How do AC motors differ from DC motors?

AC and DC motors differ in the type of electrical current they use to produce rotational or linear motion. AC motors use alternating current, which periodically changes direction, whereas DC motors use direct current, which flows in one direction. AC motors are simpler and more efficient, but DC motors offer greater control and responsiveness. The choice between AC and DC motors depends on the specific application and its requirements for power, speed and control.

How is a drive different than a motor?

A drive is an electronic device that controls the speed, torque and direction of an electric motor. It receives a control signal and adjusts the electrical power to the motor to produce the desired output. A drive also can provide protection and monitoring functions, improve efficiency and allow precise control of motor performance. A motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is an essential component in many industrial applications, and its type, size and control are crucial factors in the overall performance of a drive-motor system.

How does a drive control a motor?

A drive, also known as a variable frequency drive (VFD), controls a motor by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. The drive monitors the motor's performance and adjusts the frequency accordingly to maintain a consistent speed and torque output. This allows for precise control over the motor's performance, making it an important component in many industrial and manufacturing applications.

What are the three types of motor controls?

The three main types of motor controls are: Manual motor controls: These are the simplest type of motor control and are operated manually by a switch or button. Magnetic motor controls: These controls use magnetic fields to control the speed and direction of motors. They include starters, contactors and relays. Digital motor controls: These are the most advanced type of motor control and use digital signals to control the speed and direction of motors. They include variable frequency drives (VFDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and microcontrollers.

Motors and Drives | Control Engineering

Motors and Drives May 17, 2023

Motor control maintenance and troubleshooting best practices, advice

Electric motors are used to drive actuators and machines in industry and there are many aspects to consider to keep them operating efficiently.

By Frank Lamb

ABB has completed its acquisition of the Siemens low voltage NEMA motor business. Courtesy: ABB

Motors and Drives May 4, 2023

Low-voltage NEMA motor acquisition completed

ABB has completed its acquisition of the Siemens low voltage National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) motor business.

By ABB

Motors and Drives May 2, 2023

Beyond the purchase: How to get the most from your variable frequency drive

For machine control and other applications, controlling motor speed with variable frequency drives can save energy, but it's not as easy as just adding a VFD. What else needs to be considered for motor control system efficiency?

By Paul Avery

Motors and Drives April 25, 2023

Ultra-low voltage drives market to grow

Interact Analysis research reported global ultra-LV drives market are worth $753 million in 2021. AMR/AGV account for 11% of total market revenues in 2022.

By Interact Analysis

Motors and Drives March 1, 2023

Control Engineering hot topics, February 2023

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in February 2023 included stories on VFD parameters, Microsoft DCOM, superconductivity, control systems and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Aaron Maassen

Courtesy: Applied Manufacturing Technologies

Motors and Drives February 20, 2023

How to optimize industrial motor communications, Part 3, smart manufacturing

Three thought leaders offer advice on improving industrial motor communications and how doing so helps engineers, in this transcript from an August 2022 webcast. Part 3 covers motor-drive communications for smart manufacturing. Link to other parts.

By CFE Media

The Control Engineering webcast, “How to Optimize Industrial Motor Communications,” is archived and available for viewing until Aug. 4, 2023, for RCEP PDH credit. Courtesy: Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

Motors and Drives February 9, 2023

How to optimize industrial motor communications, Part 2, strategies

Three thought leaders offer advice on improving industrial motor communications and how doing so can help engineers, in this transcript from an August 2022 webcast. Part 2 discusses specific industrial Ethernet strategies for motor-drive communications from three protocols. Link to other parts.

By CFE Media

Motors and Drives February 2, 2023

How to optimize industrial motor communications, Part 1, data types

Three thought leaders offer advice on improving industrial motor communications and how better motor communications can help engineers, in this transcript from an August 2022 webcast. Part 1 includes motor-drive communication information discussions from EtherCAT Technology Group, ODVA and PI North America. Link to other parts.

By CFE Media

Motors and Drives February 1, 2023

Eight frequently-neglected VFD parameters to optimize

Recognizing variable frequency drives (VFD) parameters such as thermal current, pulse-width modulation and more can help engineers get better performance for many different applications.

By Kurt Niehaus and Will Young