There are two main types of electric motors. There are direct current or DC and alternating current or AC motors. The DC or AC reference refers to how electrical current is transferred through and from the motor. Both types of motors have different functions and uses. DC motors come in two general types. They can have brushes or be brushless. AC motors also come in two different types. They can be biphasic or triphasic. The differences in DC and AC motors are sometimes subtle, but it is these differences that make one type better for a given use.
Direct current or DC electric motors work for situations where speed control is necessary. DC motors have a stable and continuous current. DC motors were the first and oldest motors used. However, it was found that they were not that good at producing power over long distances. Power companies found using DC motors to generate electricity did not work because power was lost as electricity was transmitted. Brushed DC motors use current-carrying rings that form the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Brushless DC motors use a switch to produce the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. DC motors are often found in household appliances.
AC or alternating current electric motors are used differently depending on what type of AC motor it is. Single phase AC motors are known as general purpose motors. They work well in many different situations. These AC motors work great for systems that are difficult to start because they need a lot of power at first. Three-phase AC motors, also called polyphase, are typically found in industrial settings. These engines also have high starting horsepower and transmit lower levels of overall power. AC power gets its name from the fact that it alternates in power. The amount of power an AC motor puts out is determined by the amount of power needed to operate the system.
DC and AC electric motors are found everywhere from the home to the automobile and industrial plants. Engines are important to everyday life. DC motors were introduced and caused a huge revolution in the way many things are done. When AC motors hit the market, the way motors were viewed changed due to their incredible starting power potential. DC motors and AC motors are different in many ways, but both are used to power the world.