Types of Industrial Motors

There are several types of electric motors which include alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, and universal motors. All kinds of industries are required to install some type of motor as part of the driving force behind their production line. Modern technical development has made available a wide variety of electric motors for industrial use.

DC motors will not run if they are supplied with AC power and AC motors will not run if they are supplied with DC power. Universal motors, on the other hand, will work when supplied with either AC or DC power.

An induction motor is slower than a universal motor and will have a lower torque at start-up. The number of windings located in the stator, as well as the voltage supplied, will control the motor’s speed. To induce voltage the rotor’s speeds and its rotating magnetic field must differ. If not, the magnetic field will not be moving relative to the rotor which means that no current or voltage will be induced.

The features of motors vary with the type of work they are expected to accomplish and the nature of their purpose. For example, applications like constant torque, steep/sudden starts, frequent start/stops, and many others must be taken into consideration in the decision to choose the right motor.

Probably the most common of all types of motors that are used in industry is the induction motor. It is a motor which has power connected only to what is known as the stator. When voltage is induced in the rotor – meaning there is no need for brushes — and this creates an electromagnetic field which produces rotation within the armature. However, for this to actually happen, the rotor needs to rotate much slower than the magnetic field to allow for the existence of the induced voltage.

An induction motor uses magnets to produce, from electrical energy, mechanical energy. This energy then turns the motor’s axle. Induction motors are used commonly in a lot of industries and the most commonly used one is the single-phase motor and the 3-phase induction motor.

Single-phase Induction Motor

The single phase induction motor is generally used in low power applications. It is usually more affordable and requires only low maintenance which makes it very popular. However, the motor is not self-starting.

Three-phase Induction Motor

A 3-phase induction motor is a motor that is able to operate from a 3-phase power source of electricity. They are widely used in industry because they are rugged, economical, and reliable.

Induction motors are able to drive at constant speeds. The 3-phase construction produces motors which are easily started because they require no additional equipment. Such motors are much heavier than universal motors and that makes them the ideal solution for most industries as their weight makes them much more stable.

By and large, induction motors need fewer amps for each horsepower and have great high resale value. Because they have rugged construction plus the ability to control speed, they are preferred by many. And they do not need brushes like universal motors and that makes them much easier to control.