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How to Choose a Dynamometer: 7-Step Selection Guide (2026)

由 EconoTest 工程团队·测试台制造商提供, 上海

要点

  • Size the dynamometer to the motor’s 顶峰 扭矩, never its continuous rating — transients routinely reach 2–3× rated torque.
  • Zero-speed torque requirements decide the technology: hysteresis and magnetic powder brakes load at 0 转速; eddy current brakes cannot.
  • Speed above 18,000 RPM points to an eddy current dynamometer (最多 50,000 转速); four-quadrant testing requires an AC dynamometer.
  • Accuracy class drives cost: ±0.2% FS for R&D and certification, ±0.5% FS for production pass/fail testing.

What Is Dynamometer Selection?

Dynamometer selection is the process of matching a load device’s torque, 速度, 力量, accuracy and cooling characteristics to the motor or engine you need to test. A correctly sized dynamometer measures every operating point of the unit under test without being overloaded or running in its low-accuracy region.

This guide gives you a 7-step process used by our application engineers. For a side-by-side technology comparison, 看看我们的 eddy current vs hysteresis vs powder dynamometer guide.

步 1 — Define Peak Torque, Not Rated Torque

The dynamometer’s rated torque must equal or exceed the 顶峰 torque of the motor under test. Servo and EV traction motors deliver short-duration torque far above their continuous rating, and tests such as locked rotor, starting torque and overload capacity intentionally drive the motor to these limits. If your peak torque falls between two models, select the larger one.

步 2 — Define Maximum Test Speed

The dynamometer maximum speed must exceed the highest speed in your test plan with adequate margin, including overspeed tests. Technology sets hard ceilings here: EconoTest 涡流测功机 reach 50,000 转速, 磁滞测功机 reach 30,000 转速 (KB) 或者 25,000 转速 (HB), 交流测功机 cover 8,000–18,000 RPM, 和 磁粉测功机 operate at 2,000–5,000 RPM. Above 50,000 转速, a dedicated high-speed motor test bench (最多 100,000 转速) is required.

步 3 — Check Zero-Speed and Low-Speed Torque Requirements

If your test plan includes starting torque, 齿槽扭矩, locked rotor or static load holding, the dynamometer must produce full braking torque at 0 转速. Hysteresis and magnetic powder dynamometers do this natively because their torque does not depend on rotor motion. Eddy current dynamometers generate no braking force at standstill — a frequent and expensive selection error.

步 4 — Absorption Only, or Four-Quadrant?

Absorption dynamometers only brake. If you need to drive the unit under test — efficiency mapping in all four quadrants, regenerative braking simulation, hybrid powertrain work, back-driving a gearbox — specify a four-quadrant AC dynamometer (5–2,000 Nm, 0.75–250千瓦). Its regenerative converter also returns braking energy to the grid, which materially lowers the running cost of long endurance tests.

步 5 — Verify Continuous Power Absorption

Torque and speed define instantaneous load; the cooling system defines how long the dynamometer can sustain it. Compare your duty cycle against the model’s continuous power rating — for example, ECW eddy current models absorb from 120 W (ECW05KB) 到 15,000 W (ECW300KB) continuously, and ECF magnetic powder models from 80 W (ECF2) 到 15,000 W (ECF2000). Short-term ratings are higher, but endurance testing must respect the continuous figure.

步 6 — Match the Cooling to Your Facility

All eddy current models are water-cooled. 磁粉型号如下 20 Nm 风冷; 20 Nm and above require water. Hysteresis models use air, 空气+水, water+blower or air+blower cooling depending on size. If your lab has no chilled water supply, this constraint alone can decide the technology.

步 7 — Choose the Accuracy Class

EconoTest dynamometers offer ±0.2% FS (HB hysteresis series, 交流测功机) and ±0.2–0.5% FS (涡流, 磁粉, KB hysteresis). Specify ±0.2% where efficiency-class certification or R&D-grade data is required; ±0.5% is typically sufficient — and more economical — for production line pass/fail testing.

Quick Selection Matrix

Requirement Recommended technology
Full torque at 0 转速, ≤30 Nm, precision 滞后 (EC/ECO系列)
High speed, 最多 50,000 转速 涡流 (ECW系列)
High torque to 2,000 纳米, ≤5,000 RPM, production line 磁粉 (ECF系列)
Four-quadrant, 效率映射, 能量回收 交流测功机 (EC5A–EC2000A)
Above 50,000 RPM or above 250 KW 高速电机试验台 (最多 100,000 转速 / 800 KW)

Unsure between two models? Send your motor datasheet to our engineers — RFQ responses within 24 hours via the contact page.

常见问题解答

How do I choose between a hysteresis, eddy current and magnetic powder dynamometer?

Choose by speed and zero-speed requirements: 磁滞测功机 (0.1–30 牛米, 最多 30,000 转速) deliver full torque at zero speed and suit precision servo and BLDC testing; 涡流测功机 (0.5–300 Nm, 最多 50,000 转速) suit high-speed testing but cannot load at zero RPM; 磁粉测功机 (2–2,000 Nm, 2,000–5,000 转/分) deliver full torque at zero speed and suit high-torque, low-speed production testing.

What dynamometer accuracy do I need for motor testing?

对于r&D and efficiency certification, choose ±0.2% full scale or better (EconoTest HB hysteresis series and AC dynamometers achieve ±0.2%). For production line pass/fail testing, ±0.5% 满量程 (KB系列) is usually sufficient and more cost-effective. Always express accuracy as a percentage of full scale and size the dynamometer so your measurements fall in the upper portion of its range.

Should the dynamometer torque rating match my motor’s rated torque or peak torque?

Size the dynamometer to the motor’s peak torque, not its continuous rated torque. Electric motors routinely deliver 2–3× rated torque during transients, and an undersized dynamometer cannot capture peak torque events and may be overloaded during locked rotor or starting torque tests.

When do I need a four-quadrant AC dynamometer instead of an absorption dynamometer?

You need a four-quadrant AC dynamometer when the test plan includes motoring the unit under test (driving it rather than only braking it): efficiency mapping across all operating quadrants, EV and hybrid powertrain simulation, regenerative braking tests, or back-driving gearboxes. If you only ever apply braking load, an absorption dynamometer (滞后现象, 涡流或磁粉) is more economical.

What information should I send a supplier to get the right dynamometer quote?

Provide six data points: motor type (永磁同步电机, bldc, 先进制造商, 伺服, ETC。), rated and peak torque, maximum test speed, rated power, required test items (效率图, 齿槽扭矩, 耐用性, ETC。), and available cooling utilities (water supply or air only). EconoTest engineers return a model recommendation within 24 小时.

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