AC (alternating current) motors are intriguing to many engineers because they have a wide range of applications. They are useful in many forms and can perform in a variety of challenging ways.

AC motors have a straightforward design. They are magnetically driven with copper wounded stators. A rotating magnetic field is created over the stator because of the alternating input currents.

These motors are used by humans hundreds of times a day in applications we don’t give a second thought to. However, wherever appliances are utilized these motors are at work. In 2017, motor technology is moving a rapid pace with highly efficient options available for every application.

We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the different types of motors and their applications:

Improved Energy Efficiency with AC Motors

Before we discuss the different types of motors, it’s important to recognize that motor efficiency is a huge priority for manufacturers and designers of motor systems.

Induction-motor efficiency is now being improved upon with many new design aspects. They are even using thinner laminations in the rotor stack. A new method is using higher-grade electrical steel laminations that can improve the insulations of the rotor as well.

From more copper wire in the motor to extend the length of rotors, the adjustments are a bit more costly but much more efficient. Things like smaller cooling fans create less friction.

High-Efficiency Synchronous Motors

The main types of this kind of motor are switched reluctance and permanent magnet motors. They include salient poles in the rotor that serve as teeth in the rotor. They lock at speeds using the magnetic field.

ECPM motors include more permanent magnets that can be mounted on the surface or inside the rotor. They serve a similar purpose to the salient poles but are much more energy efficient.

You can find synchronous motors in applications where total accuracy is essential. A good example of where these types of AC motors are needed are clocks, metering pumps, timers, electromechanical robots and other industrial processes.

These motors are also used in speed controllers and other precision-based drill machines and other devices that are similar in function.

Universal Motors

The universal motors are the more generic of AC motors. They can be used on both direct currents or alternate currents. They have a high constant rotary speed.

These motors are used in a wide array of applications like high-power engineering, railway traction, and commercial drill machines. They are most commonly found in blenders, vacuum cleaners, dryers, etc.

Adjustable Speed Motors

Adjustable speed motors are great because they have a much-needed feature in terms of their management and speed control. These motors are able to instantly change their rotor speed based on a set of pre-determined controls.

They are used in applications such as electrical power plants. They are also used in marines and cargo pumps. They can be used in systems where the need to automatically switch rotors speeds is necessary.

Linear Motors

These motors are the least conventional of the group. They create a linear power to either pull or push something for a set length. The rotors on this motor create a torque-based action.

These motors are used in monorails, roller coasters, and other transportation machinery. They can be found in ground-based rails and magnetic levitation lines.

Motor Up

The different types of motors in the AC family all serve different functions when they are applied differently. Knowing which motor is at work during any given part of your day will keep you in the know about how your contraption is functioning.

Energy is the key source to most of our applications that we use in 2017. For more information on manufacturing power and energy for different applications, contact us today.