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How Synchronous Motors Work
Introduction
Synchronous motors are a type of AC motor that runs at a constant speed, regardless of the load. This makes them ideal for applications where precise speed control is required, such as in industrial machinery or medical equipment.
Construction
Synchronous motors consist of a stator and a rotor. The stator is made up of a series of electromagnets that are arranged around the rotor. The rotor is made up of a permanent magnet or a winding that is connected to a DC power source.
Working Principle
When the stator is energized, it creates a rotating magnetic field. This magnetic field induces a current in the rotor winding, which creates a magnetic field of its own. The rotor's magnetic field interacts with the stator's magnetic field, causing the rotor to rotate.
The speed of the rotor is determined by the frequency of the AC power supply. The rotor will rotate at a speed that is equal to the frequency of the power supply, minus the slip.
Applications
Synchronous motors are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Industrial machinery
- Medical equipment
- Clocks
- Watches
- Fans
- Pumps