Understanding AC motor
AC motor is a type of electric motor that is powered by alternating current (AC) supplied from the power grid or other AC electricity source. Check out Chapter 3, Actuators And Their Application In Industrial Automation, to learn the basic construction of AC motor. Here, we will be looking at the various types of AC motors which include:
- Synchronous AC motor
- Asynchronous AC motor (induction motor)
Let’s start by understanding the synchronous AC motor.
Synchronous AC motor
In a synchronous motor, the stator winding (winding fitted in the stator) is usually connected to a three phase AC supply. The AC supplied to the stator establishes a rotating magnetic field in the stator and it rotates at synchronous speed. The rotor is supplied with direct current (DC) to make it act as a permanent magnet. Sometimes, the rotor can be made of permanent magnets. By supplying DC to the rotor or making it a permanent magnet makes its magnetic field to be stationary (that...
