Chapter 5

Simulation and Hardware Results

Prior to hardware implementation we simulated the three phase inverter onto Proteus
8.0. The circuit simulation is as follows:

Figure 5.1: Simulation

In the circuit shown above: Pulses marked one, two and three show the input to the
upper three MOSFETs marked Q1, Q2 and Q3. Also a dc input of twenty volts has
been given to their collectors that are common. Even though IRF230 is used as power
MOSFET, when actually implemented we employed IRF450 to cater for higher values
of voltage and current. The three pulses are shifted at 120 degrees from one another,
inverted by NOT gate and given to the lower three MOSFETs marked Q4, Q5 and Q6.
In such a way each phase has two MOSFETs, one driven by non-inverted input and the
other by the inverted pulse. No two MOSFETs of the same phase are ON at a certain
time otherwise it short circuits the dc input voltage, which is undesirable. The three
phases A, B and C have been given to a resistive load at the end and output waveform
is seen by the oscilloscope which is as follows:

23

Chapter 5. Simulation and Hardware Results

Figure 5.2: Line to neutral Voltage Waveform(Simulation)

The hardware results in comparison to these were as follows

Figure 5.3: Line to neutral Voltage Waveform

24

Chapter 5. Simulation and Hardware Results

Figure 5.4: Line to Line Voltage Waveform

25

Chapter 6

Conclusion and
Recommendations for Further
Work
6.1

Accomplished Objective

The major objective this project was to control speed of a conveyor belt using an induction motor. This goal was successfully met by implementation of this control using
the STM series, that is, STM32F1 and STM32F3 controller. The pulses generated were
through the microcontroller, 120 degrees displaced from each other, and then complemented. The six pulses, three inverted and three non-inverted were achieved by the gate
drivers used IR2103. These were utilized, to drive the six MOSFET configuration of the
three phase inverter. By controlling the duty cycle of these pulses, that is the originally
generated 50 Hz frequency pulses multiplied with 4 KHz PWM, consequently giving a 50
Hz pulses with varying duty cycle. This variation was controlled by a variable resistor.
The output of inverter was fed to induction motor. This drove the conveyor belt and
varied its speed as desired. This was the successful implementation of V/f control; an
easy, simple and economical technique which gives a wider range of speed too.

6.2

Application

Conveyor belt control has multiple applications. Industrial processes such as moving
around goods, collection, packaging etc. all involve controlling the speed of conveyor
belts for the overall smooth functioning of manufacturing or supplying a final product.
Conveyor belts are also used for
Security purposes in airports.
A good example in case of health and fitness is the usage of the belt in treadmills
Washing machines
26

Chapter 6. Conclusion and Recommendations for Further Work

27

Smaller cranes
Robot Arm of Injection Machine (clamp)
Elevator
Grinding Machine
Drilling Machine
Wood Machine
Webbing Loom
Air Conditioner for Large Buildings
Water Supply System for Large Buildings
Collection and separation of solid wastes. For instance, the speed of conveyor belt
could be slowed down so that glass maybe be picked out carefully by manual labor.
An innovative usage of conveyor belts is in the restaurant business. The idea is simple.
Food is placed onto conveyor belts that move around the entire service lounge. Speed
can be controlled manually and orders are placed accordingly. Customers can self-pick
what they ordered for as it approaches towards them on the belt.

6.3

Recommendations for Further Work

With the limited time span allotted for a final year project, there are many areas which
could always be improved or worked more thoroughly on. A few recommendations for
further work are as follows

6.3.1

Current Sensing

As the load on the conveyor belt varies, the current drawn also varies and so does the
speed of the belt. Work can be done in order to sense and measure the value of current
and change the conveyor belt control parameters accordingly.

6.3.2

Voltage Sensing

Value of output voltage can be sensed by using potential divider rule and then displaying
it on the LCD. The implementation would include configuring ADC (Analog to Digital
Converter) in the STM microcontroller.

6.3.3

Object Detection

Another possibility could be the detection of objects placed on conveyor belt such that
the belt moves only when an object is placed onto it and when it reaches the required
destination the belt stops automatically.

Chapter 6. Conclusion and Recommendations for Further Work

6.3.4

28

Speed Measurement

Induction motor speed varies according to the load on it. The same holds true for the
load onto conveyor belt. What can be done is different speed ranges can be set and
defined for the maximum and minimum amount of load that can be put with respect to
the DC input voltage applied.

6.3.5

Implementation of Closed Loop Control

Speed may not increase or decrease according to the theoretical calculations which is why
a feedback or closed loop control would be more suitable in case of some applications.
A reference speed can be set and others can be measured and corrected to its respect.

References
[1] http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/84682/IRF/IR2103.html.
[2] http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/5016/1/109EE0039.pdf.
[3] http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/670135-DS01.pdf.
[4] http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/32418/TOSHIBA/TLP250.
html.
[5] books.google.com.pk/books/about/Power_Electronics.html?id=
-WqvjxMXClAC&redir_esc=y.
[6] http://open-services.net/bin/view/Main/PmHome.
[7] http://www.ti.com/lit/an/sprabq8/sprabq8.pdf.

29