Electric motors convert electronic energy into mechanical energy, using either AC or DC electricity. AC and DC electric motors are constructed differently and possess different properties. To fully view the distinction between AC and DC electric motors, electricity itself must be understood. Electricity is often a different power source to heat or light mainly because it is not commonly seen in nature. Electric current refers to the movement of electrons along a conductor, such like a wire. The terms AC and DC refer to the direction from the electrons down the conductor.
In an AC motor the electrons flow along an alternating current and in the DC motor the electrons flow along a direct current. The direct current in DC electric motors means how the electrons constantly flow forwards, whereas in AC motors, the electrons switch directions regularly, to ensure they flow alternatively forwards and backwards.
Electricity and magnetism are closely linked and DC electricity was initially discovered, by Thomas Edison, by putting a magnetic field near to a wire and observing the electrons within the wire flow inside a direct current as we were holding repelled and attracted with the north and south poles from the magnetic field. AC power was discovered by the scientist Nikolas Teklas by making use of a rotating magnet to a conductive wire. Teklas learned that since the magnet rotated the flow direction in the electrons flipped around, which this process of alternating current retained energy better as opposed to direct current and enabled the transferral of numerous numbers of power.
There are two main types of electric motors. There are direct current or DC and alternating current or AC motors. The reference of DC or AC refers to how the electrical current is transferred through and from the motor. Both types of motors have different functions and uses. Dc motors come in two general types. They can have brushes or be brushless. AC motors, as well, come in two different types. They can be two phase or three phase. The differences in DC and AC motors are sometimes subtle, but these differences are what make one types better for a certain use.
Direct current or DC electric motors work for situations where speed needs to be controlled. DC motors have a stable and continuous current. DC motors were the first and earliest motors used. They were found, however, to not be as good at producing power over long lengths. Electric companies found using DC motors to generate electric did not work because the power was lost as the electric was transmitted. Brush DC motors use rings that conduct the current and form the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Brushless DC motors use a switch to produce the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Direct current motors are often found in appliances around the home.
Alternating current or AC electric motors are used differently based on what type of AC motor it is. Single phase AC motors are known as general purpose motors. They work well in many different situations. These AC motors work great for systems that are hard to start because they need a lot of power up front. Three phase, also called polyphase, AC motors are usually found in industrial settings. These motors also have high starting power build transmit lower levels of overall power. AC power gets its name from the fact that it alternates in power. The amount of power given off by an AC motor is determined by the amount of power needed to operate the system.