What is in an AC motor vs DC motor?

08 Apr.,2024

 

AC Motor and It’s Mechanism

In an AC motor, there is a hoop of electromagnets organized across the outdoors (making up the stator). Which can be designed to provide a rotating magnetic field. Inside the stator, there’s an axle made of solid metal, a loop of wire, a coil, a squirrel cage made of metal bars, and interconnections. There are also some other freely rotating metal parts that can conduct electricity.

The rotor, suspended inside the magnetic field works as an electrical conductor. Because of its rotation, the magnetic field keeps constantly changing. According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetism, the magnetic field produces (or induces) an electric current inside the rotor. If the conductor is a ring or a wire, the current flows around it in a loop. If the conductor is simply a solid piece of metal, eddy currents swirl around it instead.

Either way, the induced current produces its own magnetic field and, according to another law of electromagnetism (Lenz’s law) tries to stop whatever it is that causes the rotating magnetic field—by rotating as well. AC motors offer a relatively efficient method of producing mechanical energy from a simple electrical input signal.

DC Motor and It’s Mechanism

These motors are based on a piece of wire bent into a rectangular loop. This loop is suspended between the poles of a magnet. Through hooking up a wire and connecting it to a battery, there’s a flow of direct current (DC) through it and thus a temporary magnetic field is produced all around it. This temporary field repels the original field from the permanent magnet, causing the wire to flip over.

Normally the wire would stop at that point and then flip back again. But if an ingenious, rotating connection used (which is called a commutator), the current can be reversed every time the wire flips over. This means the wire will keep rotating in the same direction for as long as the current keeps flowing. The essence of this simple DC electric motor was conceived in the 1820s by Michael Faraday and turned into a practical invention about a decade later by William Sturgeon.

Difference Between AC and DC Motor

Without the primal distinction, that is the input of alternate and direct current AC and Dc motors have several other differences.

AC and DC Motors: Differences and Advantages | Types of Electric Motors

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Electric motors play an essential role in almost every industry. Using the right type of motor with high-quality parts and regular servicing keeps your facility running smoothly and prevents damage to the endpoint equipment due to wear or power surges.

Gainesville Industrial Electric can help your company select the right industrial electric motors and parts for your applications.

 

A Primer on Electric Motors

Electric motors are machines that convert electrical energy—from either stored power or a direct electrical connection—into mechanical energy through the production of rotational force. The two major types of electric motors are:

  • AC motors, which are powered by alternating current
  • DC motors, which are powered by direct current

How Electric Motors Work

Both AC and DC motors use electrical current to produce rotating magnetic fields that, in turn, generate rotational mechanical force in the armature—located on the rotor or stator—around the shaft. The various motor designs use this same basic concept to convert electric energy into powerful bursts of force and provide dynamic levels of speed or power.

Main Motor Components

While electric motors may differ from one design or type to another, many of them contain these parts and assemblies (located from the center working outward):

  • Central motor shaft
  • Windings
  • Bearings (to reduce friction and wear)
  • Armature (located on the rotor, the rotating part, or the stator, the stationary part)
  • Brushes (in DC motors)
  • Terminals
  • Frame and end shields

Types of Electric Motors: AC vs. DC Motors

AC and DC motors are broad categories of motors that include smaller subtypes. Induction motors, linear motors, and synchronous motors, for example, are all types of AC motors. AC motors can also include variable-frequency drives to control the motor’s speed and torque, while DC motors are available in self-excited and separately excited-type models.

AC Motor vs. DC Motor Advantages

Each motor type has different advantages that make them best suited for different commercial and industrial applications. AC motors, for example, are flexible and easy to control. Some of their other advantages include:

  • Low startup power demands that also protect components on the receiving end
  • Controllable starting current levels and acceleration
  • VFD or VSD add-ons that can control speed and torque at different stages of use
  • High durability and longer life spans
  • Capabilities for multi-phase configurations

DC motors also offer their own advantages, such as:

  • Simpler installation and maintenance
  • High startup power and torque
  • Fast response times to starting, stopping, and acceleration
  • Availability in several standard voltages

Which Motor Is More Powerful: AC or DC?

AC motors are generally considered to be more powerful than DC motors because they can generate higher torque by using a more powerful current. However, DC motors are typically more efficient and make better use of their input energy. Both AC and DC motors come in a variety of sizes and strengths that can meet any industry’s power requirements.

AC and DC Motor Applications

Both AC and DC motors find application in processes and facilities in almost every industry. Some of the most common industrial applications for AC motors include:

  • Appliances
  • Compressor drives and systems
  • Computers
  • Conveyor systems
  • Fans and air conditioners
  • Hydraulic and irrigation pumps
  • Transportation equipment

Common industrial applications for DC motors include:

  • Fabrication and production units
  • Machinery that demands constant power such as vacuums, elevators, and sewing machines
  • Warehouse sorting equipment

 

Selecting the Right Electric Motor for Your Industrial Application

Installing and maintaining the right motors in your company’s facilities and equipment is an essential step to ensuring uninterrupted operation and production.

Gainesville Industrial Electric sells and services AC and DC motors, parts, and more. We are also an authorized factory warranty center. For help selecting the right electric motor or industrial assembly for your application, contact us or request more information today to receive a quote.

 

Related Content:

  • Our Electric Motors Catalog
  • A Guide on Electric Motors

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What is in an AC motor vs DC motor?

AC and DC Motors: Differences and Advantages | Types of Electric Motors