Everyone has been there. You’re sitting in your car when you start to think “how does the motor work?” But there are many types of motors, not just the ones found in cars.
Small motors, such as induction motors, can power all sorts of things from household appliances to industrial equipment. But what is an induction motor? Keep reading to find out what it is and how it can be used in a braking system.
What Is an Induction Motor?
Put simply, an induction motor is a type of motor that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction. This type of motor uses alternating current (AC) as opposed to direct current (DC).
A simple DC motor is a loop of wire in a magnetic field, which causes it to rotate. A device called a commutator reverses the direction of the current in the wire, causing it to continue rotating.
While induction motors are similar in that they also use a magnetic field to cause a rotation, they have a different principle of operation.
Normally, any current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field around it. However, when the current is continuously changing direction, as in an AC motor, the magnetic field produced also changes continuously.
According to the principle of induction, a changing magnetic field induces a current. This induced current produces a magnetic field opposing the original magnetic field. It is in the opposite direction due to Lenz’s Law.
This induced magnetic field causes a rotation to a conductive rod or wire loop. It’s trying to rotate fast enough to cancel out the original magnetic field. In this way, an AC current produces mechanical work in rotation, which makes it a motor.
Induction Motor Braking Systems
While there are many applications for AC induction motors in all sorts of fields, one is in a braking system. From wood chippers to fans, induction motor brakes can be used for many purposes.
Induction braking works in a similar way to induction motors, but instead of causing something to start rotating, the magnetic field causes something to slow down and eventually stop rotating.
Instead of using friction to stop like many braking systems, these use induction which reduces the amount of wear on the device that is being stopped. This also means they don’t produce as much heat, so there is less risk of burning.
Since they depend on the current applied, there is an enormous amount of control in these systems. They start and stop very quickly and with high precision.
Whether you’re working outdoors with a wood chipper, indoors with sawing and milling, or anything in between, an induction motor braking system could help with your next project.
Next Steps
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is an induction motor?” and found out what they have to do with braking systems, feel free to contact us to find the braking system that is right for you.
If you enjoyed this article, please check out some of our other great articles from injection braking to machine safety tips!
