Introduction

Electric motors and generators are a group of devices used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy or electrical energy into mechanical energy, by electromagnetic means. A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is called a generator, alternator or dynamo, and a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is called a motor. Two related physical principles underline the operation of generators and motors. The first is the principle of electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. If a conductor is moved through a magnetic field, or if the strength of a stationary conducting loop is made to vary, a current is set up or induced in the conductor. The converse of this principle of the electromagnetic reaction, first discovered by Andr Ampere in 1820. If a current is passed through a conductor located in a magnetic field, the field exerts a mechanical force on it. Both motors and generators consist of two basic units, the field, which is the electromagnets with its coils, and the armature (the structure that supports the conductors which cut the magnetic field and carry the induced current in a motor). The armature is usually a laminated soft-iron core around which conducting wires are wound in coils. The parts of a machine can be expressed in either mechanical terms or electrical terms. Although distinctly separate, these two sets of terminology are frequently used interchangeably or in combinations that include one mechanical term and one electrical term. This may cause confusion when working with compound machines such as brushless alternators, or in conversation among people who are accustomed to work with differently configured machinery. In alternating current machines, the armature is usually stationary, and is known as the stator winding. In DC rotating machines other than brushless DC machines, it is usually rotating, and is known as the rotor. The pole piece of a permanent magnet or electromagnet and the moving, iron part of a solenoid, especially if the latter acts as a switch or relay, may also be referred to as armatures. Mechanical Rotor: The rotating part of an alternator, generator, dynamo or motor. Stator: The stationary part of an alternator, generator, dynamo or motor Electrical Armature: The power-producing component of an alternator, generator, dynamo or motor. The armature can be on either the rotor or the stator. Field: The magnetic field component of an alternator, generator, dynamo or motor. The field can be on either the rotor or the stator and can be either an electromagnet or a permanent magnet.

Electromechanical energy conversion

Electric Machines mechanical energy to electric energy or vice versa. Mechanical energy Electric energy : GENERATOR Electric energy mechanical energy : MOTOR. Almost all practical motors and generators convert energy from one form to another through the action of a magnetic field. When we talk about machines, another related device is the transformer. A transformer is a device that converts ac electric energy at one voltage level to ac electric energy at another voltage level. Transformers are usually studied together with generators and motors because they operate on the

same principle, the difference is just in the action of a magnetic field to accomplish the change in voltage level.

Functional block diagram of electromechanical energy conversion devices as (A) motor, and (B) generator. Why are electric motors and generators so common? Electric power is a clean and efficient energy source that is very easy to transmit over long distances and easy to control. Does not require constant ventilation and fuel (compare to internal-combustion engine), free from pollutant associated with combustion.

CLASSIFICATION OF ELECTRIC MACHINES

There are several methods of classifying electric machines: Electric power supply - Electric machines are classified as D.C. and A.C. machines as well as according to their stator and rotor constructions as shown below.

ELECTRIC MACHINES APPLICATIONS

Asynchronous Machines Petroleum and chemical pumps.. Cooling towers. Air-handling equipment. Compressors. Process machinery. Blowers and fans. Drilling machines. Grinders. Lathes. Conveyors. Crushers, etc. Synchronous Machines Power generation

Wind energy turbines Power factor correction Voltage regulation improvement of transmission lines. Electric clock drives. Servo drives. Compressors.

D.C. Machines Rolling mills Elevators Conveyors Electric locomotives Rapid transit systems Cranes and hoists

 Lathes Machines tools Blowers and fans, etc.

Flemings right-hand rule or Generator rule: This rule is used to determine the direction of the induced emf in a conductor under the influence of external field. According to this rule if the middle finger, fore finger and thumb of the right hand are at right angles to one another and if the fore finger and the thumb represents the direction of magnetic field and the direction of motion of the conductor respectively, then the middle finger will indicate the direction of the induced emf.

Flemings left hand rule or Motor rule: This rule is used to determine the direction of force acting on a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field. According to this rule if the middle finger, fore finger and thumb of the left hand are at right angles to one another and if the middle finger and fore finger represents the direction of current and magnetic field respectively, then the thumb will indicate the direction of force acting on the conductor.