ELE 343: ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE ND MACHINE 1

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC MOTORS

Electric motors are machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, primarily
through electromagnetic phenomena. They are widely used in various applications, from
household appliances to industrial machinery.

The basic components of an electric motor include:

Stator: This is the stationary part that generates a magnetic field.

Rotor: This is the rotating part that interacts with the magnetic field to produce motion.

Bearings: They support the rotor and allow it to rotate smoothly.

Commutator (in DC motors): This reverses the direction of current flow to maintain
rotation.

Windings: These are coils of wire that carry current and create magnetic fields.

The basis of operation of electric motors is on the interaction between magnetic fields and
electric currents. When an electric current passes through the windings, it generates a
magnetic field. This field interacts with the magnetic field of the stator, producing torque that
causes the rotor to turn. The direction of rotation can be controlled by reversing the current
flow.

Electric motors are present in modern technology, powering household appliances (e.g.,
refrigerators, washing machines); industrial machinery (e.g., conveyor belts, pumps);
transportation (e.g., electric vehicles, trains); robotics and automation systems.

Classification of Electric motors

1. AC Motors: These operate on alternating current.

2. DC Motors: These are powered by direct current.

AC MOTORS

AC motors convert alternating current into mechanical power. AC motors can be classified
into synchronous motors and asynchronous (induction) motors.

Synchronous and induction motors differ significantly in their operation:

Synchronous motors rotate at a constant speed synchronized with the frequency of the AC
supply, independent of load while asynchronous (induction) motors have the rotor speed not
synchronized with the supply frequency, with speed decreasing as load increases. They are
commonly used in industrial applications.
Synchronous motors are doubly excited, requiring a dc source for the rotor, while induction
motors are singly excited, using only AC for the stator.

Synchronous motors require external means to reach synchronous speed before operation,
whereas induction motors are self-starting due to their design.

Synchronous motors can operate at leading or lagging power factors; induction motors only
operate at lagging power factor.

Advantages

i. They are very suitable for high power applications like industrial machinery and
household appliances.
ii. They are typically more efficient, often achieving over 95% efficiency in applications.
iii. They are durable. They have a longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs due to
their brushless design.

Disadvantages

i. They can be bulky and less portable compared to dc motors.

ii. They require high startup current, which can strain electrical systems.
iii. They have limited speed control. Additional equipment like inverters may be required
for speed adjustments.

To calculate:

1. Power (P): P = V × I × PF

where V = voltage,

I = current (A)

PF = power factor (no unit).

2. Torque and Output Power

Output Power (Pout): Pout = τ × ω

Τorque (τ) = Pout/ω

where τ = torque (Nm)

ω = angular speed (rad/s)

P out
3. Efficiency (E): E = × 100%
P∈¿ ¿

where Pin = I × V
 Ns−Nr
4. Slip (s) = × 100%
Ns

where Nr = the rotor speed

120 f
and synchronous speed = Ns =
P

Slip represents the difference between the synchronous speed of the magnetic field and the
actual rotational speed of the rotor, expressed as a fraction.

5. Slip speed (Nslip) = Nsync – Nr

Nslip = slip speed of motor

Nsync = speed of the magnetic field

Nr = mechanical speed of the rotor

6. Rotor copper loss (PCu) = s × Pin

s = slip of the motor

Pin = rotor input power

7. Rotor copper loss per phase (PCu/phase) = I2R

DC MOTORS

DC motors are electrical machines that convert direct current into mechanical energy. They
are widely used in various applications due to their precise speed control and high starting
torque. Their features include:

i. Types: They come in various types including separately excited, self-excited (shunt,
series, compound), and permanent magnet motors.
ii. Speed Control: They offer precise speed control, allowing for instant start, stop, and
reversal.
iii. Torque: DC motors exhibit high starting torque, especially in series configurations,
making them suitable for high inertia loads.
iv. Power Supply Flexibility: They can operate on low-voltage portable power supplies,
enhancing their versatility.
v. Simple Design: The use of brushes and a commutator simplifies their construction
compared to AC motors.

DC motors operate on the principle that a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field

experiences a mechanical force, causing rotation. When powered, the armature windings
create a magnetic field that interacts with the stator’s magnetic field, generating torque. The
commutator ensures continuous rotation by reversing the current direction as the rotor spins,
preventing it from stopping when aligned with the magnetic field. Also, back EMF regulates
motor speed by opposing armature current, allowing for self-regulation under varying load
conditions.

DC motors can be brushed or brushless. Brushed DC motors use brushes and a commutator
to provide current to the rotor. Brushless DC motors use electronic controllers instead of
brushes, offering higher efficiency and less maintenance.

Types of DC motors

Series DC Motors: provide high starting torque but lack speed regulation.

Shunt DC Motors: offer good speed regulation and are suitable for variable speed
applications.

Permanent magnet DC Motors: use permanent magnets for field flux, ideal for low
horsepower applications.

Compound DC Motors: combine features of series and shunt motors, providing good
starting torque with some control limitations.

Advantages

1. Precise speed control: They allow for easy speed regulation by adjusting voltage or
current, enabling precise control above and below rated speeds.
2. Fast dynamic response: They can quickly start, stop, and reverse direction, making
them suitable for applications requiring quick changes in motion.
3. No harmonic distortion: DC motors do not generate harmonics, unlike AC motors,
avoiding issues like torque pulsations and heating.
4. Cost-effectiveness: Due to its simpler construction and fewer components, DC
motors are often more affordable and easier to maintain.

Disadvantages

1. High initial and maintenance costs: They are typically more expensive to purchase
and maintain due to the presence of brushes and commutators, which wear out over
time and require replacement.
2. Lower efficiency: They are generally less efficient than AC motors, especially at
higher power levels, leading to increased energy loss as heat.
3. Limited speed range: They often have a limited speed range, and this makes them
unsuitable for high-speed applications.
 4. Sparking issues: The commutation process can cause sparking, posing risks in
explosive environments.

For comprehensive analysis of DC motor performance under various operating conditions,

the following key equations are used:

Voltage Equation: V = Eb + IaRa

Where V is the supply voltage, Eb is the back EMF, Ia is the armature current, and Ra is the
armature resistance.

Power Equation: Pin = V Ia = EbIa + I2aRa

This relates input power to output mechanical power and losses due to resistance.

P Φ NZ
Back EMF: This can be expressed as Eb = , where P is the number of poles, Φ is the
60 A
flux per pole, N is the speed in rpm, Z is the number of conductors, and A is the number of
parallel paths.

P
Torque Calculation: Torque can be calculated using T = , where P is power and ω is
ω
angular speed in radians per second.

ΦIa
1 PZ
Gross Torque TG =
2π A

TG = 0.159 ΦIa
PZ
(Nm)
A