An electric motor is a machine that has the
ability to transform or convert electrical energy into mechanical. This is done
thanks to the action of the magnetic fields generated by its coils.
In addition, as another essential fact, we
can highlight that they are normally made up of a rotor and a stator.
This is the general and basic definition of
an electric motor, but for sure, how does it work and what benefits does it
bring to industries, people and the world in general? Find out below.
Operation
of an electric motor
There are different types of electric
motors, with different scopes and purposes, which operate in machines of all
kinds, from vehicles and large industrial machines to small household
appliances.
But, if we focus on the motor itself, we
can say that it always works in the same way: through the interaction between
sinuous currents and a magnetic field, which generates force or energy within
it. That is to say, they start from the principle of electromagnetic induction
that tells us that when a conductor is in interaction with the lines of
magnetic flux and there is a movement between them, a voltage is induced in the
conductor which, in turn, being in a closed circuit will generate the
circulation of an electric current and consequently the induction of a magnetic
field that will interact with the existing one causing a torque and movement of
the same.
All this allows the rotor or rotating part
to move, producing the operating cycle.
As we mentioned before, there are different
types of electric motors, which mainly influences their composition. These can
be divided into two large groups:
dc
motor
This class of motor has the same number of
poles in the rotor and stator.
These motors are used when it is necessary
to continuously regulate their speed, and they are divided into three classes:
in series, parallel and mixed.
Alternating
current motor
We are talking about those that operate
with alternating current, as its name reflects. That is, it converts electrical
energy and turning forces with the help of the interaction between magnetic
fields.
As you can see, in general, in electric
motors there are two key parts: the rotor and the stator.
·
The rotor is mainly composed of
a kind of steel sheets that together form a package, it can be of 3 different
types: slotted, squirrel cage or salient poles.
·
Meanwhile, the stator can be
salient pole or slotted. In both cases it does not move mechanically, but
rather magnetically, and it is made up of sheets of silicon steel.
Benefits
of the electric motor
Now that you know what an electric motor is
and how it works, it's time to list some of its benefits.
Attractive
autonomy
Of course, the autonomy depends on the type
of purpose that the electric motor has and the equipment or device that it
operates.
However, in general terms, we can say that
electric motors offer very good autonomy, especially when they are complemented
with accumulators and batteries of great capacity and durability.
In cars, which is perhaps the most visible
example, these engines allow an average autonomy of more than 290 kilometers,
which means that millions of people can cover their daily distances with them,
and at the same time pollute less, due to the absence of gas emission.
In other smaller appliances and equipment,
they can provide several minutes and even hours of continuous operation at high
power.
Task
streamlining
Electric motors came into the world to make
life easier for us, as well as for industries and companies.
Angle grinders, blenders, washing machines,
there are many devices that contain electric motors, and that allow a certain
task to be done more quickly and efficiently, compared to manual methods or
processes.
In the case of industries, they play a key
role in standardization and automation, while helping to preserve quality and operational
flow.
Economy
When electric motors operate only in a
certain device, equipment or machine, as is the case with vehicles, expenses
are considerably reduced.
And it is that thanks to these, gasoline,
diesel and other fuels are not needed to generate the energy and power
necessary for operation.
The best of all is that, at the same time,
they reduce environmental pollution, by putting aside the emission of gases, at
the same time that they mitigate noise pollution, because electric motors are
usually much less noisy.
High
power for the job
Electric motors were born to increase the
power and range of different machines, like many of the examples that we have
given.
This allows having the necessary
"muscle" for heavy work and large volume operations, which must also
be performed continuously, as occurs in factories and production spaces.
In this way we see how a simple machine
plays a key role in the productivity and industrial dynamics of environments
and, consequently, in the well-being of societies and populations.
Perfect! If you followed us to this point
in the text, you already have a clear idea of what an electric motor is, how
it works and why it is so beneficial.
Understanding these machines and their
scope is a key step to making smart investments when incorporating functional
equipment and artifacts into your projects and performance areas.
Remember that electric motors are an
alternative that combines high power with functionality and economy, and at the
same time that they are characterized by their low or null environmental
impact.
