An electric motor converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by means of the interaction of its magnetic field and the electric current in a wire winding.
The torque developed on the motor shaft is directly proportional to the amount of magnetic flux in the motor. This torque-speed curve is called the V/Hz ratio and it is directly related to motor power rating.
Stator
The Stator is the stationary part of an induction motor's electromagnetic circuit which does not rotate. It is usually comprised of field magnets - electromagnets made up of wire wound around a ferromagnetic iron core, or permanent magnets - that generate a magnetic field.
The field is applied to the rotor's armature and its windings, exerting a force that is in turn applied to the shaft. The stator also contains the motor's commutator and other components such as the gearbox, which all work together to produce motion.
Most household and industrial motors do not require a full horsepower (0.746 kW) or more of output; these are therefor called fractional-horsepower motors. They are often characterized by being manufactured with a standard-frame size smaller than that for a standard 1 HP motor.
Rotor
The rotor is the part of the motor that turns, and delivers the mechanical output. It consists of wire windings on a ferromagnetic core which receive electric current via the stator windings.
Often the gap between the stator and the rotor is made very small as this helps to improve performance of the motor and reduces losses and noise. However a large gap can have a detrimental effect on the motor as it can cause commutation delays and lower the power factor (the ability of the motor to convert electrical energy into mechanical work).
In some applications it is advisable to install anti-friction bearings on the rotor shaft. This is because they help to ensure that the rotor shaft rotates smoothly without friction, which is important as it can lead to wear and tear of the motor. This is especially true in applications with high speeds or severe weather conditions.
Commutator
The commutator is a metal device that switches power between the coils of the motor's armature and a stationary field of magnets, called the stator. These electromagnets can be made of wire wound around a ferromagnetic core, or they may be permanent magnets (PMs).
The current from the brushes flows through the commutator and one winding of the rotor's armature, which acts as a temporary magnet (an electromagnet) in a rotary motion, pushing against and exerting a torque on the shaft. This torque is called the Lorentz Force, and it creates a rotational force on the rotor.
The commutator is made of electrically isolated copper segments that allow an electrical connection to be made between the armature and the outside world via carbon brushes. The armature brush is connected to each segment of the commutator and slides against it as the rotor rotates.
Magnets
Magnets are one of the most amazing things in nature. They can induce current in wire and supply torque for electric motors. They're also a key component in CRT televisions, speakers, microphones, generators, transformers and more.
The most obvious way that magnets work is to create a special area around them that can pull different objects. It looks kind of like magic, but it actually happens without any physical contact.
These special areas can be formed by magnetic materials such as iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt. They can be hard or soft depending on their properties and how strong they are.
These strong magnets can be used in EV traction motors for a variety of applications and can have many benefits. However, they can also be vulnerable to demagnetization, which could lead to temporary loss of torque or even motor failure if the motor is exposed to excessive operating temperatures, opposing magnetic fields or electrical faults.