Basics of AC Electric Motors

An AC motor is one of two types of electric motors; the name is derived from the alternate current used to drive it, with the other type being a direct current (DC) motor. AC motors further fall into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous or induction. There are two main parts of an AC motor: the primary winding stator, which is stationary and is connected to the power source, and the rotor, which carries the current.

1. Synchronous Motors
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In a synchronous motor, the current passes through a magnetic field in the rotors at the same rate as the alternating current resulting in no slip. The main function of the stator in a motor is to set up a rotating or oscillating field. In a synchronous motor, the rotor's magnetic poles are fixed and the motor's speed is determined by the number of poles in the motor and the frequency of the current supplied to it. Single-phase synchronous motors are continuous duty motors and are most popular in everyday use appliances such as clocks and tape players. For applications above 10 horsepower, larger synchronous motors are used, having a higher efficiency rate than induction motors.

Induction Synchronous Motors

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A synchronous motor requires a starter to achieve starting torque. In an induction synchronous motor, there is no starter. The rotor windings are instead shortcircuited allowing the motor to operate as an induction motor. Brushes---electric contacts on the commuter---are required to achieve DC magnetic excitation of the rotor windings which allows for synchronous operation.

Induction Motors
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In an induction motor, the stator's oscillating magnetic field causes or induces current in the rotor. These motors rely on the rotor turning slower than the rotation of the stator fields because as the speed of the rotor approaches the speed of the stator field, the torque diminishes. This difference is called slip and is what makes the induction motor operate. There are two types of rotors common in induction motors, the squirrel cage and the wound rotor. The squirrel cage type looks like a hamster wheel and the rotor is practically self contained. These types of rotors are used for motors smaller than one horsepower. The wound rotor consists of insulated coils of wire that are not permanently shortcircuited but are connected in regular succession to form a defined polar area having the same number of poles as the stator.

Single Phase Induction Motors

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The two most common types of AC motors are single-phase and three-phase. Single-phase motors can be subdivided into split-phase and commutator. Splitphase motors can be further subdivided into resistance-start, reactor-start, splitcapacitor and capacitor-start motors. Commutator motors are subdivided into two groups: series and repulsion and these are subdivided even further and all are modified to produce the necessary starting torque.

Three-Phase Induction Motors

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Three-phase induction motors do not need centrifugal switches or capacitors as they generate their own rotating magnetic torque. These types of motors are

used for machine tools; fans, air compressors and air conditioning equipment and industrial pumps.

Parts of Induction Motors

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An induction motor is a type of electric motor that converts electric power into rotary motion. An induction motor uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to cause the rotor to turn. The induction motor was created and patented by Nikola Tesla in 1888. Electric current is supplied to the stator, which induces a magnetic field that rotates. The rotating magnetic field interacts with the rotor, inducing current in the rotor. The interaction of the two magnetic fields results in a torque, turning the rotor within the motor casing. Because the induction motor does not use brushes like DC motors, there is less wear of the internal parts.

1. Stator
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The stator is the stationary portion of the motor and delivers a rotating magnetic field to interact with the rotor. One or more copper windings make up a "pole" within the stator, and there is always an even number of poles within a motor. The electric current alternates through the poles, resulting in a rotating magnetic field.

Rotor

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The rotor turns based on the current input to the stator of a three-phase induction motor.

The rotor is the central component of the motor, and is fixed to the shaft. The rotor is generally constructed of copper or aluminium strips attached at each end to a circular fixture. This configuration is called a "squirrel cage rotor" because of its appearance. The magnetic field generated by the stator induces a current in the rotor, which then creates its own magnetic field. The interaction of the magnetic fields in the stator and rotor results in a mechanical torque of the rotor. In some induction motors, the copper bars are replaced with slip rings and copper windings that behave in the same way.

Shaft
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The motor shaft is fixed within the rotor, and rotates with it. The shaft extends outside of the motor casing, and allows a connection to an outside system to transmit the rotational power. The shaft is sized to the amount of torque the motor puts out to avoid breaking the shaft.

Bearings
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The rotor shaft is held in place by bearings at either end of the motor casing. The bearings minimize the friction of the shaft connection to the casing, increasing the efficiency of the motor.

Casing

The casing of the induction motor contains all of the motor components, provides electrical connections and allows for ventilation of the motor parts to reduce heat buildup. The casing design often includes fins to assist with heat dissipation.