Synchronous Motors:
A synchronous motor is an AC (alternating current) motor in which the
rotation of the rotor is synchronized with the frequency of the AC supply
current. This means that the rotor turns at the same speed as the rotating
magnetic field created by the stator, which is determined by the supply
frequency.
Key Features of Synchronous Motors:
1. Constant Speed: The speed of a synchronous motor is constant and
depends directly on the supply frequency and the number of poles in the
motor.
o Formula: Synchronous speed (Ns) = 120 * (frequency (f) /
number of poles (P))
2. Working Principle: In synchronous motors, the rotor rotates in
synchrony with the stator's magnetic field. The rotor is typically excited
by direct current (DC) and creates a magnetic field that locks with the
stator’s rotating magnetic field.
3. Starting: Synchronous motors generally cannot start by themselves.
They require a separate starting mechanism, such as an auxiliary motor
or an external source of torque to bring them up to synchronous speed.
4. Power Factor: Synchronous motors can operate at a unity power
factor, making them useful for power factor correction in industrial
systems. Depending on the excitation, they can either overexcite
(leading power factor) or underexcite (lagging power factor).
5. Efficiency: These motors are highly efficient and are often used in
applications where consistent speed is crucial, such as in large pumps,
compressors, and synchronous generators.
Applications:
Power plants
Large industrial machines
Pumps and compressors
Synchronous condensers for power factor correction
Asynchronous Motors (Induction Motors):
An asynchronous motor, also known as an induction motor, is an AC motor
where the rotor does not rotate at the same speed as the rotating magnetic
field of the stator. The rotor's speed is always slightly less than the
synchronous speed, creating the "slip" necessary for inducing current in the
rotor.
Key Features of Asynchronous Motors:
1. Slip: The difference between the synchronous speed and the actual rotor
speed is called slip. Slip allows for induced currents in the rotor, which
generate torque to rotate the motor.
2. Self-Starting: Unlike synchronous motors, asynchronous motors are
self-starting. When an AC voltage is applied, the rotor starts rotating, and
the motor quickly reaches its operating speed.
3. Power Factor: Asynchronous motors typically operate at a lagging
power factor, which means they may require power factor correction to
optimize performance in some applications.
4. Efficiency: These motors are generally less efficient than synchronous
motors but are simpler, more reliable, and cost-effective. They are also
widely used in applications where constant speed is not critical.
5. Starting Torque: Asynchronous motors provide high starting torque,
making them ideal for applications like conveyor belts, fans, and pumps
that require significant startup force.
6. Speed Control: The speed of an asynchronous motor can be adjusted by
varying the frequency of the supply voltage, which can be done using
variable frequency drives (VFDs).
Applications:
Household appliances (washing machines, fans, etc.)
Conveyor belts
Pumps and compressors
Electric vehicles
HVAC systems
Comparison:
Asynchronous Motor
Feature Synchronous Motor
(Induction Motor)
Constant, synchronous with Slightly less than synchronous
Speed
supply frequency speed (due to slip)
Requires external start (no self-
Starting Self-starting
starting)
Power Can be controlled (unity or Typically lagging (requires power
Factor leading) factor correction)
High (but needs control system Generally lower, but simpler and
Efficiency
for starting) cost-effective
Control Not easy to control speed Easy speed control via VFDs
Applicatio High-precision, constant-speed General-purpose industrial and
ns applications household uses
Summary:
Synchronous motors are used where precise speed control and
efficiency are critical. They are commonly employed in large industrial
machinery and power plants.
Asynchronous motors (induction motors) are more commonly used
due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and self-starting capabilities,
making them ideal for a wide variety of general-purpose applications.
