An Ac motor is a motor that runs on alternating current. AC stands for Alternating current. An alternating current is a type of current that changes its magnitude and polarity at regular intervals. The current periodically reverses its direction. An AC motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. An ac motor can be a single-phase motor, or it can also be a three-phase motor. AC motors are used in various works, and they are used in bulky industrial power conversion electric work to household small power conversion mechanical work. They are used in day-to-day routines.
An ac motor consist of the following parts:
1. STATOR:
It helps in rotating magnetic fields to interact with the rotor.
It is a stationary part of a motor.
It consists of a stator core made up of thin metal sheets known as lamination, which reduces energy loss.
2. ROTOR:
It is a central component that is fixed with a shaft.
It consists of a rotor bar and end rings.
3. MOTOR SHAFT
The rotor and a steel shaft together form the rotor assembly.
The shaft extends outside the motor and allows the connection to a system that transmits rotation power externally.
4. BEARINGS
They hold motor shafts in place.
5. ENCLOSURE
This protects other internal parts from water and other harmful substances.
AC motors work on the principle that when a closed current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it produces torque. It is based on electromagnetic induction, the branch of physics discovered by Sir Michael Faraday.
Longevity- they last for years.
Efficiency- function well without breaking, degenerating, and overheating.
Quiet function- they don't make many noises.
Availability- they are available in a wide range of sizes and power outputs.
Inability to operate at low speed.
Poor positioning control.
An AC motor has to be kept running. It does not start and stop quickly.
According to Faraday's Law, eddy currents are loops of electrical current that are induced due to a change in the magnetic field in the conductor.
It was invented by Nikola Tesla in 1887.
They are a group of coils present together, forming a hollow cylinder along with a steel core.
It is a cylindrical rotor made by stacking three steel laminations.
There are two types of AC motors:
Synchronous Motor: A three-phase power source is used in synchronous motors. The current field is generated by rotating the stator at a constant speed which is defined by the AC frequency.
Induction Motor: induction motors have an asynchronous speed that slips in relation to the stator current. Electromagnetic induction is used in these motors to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy.