Hey, i know the difference between ac and dc motors but i still don't know when to use them. I mean, when is it wiser or better to use DC over AC motors and vice versa? In what applications is one above the other?Hope you can help me in my problem. Thnx XD
I am a layman in this category, but from years of reading it seems that the biggest difference between AC and DC motors of the same horsepower is SIZE. DC motors are significantly smaller than AC motors of the same horsepower output. As for applications DC is naturally better for space limited applications. Since DC electricity is relatively limited in its availability, it would require a fairly expensive converter to change the AC to DC, and DC motors are slightly more expensive than AC.
If the motor needs to be battery powered, use a DC motor or a brushless DC motor. Otherwise use an AC motor. If the motor needs variable speed operation, consider a brushless DC motor. However, a brushless DC motor may be more expensive than an AC motor or may not be available if the power rating is more than a few kW (horsepower). Universal motors are nearly the same thing a series DC motors and are used in vacuum cleaners, blenders and some other appliances. They can have multiple speeds and variable speed control. They can operate above the 3600 RPM limit for AC motors connected directly to 60 Hz power. Brushless DC motors may make universal motors obsolete depending on comparative cost. DC motors with commutators are generally less efficient, less reliable, more expensive, larger and heavier than AC motors and brushless DC motors with the same speed and torque ratings. They have been disappearing at a steady pace over the past 20 years or so.
