AC motors converts alternating current into a mechanical rotatry force. It works based on electromagnetic induction. They have a low starting torque and can only exit in two forms, three and single phase. The single phase motors are low power motors they are use in standing and celling fans, blenders, blowers, air conditioners, electric sewing machines and vaccum cleaners. Three phase AC motors are use to drive high power loads, they can withstand heavy loads with constant speed unlike the single phase type. They're use in electric cars, miling machines and powerful industrial machines.
Types of AC motors.
There are two types of AC motors as shown in the diagram above.
Synchronous and induction motors are the two categories, the AC induction motor is furtherly grouped into single phase and three phase.
1. Synchronous motor.
It converts alternating current into rotary mechanical power with synchronous speed. It speed remains constant irespective of the load on it. A synchronous motor works when current is applied to it, the feild coil pulls the armature to itself, but due to the great inertia force of the armature it sets up the rotation of the armature.
2. Induction motor.
It is also known as asyncronous induction motor because it speed varies depending on it load. Electricity is converted to mechanical power by electromagnetic induction phenomenon.
There are two types of induction motors, single phase and three phase, it had already be explained at the beginning of the tutorial.
Applications of AC motors.
1. They are use in driving powerful loads like conveyors, electric cars, blenders and saw mills due to it magnetic field strength offered by the feild coil.
2. They are use in industrial robots due to it precision and can be easily controlled with motor controllers boards.
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Basic Electronics