Difference between Electrical Drives:

AC and DC Drives
INTRODUCTION:
A Drive is a combination of various systems combined together for the
purpose of motion control. There are three types of drives namely

[1] Group Drive

[2] Individual Drive
[3] Multimotor Drive

Drives employing electric motors are called as Electrical Drives. Based on

power supply the electrical drives are classified as

[1] AC Electrical Drive

[2] DC Electrical Drive

 Both ac and dc motors are used for electric drives. However, ac

system is preferred because the generation of AC power is more
natural and efficient than the generation of DC power.
 Also the ac power can be efficiently transmitted at low line
losses, the voltage at the consumer premises can be maintained
within prescribed limits and there is a possibility of economically
stepping up and stepping down of voltages through the use
of transformers.

 In spite of all the above the advantages of ac system, the use of

dc is essential for some applications.
  The basic criterion in selecting an electric motor for an electric
drive system is that it should meet the power level and
performance required by the load during steady state and
dynamic operations.

 For example, in the applications for which a high starting torque

is needed, a DC series motor might be a better choice than an
Induction motor (AC motor).

 In constant speed applications, synchronous motor might be a

better choice than Induction motor or DC series motor.

 If the primary consideration for selecting an electric motor is

cost for a particular application, then Induction motor is the
right choice. Because in general, dc motors and brushless motors
are most expensive motors whereas squirrel cage induction
motors are the cheapest one.

 Environmental factors also will determine the type of motors to

be used for the applications.

 For example, in food processing, chemical industries, and aviation

the environment must be clean and free from arcs, DC motors
cannot be used unless they are encapsulated.

 This is because of the eclectic discharge that is generated

between the motor's brushes and its commutator segments.
 In these cases, the squirrel cage induction motor or other brushless machines are probably the
better options.

DC Drives AC Drives
The Power circuit and control circuits The power circuit and control circuits
are simple & inexpensive are complex
It requires frequent maintenance Less maintenance required
These problems are not there. Motors
The commutation makes the motor
are inexpensive, particularly the squirrel
bulky, costly and heavy.
cage motor.
Speed and design rating are limited Speed and design rating have no upper
due to commutation. limits.
It is used in  certain locations only.  It can be used in all locations.
Fast response and wide speed range  In solid state control the speed range
are smoothly achieved by conventional is wide and in conventional method it is
method and solid state control. stepped and limited.
The line conditions are very poor. ie, For regenerative drives the line power
Poor power factor, harmonic distortion factor is poor. For non-regenerative
of the current. drives the line power factor is better.
Power/Weight ratio is small. Power/Weight ratio is large