Everywhere we see machines working to make our lives easier; from our hairdryers to the cars we drive around in. All of them use some kind of motor to make the work.
However, what are the different types of motors? Here is a guide to help you know more about the motors you might need to make your machinery work.
Table of Contents
The Difference Between AC and DC Motors
There are several differences between the two motors used. AC motors use alternating currents to create their energy output, hence their acronym AC. If you have a job that calls for high energy output and efficiency, you want an AC motor.
If you want something that can control the rate of speed and power output range, you want a DC motor, which uses direct currents for energy output. DC motors come in single-phase configurations but AC motors can come in both single and three-phase configurations.
Types of DC Motors
Depending on the job you need, there might be a type of DC motor that works better than others. Some might even be combinations to do multiple jobs.
Shunt Motor
In a shunt motor, there are two kinds of windings: armature field windings. The windings link parallel to each other which is called a shunt.
It can also be called a shunt wound DC motor, with the winding type being called a shunt winding.
Series Motor
Commonly found in things like cars and elevators, a series motor has its rotor windings connected in a series.
The motor follows the electromagnetic law, which states that a magnetic field can be formed around a conductor. From there it interacts with an external field to generate rotational motion.
Compound Motor
Simply put, a compound motor is the pairing of the series and shunt motors. In it, both series and shunt rotor windings are present.
Of course, there are many more types that weren’t included on this list, such as the DC coreless motor. You can take a look here for more information.
Types of AC Motors
AC motors give some specific advantages that make them different than their counterparts. One of which is they tend to favor over DC motors for things like electric vehicles. Here are some of the more common AC motors.
Synchronous Motor
Synchronous motors use 3-phase supplies. The stator in the motor is used to generate the field current. This then rotates at a stable speed based on the frequency created.
There are no air gaps between the speed of the stator current and the rotor. you can find these motors in automation and robotics if the accuracy level is high enough.
Induction Motor
Also known as the asynchronous motor, it mainly uses electromagnetic induction to change input electrical energy to mechanical energy output.
These motors come in two types, squirrel cage & phase wound motors, based on the construction of the rotor,
Knowing the Different Types of Motors
These days, different types of motors are being used in everything from air conditioning systems to things as big as electric vehicles.
Knowing the different kinds of motors will go a long way to aiding you in your understanding of which ones you might need for your jobs going forward. Find the best motor for your job today.
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