3.3.2 Discuss about the AC Motor

 3.3.2 Discuss about the AC Motor

•      An electric motor that is driven by alternating current. 

•      Conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy

•      Mechanical energy is made from utilizing the force that is exerted by the rotating magnetic fields produced by the alternating current that flows through its coils.

•      Electrical current reverses direction

•      Major components: 

–     the stationary stator that is on the outside and has coils supplied with AC current,

–      and the inside rotor that is attached to the output shaft.

–     Speed difficult to control because it depends on current frequency

•      Two types

–     Synchronous motor

–     Induction motor

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_motor) 

Figure: AC Motor Components

How Does an AC Motor Work?

•      Relies on the principles of magnetism. 

•      simple AC Motor contains a coil of wire and two fixed magnets surrounding a shaft. 

•      Electric (AC) charge is applied to the coil of wire, it becomes an electromagnet, generating a magnetic field. 

•      when the magnets interact, the shaft and the coil of wires begin to rotate, operating the motor.

(source:  http://www.anaheimautomation.com/manuals/forms/ac-motor-guide.php#sthash.FYwLuxok.dpbs)

Advantages of an AC Motor

–     - Low Cost

–     - Long Lifespan

–     - High-Efficiency and Reliability

–     - Simple Construction

–     - High Starting Torque (Induction)

–     - No Slip (Synchronous)

 Disadvantages of an AC Motor

–     - Frequency Causes Rotation Slips (Induction)

–     - Starting Switch Needed (Induction)

Types of AC motors

•      AC motor with sliding rotor

•      Synchronous electric motor

•      Induction motor

•      Doubly fed electric motor

•      Singly fed electric motor

•      Torque motors

VIDEO: What is AC motor? 

(Lost your Way? Use The 'CHAPTERS TAB'!!)