DC (Direct Current) Motor
A direct current (DC) motor is a type of electric machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. DC motors take electrical power through direct current and convert this energy into mechanical rotation.
DC motors use magnetic fields that occur from the electrical currents generated, which power the movement of a rotor fixed within the output shaft. The output torque and speed depend upon both the electrical input and the design of the motor.
DC motors generate high starting torque and power to drive equipment such as conveyors, elevators, cranes and hoists.
DC Motors
What is a DC Motor?
A DC motor is a type of electric motor that uses direct current as an energy source. It has two separate parts: the armature and the stator, which are connected by a rotary commutator. This commutator reverses the current between the rotor and the power supply, producing a steady rotational torque. There are two types of DC motors: brushed and brushless. Brushed DC motors apply current to the rotor through brushes, while brushless DC motors use permanent magnets to generate current.
DC motors are easier to install and maintain than AC motors. They are also easier to service than their AC counterparts. In addition, DC motors can easily replace industrial equipment. In contrast, an AC motor may require the entire circuit to be redesigned to accommodate a DC motor.
Types of DC Motors
There are many different types of DC motors. Some are used in homes while others are used in factories. They are used in fans, air conditioning systems, and printers. Some are even used in remote controlled vehicles. In addition, they are used in medical equipment. These are some of the most common applications of DC motors. HZPT is one of the professional DC electric motor manufacturers in China, we can offer standard DC motors as well as non-standard DC motors according to customers’ requirements.
DC Motor Working Principle
DC motors work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which states that a conductor within a magnetic field experiences a force. Permanent magnets and electromagnets are used in both large and small motors. The permanent magnets lose their magnetism during wear and tear, while the electromagnets energize when a current is passed through their core.
Current flowing through the rotor windings develops a magnetic field around the windings, which interacts with the magnetic field of the stator. This interaction generates a force that manifests itself as rotation of the rotor. According to the law of conservation of energy, the force must be opposed, and the back EMF of a DC motor provides opposition to the force.
The armature of the DC motor does not rotate when there is no load applied. When a load is placed on the motor, it starts to rotate, and a large amount of current flows through the armature. This is due to the low resistance of the windings. This causes a counter electromotive force (CEMF) that opposes the applied terminal voltage. This resultant force is called torque. The torque generated by a DC motor is measured in Newton-meters.
A DC motor works by energizing its rotor, which is usually composed of a copper wire wound around an axle. This rotor then rotates in a magnetic field and produces a torque. During this process, electric current is constantly flowing through the windings.
Applications of DC Motors
With the many kinds of DC motors, there is a vast range of uses that can be made use of DC motors.
Each type of motor offers its benefits, generally speaking, there are a variety of applications for an DC motor. At home, smaller DC motors are employed in toys, tools, as well as various household appliances. In retail, the uses of DC motors can be found in conveyors as well as turntables. In an industrial setting, massive DC motors also have brakes and reverse applications.
Here are a few particular uses of DC motors:
- DC Motors for Fans
- DC Motors for Pumps
- DC Motors for Toys
- DC Motors for Electric Cars
- DC Motors for Robots
- DC Motors for Bikes
Although traditional ceiling fans utilize AC motors, there’s an increasing amount of DC motor-powered ceiling fan on the market. They are growing in popularity since they are much more affordable than their AC counterparts, due to the manner they function.
As we’ve learned in this tutorial DC motors utilize magnetic fields to convert electric energy to mechanical power and with the help of brushless motors ceiling fans with DC motors are able to be controlled by standard household AC electricity.
The only drawback for a DC motor is the price, however the energy savings can easily compensate the cost.
Pumps that are hydraulics is an important industrial tool that is utilized in almost all kinds of industries like mining, construction manufacturing, steel. DC motors are employed to drive these pumps due to their simple variable speed control and quick response when they move.
Similar to ceiling fans, the DC motor pump has profited by the invention of less expensive brushless DC motors that are much easier to maintain with such an extensive industrial scale.
DC motors for toys are a popular option for both hobbyists and manufacturers. These ‘toy motors’ frequently being employed in toys for children such as remote-controlled model trains and automobiles. Small DC motors can be used in this type of setting because they are simple to operate and are extremely durable.
The broad range of voltages that are available for DC motors means that they can be used in games that need different speed and kinds, as well as those which require the use of a DC motor with a controller.
There are many of motor types that are employed in electric cars, DC motors for electric automobiles are popular due to their energy efficiency and long-lasting durability.
Alongside professional manufacturers numerous hobbyists and kit car builders like big DC motors because of their higher start torque, especially series wound motors and their variable speeds depending on the voltage input.
“Robot” is a broad term however, for many enthusiasts and engineers, they are any device that is electromechanical that is designed to accomplish a particular job. DC motors designed for robots can be employed to “actuate” objects such as arms, tracks or cameras, making this motor being particularly popular due to many reasons.
DC motors are especially useful due to their excellent efficiency and torque which makes them ideal to robotics.
Electric bikes are popular because they do not require a license, if the maximum assisted speed is under 20 miles an hour. To ensure the power levels and the torque needed, brushless DC motors are usually used for electric bikes.
Electric bikes use a compact DC motor built into the hub of the back or front wheel, or mounted in the center of the bike and connected to the pedal sprocket.