Posted on May 4, 2020 David Sherman
Electric motors are an apparatus that converts supplied electrical energy into mechanical energy for a variety of applications. While seemingly simple in operation, the advent of the electric motor revolutionized the framework of human society. With such motors, everyday objects and appliances such as washing machines, fans, and fridges could be made possible. Currently, electric motors account for almost 45% of electricity use around the world. In this blog, we will discuss how electric motors work, their classification, and the history of the electrical motor.
As stated before, the main operation of an electric motor is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. While there are various types of electric motors, the standard procedure involves an interaction between electric current running through a wire winding and the magnetic field of the motor that generate torque. Electric motor classification typically consists of DC and AC motors, as well as the types that fall below those categories.
DC motors are those that create mechanical energy through the harnessing and conversion of direct current electrical energy. DC motors were the first widely used motor and were useful due to their compatibility with lighting power distribution infrastructure that was present at the time. Large DC motors are often used for applications such as electric vehicles and elevators, while smaller motors serve tools, appliances, and toys. Electromagnetic motors are a common type of DC motor, utilizing a coil of wire that is energized to produce an electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field may be controlled by adjusting the magnitude and direction of the current. Electromagnetic fields of the motor rotate, causing magnets within the stator to create torque on the armature to generate rotational mechanical energy.
AC motors serve as the other major electric motor classification. These motors primarily consist of two magnetic fields that are produced by a stator and rotor. The magnetic field of the rotor is often produced from a variety of sources including permanent magnets, DC/AC electrical windings, or reluctance saliency. AC motors primarily come in the form of an induction or synchronous motor. The induction motor is asynchronous, and they produce torque through electromagnetic induction from the stator winding magnetic field. The Synchronous motor differs from the induction motor in the fact that the synchronous motor rotates at a locked rate and does not rely on current induction to generate the rotor magnetic field.
The electric motor came about due to research into magnetic fields and electromagnets during the 18th century. The first known electrical motor was created in the 1740’s by Andrew Gordon, and later research by Andre-Marie Ampere and Michael Faraday improved understanding of magnetic fields, electric currents, and electromagnetic induction. Through the 1800’s, the electric motor began to enter many areas, improving technology and capabilities. During this time, the AC motor also came about with the design of the first alternator in 1832. Since then, a multitude of electronics and equipment began to rely on motors to increase capabilities and improve operations.
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