Understanding the Working Principles of Electric Motors and Their Functions
Indonesia is one of the countries that relies on motorcycles as its mode of personal transportation. Unfortunately, there are still few drivers who fully understand the principles of how their electric motors work. To get to know your beloved vehicle better, please read the following brief review.
Overview of Electric Motors
You should know that electric motors are devices that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion) that allows them to move on the road. This type of motor is classified into 3 types consisting of DC Motors, Induction Motors, and Synchronous Motors.
These three types of motors have similar working principles, but what distinguishes them is the magnitude of their magnetic field interactions. Some common working principles of electric motors include the electric current generated in a magnetic field capable of providing force, each motor consists of several loops in its dynamo, and the presence of a force pair to rotate the coil.
Working Principle of DC Motors
DC motors are equipped with two terminals that require direct current voltage to operate. In fact, this device has been embedded in several electronic items that you often use daily, such as household appliances, electric drills, smartphone vibrators, industrial equipment, and many more.
This device consists of two main parts called the rotor and stator. The rotor is the part that can rotate and consists of an armature coil, while the stator is the part that cannot rotate and consists of a field coil and frame. Its working principle uses electromagnetic phenomena.
Initially, the electric current will be supplied to the coil until its surface, which is the north magnet, moves toward the south pole magnet. Meanwhile, the south magnet coil will move toward the north pole magnet. When both poles meet, an attractive force occurs that causes the coil to stop moving.
Also Read: Easy Tips for Maintaining Car and Motorcycle Starter Dynamos
Induction Motor Principle
The working principle of electric motors known as Asynchronous machines is quite unique, as their operation does not run at synchronous speeds. This device consists of two types, namely single-phase and three-phase induction, with different functions. Generally, single-phase induction motors are smaller in size, while three-phase motors are widely used for industrial needs.
Induction motors use the principle of electromagnetic induction, where the electric drive force is induced and crosses its electrical conductor when the magnetic field rotates. This device is also equipped with two main parts consisting of a stator and rotor. The stator is the stationary coil part that carries overlapping windings.
Uniquely, the magnetic field will rotate in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction due to its polarity. Meanwhile, the rotor of the induction motor carries the main winding. When three phases are supplied to the stator, the magnet will automatically rotate. This stationary conductor actually cuts through the rotating magnetic field.
Synchronous Motor Principle
Slightly different from other types of motors, because the working principle of this electric motor does not depend on industrial current to operate. This is because the rotor in synchronous motors is a permanent magnet that will be synchronized with the rotating magnetic field. The rotation produced appears to be synchronous according to the frequency of the established current.
