Different types of motors and their use

AC Motors

AC motors are highly flexible in many features including speed control (VSD - Variable Speed Drives) and have a much larger installed base compared to DC motors, some of the key advantages are:

    Low power demand on start
    Controlled acceleration
    Adjustable operational speed
    Controlled starting current
    Adjustable torque limit
    Reduced power line disturbances

The current trend for VSD is to add more features and programmable logic control (PLC) functionality, which are advantages for the experienced used, but require greater technical expertise during maintenance.

Types of AC motor include:

Synchronous

In this type of motor, the rotation of the rotor is synchronized with the frequency of the supply current and the speed remains constant under varying loads, so is ideal for driving equipment at a constant speed and are used in high precision positioning devices like robots, instrumentation, machines and process control

Click here for an example Synchronous Motor from RS

Induction (Asynchronous)

This type of motor uses electromagnetic induction from the magnetic field of the stator winding to produce an electric current in the rotor and hence Torque. These are the most common type of AC motor and important in industry due to their load capacity with Single-Phase induction motors being used mainly for smaller loads, like used in house hold appliances whereas Three-Phase induction motors are used more in industrial applications including like compressors, pumps, conveyor systems and lifting gear.

Click here for an example Induction Motor from RS

DC Motors

DC motors were the first type of motor widely used and the systems (motors and drive) initial costs tend to be typically less than AC systems for low power units, but with higher power the overall maintenance costs increase and would need to be taken into consideration. The DC Motors speed can be controlled by varying the supply voltage and are available in a wide range of voltages, however the most popular type are 12 & 24V, with some of the advantages being:

    Easy installation
    Speed control over a wide range
    Quick Starting, Stopping, Reversing and Acceleration
    High Starting Torque
    Linear speed-torque curve

DC motors are widely used and can be used from small tools and appliances, through to electric vehicles, lifts & hoists

The two common types are:

Brushed

These are the more traditional type of motor and are typically used in cost-sensitive applications, where the control system is relatively simple, such as in consumer applications and more basic industrial equipment, these type of motors can be broken down as:

    Series Wound – This is where the field winding is connected in series with rotor winding and speed control is by varying the supply voltage, however this type offers poor speed control and as the torque to the motor increase, then the speed falls. Applications include automotive, hoists, lifts and cranes as it has a high starting torque.

    Shunt Wound – This type has one voltage supply and the field winding is connected in parallel with the rotor winding and can deliver increased torque, without a reduction in speed by increasing the motor current. It has medium level of starting torque with constant speed, so suitable for applications include lathes, vacuum cleaners, conveyors & grinders.

    Compound Wound – This is a cumulative of Series and Shunt, where the polarity of the shunt winding is such that it adds to the series fields. This type has a high starting torque and run smoothly if the load varies slightly and is used for driving compressors, variable-head centrifugal pumps, rotary presses, circular saws, shearing machines, elevators and continuous conveyors

    Permanent Magnet – As the name suggests rather than electromagnet a permanent magnet is used and are used in applications where precise control and low torque, such as in robotics, servo systems.

Brushless

Brushless motors alleviate some of the issues associated with the more common brushed motors (short life span for high use applications) and are mechanically much simpler in design (not having brushes). The motor controller uses Hall Effect sensors to detect the rotors position and using this the controller can accurately control the motor via current in the rotor coils) to regulate the speed.

The advantages of this technology is the long life, little maintenance and high efficiency (85-90%), whereas the disadvantages are higher initial costs and more complicated controllers. These types of motors are generally used in speed and positional control with applications such as fans, pumps and compressors, where reliability and ruggedness are required.