DC Motors – Different Varieties and Its Various Applications
Majority of the consumer electronic devices ranging from a simple CD player to the most sophisticated computer appliances, use DC motors. Though there are a huge variety of it, all of these motors work on the same principle. Quite different from the AC motors, these are powered by direct electric current.
Different Types of DC Motors
There are mainly three different types of it which are elaborated in the following paragraphs:
Brushless Direct Current motors: Compared to the brushed it, the brushless it is more efficient and long lasting. As there are no brushes, the motor seldom slows down due to the friction caused by the brushes in the Brushed Direct Current motors. Since it is more efficient, it is suitable for heavy duty usage. Moreover, the motor seldom heats up while in work, which increases its overall efficiency and life. The efficiency of the brushless direct current motors are approximately between 85 and 90 percentage.
Brushed- Direct Current motors: The standard type of it include the brushed direct current motor which has a rotor in the middle with two coils of wire around it. These two coils have two magnets which face in the same direction. It is turned off and on by the electric current produced by the brushes.
Stepper Direct Current motors: The brushless electrical DC motors have iron toothed cog connected around the rotating shaft. Today most of the stepper motors are computerized. It is widely used in toys, satellites, floppy drives and CDs, scanners and printers. It can be controlled and do not include high power. However, stepper motors do not require an external controller for operation.
Different Uses of DC motors
Motors with low power: The direct current motors which use low power are mainly used for precision tools such as digital systems. Since it uses low power, it can hardly be used for devices which need more power to lift and transport. Therefore it is widely used in DVD players, personal computer and CDs.
Motors with medium power: Direct current motors which use medium power are also used in computers and are connected to the main system. The medium powered motors are usually used in the bowling alley.
Motors with high power: The high powered motors are among the most commonly and widely used in it. It is used in places where power and drive is necessary. It is usually used in electric wheelchairs, elevators, hybrid cars and electric scooters.
What Are the Advantages of Direct Current Motors?
It have a number of advantages over other types of it. Unlike the AC motors, it is more efficient and last for a longer period of time.
The other advantages of it include its ease of controlling speed and torque. Moreover, it is easy to understand its design as most of the designs are quite simple and involve no complications.