The use of stepper motors in modern devices is increasing, particularly in systems where precise motion control is required. For the proper implementation of a motor, it is important to understand its electrical power consumption under different loads and operating speeds. This thesis presents an experimental evaluation of the electrical power consumption of a stepper motor during the lifting, lowering and holding of a load. The effects of rotational speed, load mass, and the use of a pulley were also investigated. A test setup incorporating a stepper motor controlled by a motor driver and an Arduino microcontroller was developed. Electrical quantities were measured using an INA226 sensor at different speeds and loads. The operating modes of lifting, lowering, and holding the load were investigated. Results showed that within the investigated measurement ranges, changes in rotational speed generally resulted in comparable or greater relative changes in electrical power than changes in load mass. During load holding, increasing the load mass did not have a significant effect on the measured electrical power of the motor. The measured characteristics were consistent with the expected behaviour of a stepper motor and with the manufacturer’s characteristics.
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