Brushless DC Motors

Motor Basics
What is a motor
Converts electrical energy into kinetic energy

Where did it come from

Identification of rotating magnetic field principle by Nicola Tesla in 1882 Introduction of Electric Motor by Nicola Tesla in December 1889 (U.S. Patent 0416194)

Parts of a Motor
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. End Bell Fastners Shaft Key & Keyways Bearing & Brushings End Ball Flanges Identification Plates Wire Warnish Commutators Brush Holders Laminations Conduit Connection Box Magnets (Ferrites)
Images courtesy of Hernon Adhesives & Sealents (http://www.hernonmfg.com/electricmotor.htm)

Brushless Motor Components

Brush Type Motor Components

Parts of a Motor

Images courtesy of How Stuff Works (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor3.htm)

How It Works
When electric current passes through a coil in a magnetic field, the magnetic force produces a torque which turns the motor.
Force in Motor: F=ILB

F = Force B = Magnetic Field L = Length of Conductor I = Current in Conductor

Torque in Motor: T = IBA sin

A = LW L = Length of Winding W = Width of Winding

Images courtesy of Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor)

Motor Types
Electric Motor

AC

DC

Hybrid

Induction

Synchronous

Shunt

Compound

Series

Permanent Magnet

Synchronous Phase Locked Loop

Brushless DC

Variable Frequency

Steppers

Moving Coil

Polyphase

Single Phase

Single / Polyphase

Basket Weave

AC-DC

Split Field

DC Torquer Conventional Construction

Inverter Driven

Electronic Communication

Synchronous

Induction

Reluctance

Permanent Magnet

Small Angle

Wound Field

Wound Rotor Permanent Magnet

Stator Control Rotor Control

Reluctance Permanent Magnet

Wound Rotor

Permanent Magnet

Squirrel Cage

Shaded Pole

Capacitor

Reluctance Hysteresis

Capacitor Start T wo Capacitor Permanent Split Capacitor

Multiple Speed Pole Switching

Brushless DC Motor
No Commutators Position of Coils with respect to the magnetic field is sensed electronically. Current is commutated through electronic switches to appropriate phases.

How it Works
Halls Sensors sense the position of the coils The Decoder Circuit turns appropriate switches on and off The voltage through the specific coils turns the motor

Images courtesy of Servo Magnetics (http://www.servomag.com/flash/2-pole/2pole-bldc-motor.html)

Advantages
Increased Reliablilty & Efficiency
Longer Life

Elimination of Sparks from Commutator

Reduced Friction

Faster Rate of Voltage & Current

Precision Voltage & Current Applied to Field Coils

Applications
Low Power
Consumer Electronics Medical Field

High Power
Industrial Machinery Vehicles Airplanes

Disadvantages
Requires Complex Drive Circuitry Requires additional Sensors Higher Cost

Some designs require manual labor (Hand wound Stator Coils)

Useful Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor3.htm http://www.hernonmfg.com/electricmotor.htm http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html http://www.servomag.com/flash/2-pole/2pole-bldc-motor.html

http://www.engineersedge.com/motors/brushless_dc_motor.htm
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