Classification of electric motors-AC motors, DC

motors and its applications

Electric Motors Classification
Electric motors are classified based on the type of power supply they use:

1. AC Motors (Alternating Current Motors)

Types of AC Motors:

a. Synchronous Motors

 Rotor rotates at the same speed as the stator magnetic field.

 Types:
o Non-excited synchronous motors (e.g., hysteresis motor)
o DC-excited synchronous motors (using slip rings)
 Applications:
o Constant-speed applications
o Power factor correction
o Clocks, timers, conveyor systems

b. Induction Motors (Asynchronous Motors)

 Rotor speed < Stator magnetic field speed.

 Types:
o Single-phase induction motor
 Split-phase, Capacitor-start, Capacitor-run, Shaded pole
 Applications: Household appliances (fans, pumps, mixers)
o Three-phase induction motor
 Squirrel cage rotor
 Slip ring rotor (wound rotor)
 Applications: Industrial machinery, elevators, compressors

2. DC Motors (Direct Current Motors)

Types of DC Motors:

a. Shunt Wound DC Motor

  Field winding connected in parallel (shunt) with the armature.
 Applications: Lathes, fans, blowers, conveyors

b. Series Wound DC Motor

 Field winding in series with armature.

 High starting torque.
 Applications: Electric traction, cranes, hoists, electric vehicles

c. Compound Wound DC Motor

 Combination of series and shunt windings.

 Applications: Presses, elevators, rolling mills

d. Permanent Magnet DC Motor (PMDC)

 Uses permanent magnets instead of field winding.

 Applications: Toys, small appliances, robotics

Single Phase Induction motors

Split Phase Induction Motor

✅ Construction

 Stator: Has two windings:

1. Main (Running) winding – High inductance, low resistance
2. Starting winding – High resistance, low inductance
 Rotor: Squirrel cage type
  Centrifugal switch: Disconnects the starting winding once the motor reaches ~75% of
full speed.

Working Principle

1. Starting Condition:
o When power is applied, both windings are energized.
o Due to phase difference between currents in the main and starting windings, a
rotating magnetic field is created.
o This field induces current in the rotor, starting the motor.
2. Running Condition:
o Once the motor reaches a certain speed (~70–80%), the centrifugal switch
opens, disconnecting the starting winding.
o The motor continues to run on the main winding alone.

Key Characteristics

 Moderate starting torque (~150% of full-load torque)

 Simple and inexpensive
 Not suitable for frequent start-stop applications or high starting torque loads

Applications

Split phase motors are commonly used in low starting torque, single-phase applications such as:

Application Reason for Use

Fans Low torque requirement
Blowers Continuous running, low load
Washing machines Simple, reliable, and economical
Small pumps Moderate load
Air conditioners (small) Basic operation without variable speed
Office equipment Low cost and reliability

Why are Single Phase Induction Motors not self-starting?

Reason:
A single-phase induction motor is not self-starting because the single-phase AC supply
produces a pulsating (alternating) magnetic field, not a rotating magnetic field.

Explanation:

1. Pulsating Magnetic Field:

o When a single-phase supply is applied to the stator winding, it creates a
magnetic field that alternates in direction but does not rotate.
o This oscillating field cannot induce rotation in the rotor, because there is no net
torque in any direction at standstill.
2. Equal and Opposite Torque:
o The rotor experiences two equal and opposite torques, which cancel each other
out.
o As a result, the rotor remains stationary.

Solution – How to Start It:

To make the motor self-starting, an auxiliary method is used to create a rotating magnetic field
at startup. This is achieved by:

✅ Using an auxiliary (starting) winding with a phase shift:

 Split Phase Motor – adds a resistive auxiliary winding.

 Capacitor Start Motor – adds a capacitor in series with the starting winding.
 Shaded Pole Motor – uses shading coils to delay flux in part of the pole.

Once the rotor starts spinning and builds momentum, the motor can continue to run on a single
phase.

Capacitor Start Induction Run Motor

This is a type of single-phase induction motor designed to provide high starting torque,
commonly used in heavier loads.

Construction:

 Stator:
 o Main (running) winding
o Starting winding in series with a capacitor and a centrifugal switch
 Rotor:
o Squirrel cage type
 Capacitor:
o Typically an electrolytic capacitor (large value)
o Only used during starting
 Centrifugal switch:
o Disconnects the starting winding and capacitor when the motor reaches ~70–
80% of rated speed

Working Principle:

1. Starting:
o When the motor is powered, the capacitor causes the starting winding current
to lead the main winding current.
o This creates a phase difference (~80°–90°), producing a strong rotating
magnetic field.
o The motor generates high starting torque and begins to rotate.
2. Running:
o As the motor reaches near full speed, the centrifugal switch opens,
disconnecting the starting winding and capacitor.
o The motor continues to run on the main winding alone.

Applications:

This motor is suitable for heavy-starting loads, such as:

Application Reason
Air compressors High starting torque needed
Water pumps Heavy initial load
Refrigerators Load starts under pressure
Washing machines Variable and high load
Conveyors Frequent starts and stops
Medical equipment Reliable and strong startup
Capacitor Start Capacitor Run Induction Motor
This is an improved version of the capacitor-start motor, offering both high starting torque and
better running performance. It is also known as a two-value capacitor motor.

Construction:

 Stator:
o Main (running) winding
o Auxiliary (starting) winding connected to:
 Starting capacitor (high capacitance, electrolytic)
 Running capacitor (lower capacitance, oil-filled or paper type)
 These capacitors are connected in parallel during starting
 Centrifugal switch or relay:
o Disconnects the starting capacitor only, keeping the running capacitor in the
circuit
 Rotor:
o Squirrel cage type

Working Principle:

1. Starting:
o Both starting and running capacitors are connected.
o The large starting capacitor provides a high phase shift, producing a strong
rotating magnetic field and very high starting torque.
2. Running:
 o Once the motor reaches about 75–80% of its rated speed, the centrifugal switch
disconnects the starting capacitor.
o The running capacitor remains in the circuit, improving efficiency, power factor,
and smooth operation.

Applications:

Used where both high starting torque and efficient continuous running are required:

Application Reason
Air conditioners Heavy start, continuous run
Refrigeration systems Load under pressure
Industrial fans & blowers Need strong start and stable operation
Conveyors High torque and efficient long-term operation
Pumps & compressors Demanding start and run conditions
Machine tools Precise, efficient performance

s
Working of 3 phase squirrel cage induction motor
1. Stator:

The stator is the stationary part of the motor

It contains three-phase windings placed 120° apart in space.

When a three-phase AC supply is given, it produces a rotating magnetic field (RMF).

2. Rotor (Squirrel Cage Type):

Made of conducting bars (usually aluminum or copper) embedded in a cylindrical

laminated iron core.

These bars are short-circuited at both ends by end rings, forming a cage-like structure —
hence the name squirrel cage.

No external connections to the rotor.

Working Principle

Step 1: Three-Phase Supply to the Stator

When a three-phase alternating current is applied to the stator windings, it creates a

rotating magnetic field (RMF).

This field rotates at synchronous speed NsN_sNs​ , given by:

  Ns=120f/P

where:
f = frequency of AC supply (Hz),
p= number of poles in the stator.

Step 2: Induction of EMF in the Rotor

The rotating magnetic field cuts across the stationary rotor conductors.

According to Faraday’s Law, an electromotive force (EMF) is induced in the rotor bars.

Since the rotor circuit is closed (via end rings), this EMF causes current to flow in the
rotor bars.

Step 3: Torque Production (Interaction of Fields)

The rotor currents produce their own magnetic field.

This rotor field interacts with the stator's rotating magnetic field, creating a torque on
the rotor (via Lorentz force or Lenz’s Law).

The torque causes the rotor to start rotating in the same direction as the stator field.

Step 4: Slip and Rotor Speed

The rotor never reaches synchronous speed; if it did, there would be no relative motion
between the rotor and stator fields, hence no EMF or current.

The difference between synchronous speed Ns and actual rotor speed Nr is called slip,
defined as:

%s=(Ns−Nr/Ns)×100

Typical slip for squirrel cage motors is 0.5% to 6%.

Direction of Rotation
 The direction of rotation depends on the phase sequence (e.g., R-Y-B).

To reverse the direction:

Interchange any two phases of the supply (e.g., R and Y).

This reverses the rotating magnetic field and hence the rotor direction.

Starters used in Induction motors:

Why starters are used?

. To Limit High Starting Current

At startup, the rotor is stationary → no back EMF → motor draws 5 to 7 times the full-
load current.

This large current can:

Damage the motor windings.

Overload the power supply system.

Trip protective devices (like breakers or fuses).

2. To Reduce Voltage Drop in the Supply Line

High starting current causes a voltage dip, which can affect other equipment connected
to the same supply.

3. To Provide Smooth Acceleration

Direct starting can cause jerky or sudden starts, damaging belts, couplings, or gearboxes.

Starters enable a gradual buildup of speed and torque.

4. To Provide Motor Protection

Many starters include:

Overload protection

Under-voltage protection

Short-circuit protection

This prevents motor burnout or faults.

5. To Control the Starting Torque

In some applications, full starting torque can damage mechanical components.

Starters can limit or control the torque during the start.

Types of Starters
1. Direct-On-Line (DOL) Starter

✅ Features:

Simplest and most economical starter.

Connects motor directly to the full voltage of the supply.

Disadvantage:

High starting current → may cause voltage drop or mechanical stress.

✅ Suitable for:
 Small motors (typically < 5 HP or < 3.75 kW).

2. Star-Delta Starter

✅ Working Principle:

Motor initially connected in Star (Y) configuration → reduces voltage to 1/√3 (~58%) per
winding.

After a few seconds, motor switches to Delta (Δ) connection → full voltage.

✅ Advantages:

Reduces starting current to about 1/3 of DOL starting current.

Simple and economical for medium-size motors.

Disadvantages:

Sudden transition from star to delta can cause mechanical jerks.

✅ Suitable for:

Motors rated 5–20 HP (3.75–15 kW), depending on load.

3. Auto-Transformer Starter
✅ Working Principle:

Uses an auto-transformer to reduce initial voltage (typically 50%, 65%, or 80% of line
voltage).

After motor picks up speed, full voltage is applied.

✅ Advantages:

Smooth starting.

Better voltage control than star-delta.

Disadvantages:

More expensive and bulky.

✅ Suitable for:

Large motors (above 20 HP or 15 kW).

Universal Motors

1. Principle of Operation of a Universal Motor

A Universal Motor is a type of electric motor that can operate on both AC and DC supply.

Basic Construction:

Similar to a DC series motor, with the field winding in series with the armature.

Has a commutator and brushes, like a DC motor.

 The entire current flows through field winding and armature in the same direction at
any instant.

Operating Principle:

Based on electromagnetic induction and Lorentz force.

When AC or DC is applied:

Current flows through field winding → creates magnetic field.

Current flows through armature conductors → they experience force due to the
field.

According to Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, the armature rotates.

The direction of field and armature current reverses simultaneously in each half cycle
(in AC), so torque remains unidirectional.

✅ Key Point: Torque does not reverse with AC because both field and armature
current reverse together.

2. Reversal of Rotation

To reverse the direction of a universal motor:

✅ Method:

Reverse the connections of either the armature or the field winding, but not both.

Why this works:

Reversing both windings would reverse both current directions → no change in rotation.

Reversing one causes torque direction to reverse → motor runs in opposite direction.

Application Reason for Use

 Application Reason for Use

Electric Drills High speed, small size

Mixers & Blenders Compact, quick acceleration

Vacuum Cleaners Lightweight, powerful suction motors

Hair Dryers Small and fast

Sewing Machines Speed control, lightweight

Washing Machines (older models) Variable torque & speed

Power Tools Robust and powerful

Stepper motors

Basic Principle

The operation of a stepper motor is based on electromagnetic attraction and controlled

energizing of stator windings.

Key Idea:

When stator windings are energized in a sequence, the rotor aligns with the changing magnetic
field, resulting in rotational motion in discrete steps.

Working Mechanism (in simple steps)

Components:

Stator: Has multiple poles with electromagnetic coils.

Rotor: Made of permanent magnets or soft iron teeth.

Steps:

A step pulse is sent from a controller to the motor driver.

The driver energizes one or more stator windings, producing a magnetic field.

The rotor aligns with this magnetic field.

Another pulse energizes the next winding → the magnetic field rotates slightly → rotor
moves one step.

Repeating this process causes the rotor to rotate in steps.

Each pulse = One discrete movement (step).

Common Applications of Stepper Motors

1. Printers (Inkjet, Dot Matrix, 3D)

Precise positioning of the print head and paper feed.

3D printers use them to move the nozzle and platform in X, Y, Z axes.

2. CNC Machines (Computer Numerical Control)

Used for accurate tool positioning and cutting paths in milling, drilling, and engraving
machines.

3. Robotics

Stepper motors control joint movement and wheels.

Ideal for tasks requiring repeatable and exact positioning.

4. Camera Control Systems

 Used in pan/tilt mechanisms, zoom, and auto-focus systems.

Ensures smooth and accurate movement for surveillance or photography.

5. Textile Machines

Control of thread feed, needle positioning, and fabric movement.

6. Industrial Automation

Automated conveyor belts.

Pick and place robots.

Packaging machines for timed actions.

7. Medical Equipment

Used in infusion pumps, scanners, automated analyzers, and ventilators.

Offers high precision and reliability.

8. Antenna Positioning Systems

Accurately orient satellite or radio antennas to specific angles.

9. Hard Disk Drives (older models)

Used for moving the read/write head to the correct data track.

10. Clocks and Watches

Used in analog clocks for accurate stepwise movement of the hands.

11. Automotive Systems

In dashboard instrumentation (gauges, odometers).

Throttle position control and headlight leveling in advanced vehicles.