Types of AC motors

BLDC motor (Brushless AC motor)

Servomotor
Stepper motor
Universal motor

Servomotor
A servo system is one in which the output is the mechanical variable like position,
acceleration, and velocity. These systems are automatic control systems in which
the output is like controlling the position of the shaft etc. The motors used in such a
servo system are called servomotors and have a low power rating and can drive the
load directly. These motors are usually coupled to the load, through a gear train for
power matching purposes. AC Servomotor, the servomotor used in the low power
servo mechanism is the AC servomotor. The operating principle of 2 phase AC
servomotor will be like that of a normal 3-phase induction motor. The voltage
control will be applied to the control winding and the voltage applied to the
reference winding will be 90° out of phase. Then flux produces the current with the
help of control winding, which is also 90° out of phase concerning the flux
produced by current through the reference winding. The resultant flux in the air
gap will be rotating in nature hence it is called a rotating magnetic field. Initially,
the rotor part will be stationary, then as the rotating flux sweeps over the rotor,
e.m.f gets induced in the rotor. This e.m.f will circulate the current through the
rotor. The rotor current will produce its flux which is called rotor flux. This flux
will interact with the rotating magnetic field, which produces torque on the rotor.
Applications of the Servomotor: Used as instrument servos, it is used as a process
controller, used in robotics, used in self-balancing recorders, used in machine tools,
it is used as a position control system.
Advantages of the Servomotor
Accuracy and resolution are determined by encoders.
Having 2 to 3 times more rated power.
Having 5 to 10 times more rated torque.
Having high efficiency.
Having high output power.

Disadvantages of the Servomotor

Controlling the servomotor is complicated
It becomes unpredictable when something breaks
It requires tuning to stabilize the feedback loop
More expensive

Stepper motor
This is the special type of DC motor, that converts input digital Pulses into
mechanical shaft rotation. It converts a train of Input pulses (square wave pulses)
into a precisely defined increment in the shaft position. Every pulse of the square
wave moves the shaft of the stepper motor through a fixed angle so we can define
the stepper motor as “This is as electrochemical which actuates train of step
movements of the shaft concerning the train of input pulses.” Operation Of the
Stepper Motor The stepper motor works on the principle of Electromagnetism. It
consists of two main parts Rotor and Stator. For the rotor, we can use a permanent
magnet or soft iron and the rotor part will be surrounded by electromagnetic
stators. If we give a voltage at terminals, the rotor tries to align with the stator.
Here I would like to take the stepper motor which consists of 4 pole rotor
construction. i.e., the rotor is having 4 salient poles without any exciting winding.

Advantages of Stepper Motor

Used in X-Y plotters.
It is used in the floppy disk drive.
Used in machine tools.
It is used in the process control system.
 Used in robotics.
Used in printers.

Disadvantages of Stepper Motor

Low efficiency
Torque drops rapidly with speed
Low output power for its size
Missing feedback to indicate missed steps
Heat experience in the high-performance configuration
Low accuracy at full load

Universal Motors
Universal motor can be operated on both DC & single-phase AC supply. This can
be also called a “single-phase series motor”. These motors will be having high
starting torque. This is the main feature of universal motors. Working of Universal
Motor: As the definition says, the universal motor works on both DC & single-
phase AC supplies. If we give a DC supply to the universal motor, it works as a
DC series motor. i.e., if current flows through the field winding, then it will
produce an electromagnetic field and the same current will flows through armature
conductors. When we placed a current-carrying conductor in an electromagnetic
field, it will experience a mechanical force. Due to this force, the rotor will rotate.
The direction of the mechanical force will be explained by using “Fleming’s left-
hand rule”. If we give AC supply, then it produces unidirectional torque. It’s
because the winding of the motor is connected in series, which means they are in
the same phase. But polarity of AC supply changes periodically, due to this action
the direction of the current in both winding, reverses at the same time. Then the
direction of the magnetic field & armature current reverses in such a way that the
direction of the force experienced by armature conductors remains the same. Thus,
the matter of AC or DC supplies the Universal motor works. Applications Of
Universal Motor: Can be used for domestic applications such as vacuum cleaners,
food, mixers, hair drains, electric shavers, etc. Can be used in blowers. Used in
portable tools like drilling machines and small drives.
Advantages Of Universal Motor:
Less costly as compared to other motors.
The capacity for producing good torque at low speed.
Preferred in many portable tools due to less size.
The capacity of running at an adjustable speed.

Disadvantages Of Universal Motor:

High noise
It will be difficult to run a universal motor in the opposite direction.
Overheating if the motor takes place, to avoid this, we require fresh air.
Requires frequent service and maintenance.

BLDC motor (Brushless DC motor)

BLDC stands for “Brushless Dc motor”. That means these motors do not have
brushes in them. Brushless DC electric motors can also be called electronically
commutated motors, which are powered by DC electric source through an
integrated inverter or switching power supply, which produces an AC electric
signal to drive the motor. Working Of BLDC Motor: First, let’s see the function of
a brushed motor. In brushed motors, there will be permanent magnets on the
outside of the rotor, the permanent magnets are attached. To activate
electromagnets, high-power transistors are used. The controller performs power
distribution by making use of the solid-state circuit. This electromagnet creates a
magnetic field in the armature when supply is given and helps to rotate the
armature. To keep the rotation of the armature, the brushes will change the polarity
of the pole. The working principle of brushed DC motor and brushless DC motor is
the same. i.e., internal shaft position feedback. The brushless DC motor has two
windings. Rotor and stator. The rotor is a rotating part and has rotor magnets in it.
Where stator is stationary winding that consists of the stator.
Application of BLDC Motor:
Can be used in aerospace.
Can be used in servo actuation.
It is used in computer peripheral equipment.
Positioning and variables speed.
Used in air conditioners.
Used in biomedical instrumentation.

Advantages of BLDC Motor:

High efficiency (>75%).
Low friction and low inertia.
Low maintenance cost.
Reliable operation.
These are having a long life.

Disadvantages of BLDC Motor:

Having a complex network.
It needs complex electronic controllers
More expensive