Motors are an integral part of our daily lives and can be practically found everywhere. In this article, we will understand the types of motors, how they work, and how to choose the correct motor as per your requirement.
Types of Electric Motors, Uses, and How Do they Work
How a Motor Works
Electric motors work on the theory of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to create motion. Force is generated inside the motor through the interaction between a magnetic field and the winding current. The current can be alternating (AC) or direct (DC) current. With the increase in strength of a current, the power of the magnetic field also increases, thus providing more force.
Crompton 1 Phase 0.5 HP 4 Pole Foot Mounted Induction Motor GF6778
Uses of Electric Motors
Electric motors are used in various applications, including household appliances such as washing machines, water pumps, air coolers, etc. At the same time, conventional industrial uses include blowers, various devices, pumps, and power tools. Many hobbyists also use motors in smaller applications requiring movement for robotics or modules with wheels. Electric Motors are also used in motor vehicles and various HVAC appliances. These motors are commonly used in OEM-based products, compressors, industrial machinery, conveyor systems, and various other applications.
There are many factors involved in the growth of electric motors. Most critical are the rising industrial activities and the growing demand for electric vehicles. There are various types of AC and DC electric motors. For example, series, shunt, permanent magnetics and there are different types of DC motors, while reluctant motors, synchronous machines, and others are the forms of AC motors.
ABB IE3, 3 Phase, 3.7 kW, 5 HP, 415 V, 4 Pole, Foot Mounted, Cast Iron Induction Motor
Types of Electric Motors
Electric Motors can be divided into two main categories:
• Alternating Current
• Direct Current
AC motors use alternating current to power a series of wound coils, while DC motors use direct current to power carbon brushes or electric commutation. DC motors are generally recognized as more efficient and compact than AC motors.
Many suppliers offer the ability to provide both motors and drivers. Even when a motor is DC, its driver can be supplied with an internal supply to allow DC motors to run with an AC power supply.
AC motors can be further divided into four main categories:
1. Induction Motors or Asynchronous Motors
2. Reversible Motors
3. Electromagnetic Brake Motors
4. Torque Motors
5. Synchronous Motors
ABB IE2, 3 Phase, 0.37 kW, 0.5 HP, 415 V, 6 Pole, Flange Mounted, Cast Iron Induction Motor
DC motors are of two main types:
1. Brushed
2. Brushless
Kirloskar 7.5 kW/10 HP 4 Pole 415V 3 Phase RC132SM IE2 Foot Mounted Induction Motor
How to Choose a Good Electric Motor
Motor selection can be complex as it requires a lot of work and understanding. The choice of a motor begins with evaluating the need, the performance requirement, and various other factors.
Havells 3 Phase 10 hp 2 Pole Foot Mount Induction Motor MHCITIS207X5
Nature of Electric Supply: The electric supply may be in 3-phase AC, single-phase AC or DC. Currently, a large percentage of the electrical energy used for domestic and commercial purposes is generated in AC form, mainly due to economic and technical reasons. Therefore, additional equipment may be used to convert the existing AC supply into DC supply when required.
AC motors have few working parts and require less maintenance, providing uninterrupted long service e life. Moreover, three-phase induction motors offer higher efficiency with constant operating torques and balanced supply loading.
DC motors are also used in several applications, especially when extra torque is required. Moreover, DC motors also provide speed control options making them more flexible.
Crompton 1 Phase 0.5 HP 6 Pole Pad-Mounted Induction Motor GF6739
Types of Drivers: The electric motor selection also depends on the type of driver. Three main types of drivers are used in most industries, viz. the group, individual, and multi-motor drivers.
1. Group Driver: Here, a single electric motor drives a line shaft attached to an entire group of working machines to be operated. A single engine with a large capacity will obviously cost less than the total cost of several small motors.
2. Individual Drive: Here, a single motor is used to drive one individual machine. For example, drilling machines, various hand tools, and simple machines use the individual drive.
3. Multi motor Drive: This system consists of several individual motors, each of which operates one of many working mechanisms in a complex machine. The best example of a multi-motor drive can be a traveling crane. There are, in total, three motors used, one for hoisting, and another for long travel motion, and the third for cross travels. The use of multi-motor drives is expanding in modern industries as they provide more advantages than group drives.
SS Engineering Works 0.5 HP 1440 RPM Single Phase Induction Motor
Types of Loads: There are two main load types. The first one provides active torque, and another one provides passive torques. Active torques, such as lifts and elevators, may be due to gravitational force. These loads can also develop during compression or release of specific springs.
Passive torques are due to friction in inelastic bodies like lathes, pumps, etc. These tend to oppose the motion, retarding the rotation of the driven machines.
MXVOLT 1 Phase 0.25 HP 4 Pole Foot Mounted Induction Motor
Electrical Characteristics: A machine must be studied with electrical behavior under normal operating conditions, including speed-torque characteristics, speed-current characteristics, losses, efficiency, magnetizing current, and power factor at various loads.
Eagle 1 Phase 0.25 HP 2 Pole Foot Mounted Induction Motor
Mechanical Considerations: Motors must be protected from dirt, dust, moisture and other foreign bodies. They must be placed in a suitable enclosure for their protection, ensuring free entry of cool air. Some primary mechanical considerations while buying an electric motor are:
• Suitable enclosure
• Types of bearings
• Types of transmission of the drive
• Noise level of the motor
• Insulating materials used
Eagle 1 Phase 1.5 HP 4 Pole Foot Mounted Induction Motor
Service Capacity and Rating: This is majorly marked on a motor\'s nameplate. The nominal duty of a motor is the duty corresponding to the service conditions and performance. There are three primary types of duties: continuous, short-time, and intermittent. Find a motor as per the performance requirement so that it does not heat up in short intervals.
Panasonic Induction Motors M81X25G4DG 39172366 - Made In Japan
Conclusion
You can mostly find a plate fixed to the outside of an electric machine that describes its specifications, including voltage, current, speed, excitation, etc. Choose an electric motor that satisfies most conditions to have a trouble-free operation. Visit IndustyBuying to find a motor suited to your requirement. On this online platform, you can find all types of the motor at wholesale prices. Industry buying offers the customers a unique range of appliances at the most competitive rates in the market.
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