4/6/24, 3:52 PM Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Motor

Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Motor

Electric Traction Power Systems Utilisation of Electrical Power

In this article, we will see what a synchronous motor is and how it differs from an
asynchronous motor. We will compare and contrast the various features of synchronous
and asynchronous motors.

What is an Electric Motor?

The electrical machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy are known
as electric motors. Based on the electric supply input to the motor, they are of two types
viz.: AC motor and DC motor. The AC motors are further classified into two types viz. −
synchronous motors and asynchronous motors. These motors have some similarities
and some differences in their construction, operation and performance.

What is a Synchronous Motor?

The type of AC electric motor which has a rotor that is designed to rotate at the speed of
rotational magnetic field of the stator (synchronous speed) is called the synchronous
motor.

In the synchronous motor, the stator winding produces a rotational magnetic field when
AC supply is connected. The rotor is also designed such that it produces its own magnetic
field either by using a permanent magnet or an external DC supply through slip rings. As it
can be seen that the synchronous is supplied by two supplies, i.e. one for stator and other
for rotor, for this reason it is known as doubly-excited machine.

What is an Asynchronous Motor?

An electric motor which is designed in such a way that its rotor does not synchronize with
the speed of the rotating magnetic field is called the asynchronous motor. In actual
practice, the rotor of the asynchronous motor rotates with a relatively lesser speed than
the speed of the rotating magnetic field (or synchronous speed).

The rotor used in the asynchronous motor is of two types viz.: squirrel cage type rotor
and wound (or slip ring) type rotor. If the squirrel cage type rotor is used, then there
is only one input supply to the motor and hence the motor is called singly-excited
machine. When wound type rotor is used in the asynchronous motor, there two input
supplies to the machine, therefore, it is called the doubly-excited machine.

Differences between Synchronous Motor and Asynchronous Motor

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4/6/24, 3:52 PM Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Motor

The following table highlights the major differences between synchronous and
asynchronous motors −

Point of Synchronous Motor Asynchronous Motor

Comparison

Definition The AC motor which The type of AC motor which runs at

runs at synchronous speed less than the synchronous
speed is known as speed is known as asynchronous
synchronous motor. motor.

Principle of The operating principle The asynchronous motor works on

operation of the synchronous the principle of electromagnetic
motor is based on the induction between the stator
principle of magnetic magnetic field and rotor circuit.
interlocking between
the magnetic fields of
stator and rotor.

Expression of
Synchronous Rotor speed,
speed (Rotor)
speed, Nr = Ns (1 − s)

120f
Ns = Where, s is the slip and Nr < Ns
P

Where, f is the supply

frequency and P is the
number of stator poles.

Dependency of Speed of the Speed of an asynchronous motor

speed synchronous motor depends upon the mechanical load,
depends upon the rotor circuit resistance and slip in
frequency of input AC the motor. In actual practice, the
supply and the number speed of the asynchronous motor
of poles on stator. is always less than synchronous
speed.

Slip In case of synchronous There is slip in an asynchronous

motor, there is no slip, motor and it is always greater than
i.e., both stator and 0 and less than 1.
rotor rotate at the same
speed.

Effect of load on The speed of the The speed of an asynchronous

speed synchronous motor varies with the change in the load.

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4/6/24, 3:52 PM Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Motor

Point of Synchronous Motor Asynchronous Motor

Comparison
does not vary with the
variation in the load.

Starting The synchronous The asynchronous motors are self-

motors are not self- starting.
starting. They require
some external mean of
starting.

Rotor supply The rotor of the In case of asynchronous motor, if

synchronous motor the rotor is squirrel cage type, then
requires an extra input there is no need of rotor supply but
supply to produce rotor the wound type rotor needs extra
magnetic field. supply input.

Type of rotor DC supply is given to AC supply (in wound type rotor) is

supply the rotor of the fed to the rotor circuit.
synchronous motor.

Need of slip ring Synchronous motor Asynchronous motor with squirrel

and brushes requires slip rings and cage rotor does not require slip
brushes to supply DC to rings. However, with the wound
its rotor circuit. type rotor, slip rings are used.

Speed control The speed of the The speed of an asynchronous

synchronous motor is motor can be controlled either by
controlled by changing using variable rotor resistance or
the supply frequency VFD.
using VFD (variable
frequency drive).

Effect of supply The supply voltage does By changing the supply voltage,
voltage on speed not affect the speed the torque and speed of an
and torque and torque of a asynchronous motor can be
synchronous motor. changed.

Capital cost The capital cost of The initial cost of an asynchronous

synchronous motor is motor is comparatively lower.
higher.

Efficiency A synchronous motor

has high efficiency.

Operating speed The synchronous Asynchronous motors are best

motors are best suited suited for high speeds, more than

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4/6/24, 3:52 PM Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Motor

Point of Synchronous Motor Asynchronous Motor

Comparison
for low speed 600 RPM.
(constant) applications,
below 300 RPM.

Power factor Synchronous motor can The asynchronous motors always

be operated at lagging operate at lagging power factor.
leading or unity power
factor by varying the
excitation.

Applications Synchronous motor can Asynchronous motor can only be

be used for driving used for driving mechanical loads.
mechanical loads as
well as power factor
correction (by operating
at leading power
factor).

Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is clear that synchronous motors are more efficient than
asynchronous motors, but the cost of a synchronous motor is comparatively higher than
that of an asynchronous motor of the same rating.

In practice, synchronous motors are used in specialised applications like power factor
correction, driving a load at low and constant speed, while asynchronous motors are used
in general purposes like driving the mechanical loads. Also, the operation of an
asynchronous motor is easier than that of a synchronous motor.

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