Parameters
92 M-Max Series Adjustable Frequency Drive    MN04020003E—October 2013    www.eaton.com
Motor Heat Protection (P8.6–P8.9)
The motor temperature protection is based on a calculated 
temperature model and uses the motor current set in 
parameter P7.1 to determine the motor load. It does not use 
a temperature measurement in the motor.
The calculated temperature model cannot protect the motor 
if the cooling flow to the motor is influenced, for example, by 
a blocked air entry-way.
The temperature model is based on the assumption that the 
motor achieves a winding temperature of 284°F (140°C) at 
rated speed and an ambient temperature of 104°F (40°C), 
with 105% rated load.
The cooling efficiency, without external cooling, is a function 
of the speed (corresponding with the output frequency of the 
frequency inverter). When the motor is stationary (zero 
frequency), heat is also dissipated through the housing surface.
When the motor is under a great load, the current required by 
the motor can be higher than the rated operational current. 
The current provided by the frequency inverter can be higher 
than the rated operational current of the motor. If the load 
requires this much current, there is a danger of a thermal 
overload. This is especially the case at lower frequencies 
(<25 Hz). Here, the cooling effect (speed of the motor fan) 
and the load rating of the motor (see data sheet of the motor) 
are reduced similarly with lower frequencies. On motors that 
are equipped with an external fan, there is less of a load 
reduction at lower speeds.
With parameters P8.6 to P8.9, a motor temperature protection 
can be set for the M-Max frequency inverter which protects 
the motor from overheating. The temperature protection is 
calculated. A direct temperature measuring in the windings 
of the motor (see thermistor protection) offers great protection.
The reaction of the M-Max frequency inverter to a 
detected thermal overload can be set via parameter P8.6. 
At parameter P8.8 you can set the cooling output (P
Cool
) 
on the motor at zero frequency (standstill). Note the 
specifications of the motor manufacturer.
Possible setting values are 0–150% of the cooling output at 
the rated frequency f
N
 (see nameplate of the motor = P7.6).
If the protection function is deactivated (P8.6 = 0), the 
temperature model of the motor is reset to zero.
The thermal current I
th
 corresponds with the load current at 
maximum thermal load rating on the motor. In continuous 
operation, at rated frequency (f
N
 = P7.6) and rated loading, 
the value of I
th
 corresponds with the rated operational 
current of the motor (see the motor rating plate = P7.1).
Motor Cooling Power
The time constant for the motor temperature (P8.9) defines 
how long it takes until the temperature has achieved 63% of 
its end value in the motor. In practice, this temperature time 
is constant depending on the type and design of the motor. It 
varies between the different design sizes at the same shaft 
power and between the different motor manufacturers.
The larger a motor is, the greater the time constant. The 
factory set value (P8.9 = 45 min) can be set in the range 
between 1 and 200 minutes. The guide value is twice t
6 
time 
of a motor. The t
6
 time defines the time in seconds in which 
a motor can be operated safely at six times the rated 
operational current (see data sheet of the motor, 
manufacturer specifications).
If the drive is stopped, the time constant is increased 
internally to three times the set parameter value (P8.9).
Calculation of Motor Temperature
Notes
Motor current I/I
T
.
Trip value shut-off (error message) or warning according to P8.6.
Calculated value for the motor temperature Q = (I/I
T
)
2
 x (1 - e
-t/T
).
Motor temperature 
M
 (example).
P8.9 = Motor temperature time constant (T).
P7.6
f
N
P8.8
100%
150%
P
Cool
P7.1
I
th
f (Hz)
t
105%
P8.9
P8.6
M