Application of Ward Leonard System
The Ward-Leonard speed control method has shown effectiveness in various sectors where the exact and steady speed of electric motors is the primary focus. Some notable applications include:
- Elevators: The Ward- Leonard system has been traditionally implemented to control the speed and movement of the elevator car. As a precise control is offered by this method it gives you a smooth and accurate transition from floor to floor.
- Steel Rolling Mills: In the steel rolling manufacturing sector mostly, the Ward Leonard Method is applied to regulating motors which supply the driving force for rolling equipment. Hence, it requires reliable speed control to get sheet metal formation and shaping right.
- Mining Equipment: It is utilized in mining activities for instance to regulate the speeds of conveyor belts and other devices to make mining operations run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
- Paper Mills: The Ward Leonard systems have been used in paper mills for controlling the speed of the motors driven to different stages of paper manufacturing thus maintaining uniform quality and efficiency of production.
- Ship Propulsion Systems: In some marine applications, the Ward Leonard Method has been used to control the speed of electric motors driving ship propulsion systems, providing precise control for maneuvering and efficiency
Ward Leonard Method of Speed Control
The Ward Leonard Method is a well-known (and reliable) electrical control system for controlling the speed of motors accurately. Leonard developed it in the early 20th century. Nowadays, It is widely used in various industries, particularly in applications where precise speed regulation is essential.
A system runs based on a motor-generator set and a rheostat in parallel. The main building blocks are a DC motor, a generator, and an adjustable resistor. The DC motor, i.e., the driving motor, drives the speed of the load motor by wobbling the voltage sent to it. The generator changes the electricity from the motor into DC and several variable resistors, (e.g. rheostat) or some devices adjust the current to reach the required speed.
One of the strong points of the Ward Leonard Method is the possibility of giving out precision speed control and a stable one that makes it appropriate for operations where accuracy and reliability are the most valuable. It has been applied across several industries including manufacturing, mining, and elevators, whereby its longevity can be readily seen in providing speed regulation to electrical motors.
Table of Content
- Ward Leonard’s Method
- Principle
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Application
- Comparison with Other Method