Objectives
• To understand the basics of single-phase and three-phase AC motor
• To understand the basics of DC motors
• To explain connection details and braking methods of motors
• To explain testing methods of motors.
Introduction
AC motors provide the motive power to lift, shift, pump, drive, blow, drill, and perform a myriad of other tasks in industrial, domestic, and commercial applications. The induction motor, the most versatile of the AC motors, has truly emerged as the prime mover in industry, powering machine tools, pumps, fans, compressors, and a variety of industrial equipments.
This section begins with the fundamentals of AC motors, to provide a sound base for understanding the practical aspects of induction motor applications in industry. It aims to impart, through a graduated approach, the necessary cognitive and technical inputs to diagnose and troubleshoot AC motors and starting gear and develop a ‘preventive’ approach to optimize motor performance, reduce downtime, and extend operational life.
The following sections first detail the three-phase AC motors, then single-phase AC motors, and then DC motors.