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.

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