Induction Motor

What's An Induction Motor?
Induction motors are electric motors that use alternating current (AC), propelled by a magnetic field that rotates. They are made up of a rotor, a stator and coils that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy using electromagnetic induction. AC induction motors are highly efficient and flexible, and relatively simple in design, which allows them to match the load demand for almost any electrical application.

 

A stator is an outer, non-moving chamber in which the rotor spins. It is formed by a ring of electromagnets designed as a cylinder to produce a rotating magnetic field. Copper wire wound throughout the cylinder's interior creates magnetic poles, with one pole of each magnet facing towards the center. When alternating current flows through these wire coils, they form a pair of alternating poles. The alternating poles create an alternating magnetic field that rotates with unified strength.

 

A rotor also consists of a group of electromagnets arranged around a cylinder, and it is housed inside the stator. The magnet fields activated within the rotor are attracted to the magnetic field produced by the stator. Hence why the magnetic field induced in the stator induces a magnetic field in the rotor.

 

 

Who invented the induction motor?
Nikola Tesla is credited with the invention of the induction motor, dating back over 100 years. He was only 21 years old when he realized that there must be a better way to create more efficient and reliable motors, as the existing ones were costly and not very powerful. Did you know that the power generators at Niagara Falls are based entirely on Tesla's invention? And to this day, Tesla's patented AC motor system is still used in most electric motors.