frequentlyaskedquestions–permanent.docVIP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – PERMANENT MAGNET AC MOTORS Created by Rick Munz, edited by Steve Stretz (8/10/2011) Q. In terms of construction, how do Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) motors differ from AC Induction motors? A. In the broadest sense, the major difference is in the rotor itself. In a squirrel cage induction motor, current is induced into the rotor from the field (stator) through the air gap, and conducted through aluminum (or other material) bars, which are most often die cast in the slots of the rotor laminations. In the case of a PMAC motor, the rotor itself contains permanent magnet material, which is either surface-mounted to the rotor lamination stack or embedded within the rotor laminations. In either topology, electrical power is supplied through the stator windings. Q. What are the primary benefits of PMAC motor versus AC Induction? A. Permanent Magnet AC motors are inherently more efficient due to elimination of rotor conductor losses, lower resistance winding and “flatter” efficiency curve. Due to their synchronous operation, PMAC motors offer more precise speed control. PMAC motors provide higher power density due to the higher magnetic flux as compared with induction machines. Finally, Permanent Magnet motors generally operate cooler, resulting in longer bearing and insulation life. Q. What is the difference between “axial” and “radial” flux motors? A. In an axial flux motor, the magnetic force (through the air gap) is along the same plane as the motor shaft, i.e. along the length of the motor. A radial flux motor is the more traditional design, in which the magnetic force is 90° (perpendicular) to the length of the motor/shaft. Think about axial flux like the disc brakes in your vehicle, where the disc rotates like the rotor in an axial flux design. Axial flux is not peculiar to permanent magnet motors. Q. What applications are more suitable for axial- versus radial-flux designs? A. The answer depends upon which engineer you spe