The most common engines:
1. **Synchronous Motors**:
- It operates at a fixed speed that coincides with the frequency of the electrical current.
- Used in applications that require constant and accurate speed, such as electrical generators.
2. **Asynchronous motors or induction motors**:
-The most common types of electric motors.
- It operates at speeds that vary slightly from the frequency of the electrical current.
- Used in industrial and domestic applications such as fans and compressors.
3. **DC Motors**:
- Operates with continuous power supply.
- Provides precise control of speed and direction.
- Used in electric cars, robots, and small equipment.
4. **Stepper Motors**:
- It moves in small steps and its accuracy can be controlled.
- Used in precision control applications such as printers and CNC machines.
5. **Servo Motors**:
- It is characterized by high control precision and fast reactions.
- Used in robotics, industrial control systems, and drones.
6. **Variable Reluctance Motors**:
- It depends on the change in magnetic reluctance.
- It is used in some special applications such as hybrid systems for cars.
These main types of electric motors together with their features and uses make them suitable for a wide range of industrial, commercial and domestic applications.
Let's dive deeper into the classification of electric motors between alternating current (AC) motors and direct current (DC) motors, and then talk about the different types within each classification.
Direct current motors (DC Motors)
1. **Permanent Magnet DC Motor**:
- It uses permanent magnets to generate the magnetic field.
- It is characterized by high efficiency and small size.
- Used in toys, hand tools, and small household appliances.
2. **Series DC Motor**:
- Both the rotor and the stator are connected in series.
- Provides high starting torque.
- It is used in applications that require high torque, such as lifting and traction machines.
3. **Shunt DC Motor**:
- The rotor and the stator are connected in parallel.
- It has an almost constant rotation speed.
- It is used in applications that require constant speed, such as fans and pumps.
4. **Compound DC Motor**:
- Combines the features of series and parallel engines.
- It is used in applications that require features of both types.
Alternative current motors (AC Motors)
1. **Synchronous Motors**:
- It rotates at a speed that coincides with the frequency of the electric current.
- Used in applications that require constant and accurate speed, such as electrical generators.
2. **Induction Motors**:
- Includes asynchronous motors that rely on electromagnetic induction to generate motion.
- The most common and used type in industry.
- Divided into two types:
- **Squirrel Cage Induction Motors**: They are durable and easy to maintain, used in general industrial applications.
- **Wound Rotor Induction Motors**: Provide better speed and torque control, used in applications that require soft starting and precise speed control.
3. **Variable Reluctance Motors**:
- It depends on the change in magnetic resistance.
- Used in applications that require precise control of position and speed.
4. **Variable Frequency Drives, VFDs**:
- Controls the speed of motors by changing the frequency of the supplied voltage.
- Used in applications that require precise speed and power control such as ventilation and air conditioning systems.
These classifications cover most of the major types of electric motors used in various applications.