Can an AC10 Run a PMAC Motor?

Despite documentation and dedicated parameters that allude to PMAC control being possible (e.g. F106 - Control Mode), the AC10 is not suited for running a PMAC motor. It is still a completely viable option for AC induction motors in V/Hz or SLV mode.

Overall autotune behavior, which is required for a PMAC to be ran, is not optimized for PMACs. If the autotune does not fail outright on Overload or Overcurrent, it will continuously spin the motor indefinitely at high current (potentially burning the motor up if not stopped). Without an autotune, a PMAC motor can not be ran on a VFD. Part of the explanation for this is the motor poles parameter (F804) is directly tied to the motor's rated speed (F805) and unable to be changed independently. Normally, for AC induction motors, this is no issue as the pole count directly correlates to the base speed.PMAC features on the AC10 were designed around now-obsolete motors where the pole count and nominal RPM values followed that of AC Induction motors. (2 pole = 3600RPM, 4 pole = 1800 RPM, etc). For PMAC motors on the market these days, this is not the case; RPM and pole counts can vary widely.

Parker does offer alternatives:

• For servo applications in general, we advise products that are tailored to PMAC control (all closed loop). Our Compax3 line as a great start.

• For SLV PMAC control, consider our AC30 line.

  • Note the 890 is capable of PMAC control in closed loop vector mode, but is also not suited for sensorless vector PMAC control.