Electric Motor Systems
Electric motors are everywhere. These ubiquitous devices come in a wide variety of sizes and power outputs, ranging from a fraction of a watt to huge multikilowatt applications. Tiny ones operate computer disk drives, power windows/mirrors, and windshield wipers; moderate-sized ones run appliances such as fans, blenders, electric shavers, and vacuum cleaners; a large drive pumps, elevators, sawmills, and electric trains and vehicles.
There has been not only growth in the total number of electric motors (more standard appliances in use), but also a proliferation in their use for new, novel applications. Both trends will continue to increase demand for the electricity to run electric motors. In the United States, electric motors are responsible for consuming more than half of all electricity, and for the industrial sector alone, close to two-thirds. Since the cost of the electricity to power these motors is enormous (estimated at more than $90 billion a year), research is focused on finding ways to increase the energy efficiency of motors and motor systems.
Early Development
Electric motors are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Devices that do the opposite—convert mechanical energy into electrical energy—are called generators. An important example is power plants, where large gas, steam, and hydroelectric turbines drive generators to provide electricity.
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