Electrical motors are becoming increasingly popular as technology moves forward. As of 2018, there were over 1 million electric vehicles driving the streets and highways of the United States.
What many people don’t realize is that there are two different types of motors in electrical vehicles and hybrid vehicles. When looking at the types of electric motors, the comparison is always AC vs. DC engines.
But what is the difference between AC and DC engines? What benefits does each provide?
Continue reading to learn about alternative current and direct current engines and the differences between the two.
What Is an AC Motor?
While AC and DC motors both run off of electricity, there are some big differences between the two. An AC motor is different from a DC motor because it runs on alternating current.
Alternating current is able to form through coils that surround a central core. This is the composition of an AC induction motor, which is the most common motor in the world.
AC induction motors are just one of the two types of AC electric motors. An induction motor features stator coils that are wound around a turning rotor in order to power the vehicle or machine.
The other type of AC motor is a synchronous motor. This type of AC motor creates mechanical energy by using slip rings that spin at a higher rate. The difference between induction motors and synchronous motors is that synchronous motors don’t require induced electrical current.
AC motors are popular because of how powerful they are while maintaining high levels of efficiency. Additionally, AC motors are popular because of how quiet they are when operating.
This quietness makes them a great option for projects that need a quiet atmosphere but still need reliable and strong electric power. They are also coveted for their durability and the more efficient startup process.
What Is a DC Motor?
DC motors are electric motors that run on a direct current of electricity. DC motors are high-voltage and are used in industrial and manufacturing capacities.
A big difference between DC motors and AC motors is that DC motors don’t use a rotating magnetic field to produce power. DC motors use a rotating armature to create power by spinning around a permanent magnet.
Similar to AC motors, there are two different types of direct current motors that are used. The first is brushed motors. Brush motors are the older option and they work by using an axle, brushes, as well as a spinning rotor.
The brushes change the electrical charge in the motor and they determine the direction and speed of the energy that is produced.
Brushless motors, on the other hand, use magnets that surround the rotor in order to control efficiency and the amount of power produced. They also use special wiring to help control the speed and direction of the electrical power.
DC motors are popular because they are easy to install. Despite that, they take more power to start up when comparing AC vs. DC motors.
Depending on their application they can be a great investment. They are most commonly found in motor vehicles that are on the road today. You’ll also find brushless motors powering HVAC systems and medical equipment.
Direct current motors are a great fit for appliances that need a steady supply of electricity to work. That is why they are the motor of choice for vacuums, elevators, and conveyor belts.
AC vs. DC: The Pros and Cons
There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of electrical motors when it comes to AC vs. DC. That is why they each have their common uses and industries that best suit those strengths and weaknesses.
Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of alternating current and direct current motors.
Alternating Current
Alternating current motors are a popular choice for a lot of reasons. They have the benefit of being quick and efficient to start and easy to control once they’re up and running.
Because the startup demands are a lot lower for alternating current, it takes a lot of stress off of the components of the engine. This leads to less maintenance and a longer lifespan for the electric engine.
AC motors are also highly controllable, making them safe and easy to operate. You can expect an AC motor to last a lot longer, and if it does break down the repairs are cheaper than they would be on a DC motor.
A big downside to AC motors is that they’re not as responsive as DC motors when it comes to a change in load. They are better suited for a consistent load level. This is why they are primarily used in manufacturing and industrial capacities.
Direct Current
Direct current motors are also a popular choice when it comes to electrical motors. They are beneficial because they are easy to install and maintain. This makes them less expensive in the long run.
DC motors also produce a lot of power and torque at startup. This is why electrical vehicles and hybrid vehicles use direct current motors to provide their mechanical energy.
You can also expect much more responsive stop and start times from DC motors. They provide quick and powerful acceleration, making them a perfect choice for the automotive market.
Some drawbacks to DC motors are that the lifespan isn’t as long as their AC counterpart and they’re more expensive to repair. They also require electricity to be converted from alternating current to direct current to work.
Now You Know the Difference
While electric motors run off the same basic principle, there is a world of difference between how AC vs. DC motors work. Alternating current motors use a rotating magnetic field to produce power while direct current motors use a rotating armature to control the power produced.
They each have their strengths and weaknesses and are used in different ways. AC motors are commonly found in industrial uses, while DC motors power things like electrical vehicles because the power is quicker to react and produces more torque and acceleration.
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