We are using ODrive Micro for small arm motors in an Robotics, and the ODrive Micro is planned to run at 24 V using either a DC-DC buck converter or a 24 V SMPS. We are not planning to use a separate 24 V battery.
From our understanding, ODrive Micro does not have a dedicated brake-resistor terminal, and most DC-DC converters or SMPS units are unidirectional and cannot absorb regenerative current. During deceleration or braking, regenerative current can raise the DC bus voltage and potentially damage or shut down the converter.
In this setup, what is the recommended way to handle regenerative current?
Hi! How many Micros are on the bus in total? The easiest thing would likely be to get a regen clamp – though there are some other solutions if you want to minimize cost.
Currently, we plan to use two ODrive Micros on the same 24 V DC bus. They are used only for small arm/joint motors with a maximum current of about 10 A per motor. The motor is T-Motor CubeMars RI50 KV100 BLDC inner-runner robot joint motor. The main traction system is separate at 48 V.
The 24 V bus is supplied from a DC-DC converter, and at the moment we are trying to avoid using a separate 24 V battery. Our main concern is handling regenerative current during deceleration or braking, since the DC-DC converter cannot absorb current.
Given that there are two Micros on the bus and the motors have relatively low inertia, would an external regen clamp be sufficient to safely protect the 24 V bus and the converter? Are there any general guidelines on clamp voltage threshold, resistor sizing, or best practices for this kind of setup?