Motoren

Motoren are devices that convert energy into mechanical power, producing rotation and torque to drive machines. They span a range of technologies, energy sources, and scales, from tiny actuators to large industrial drives.

The main categories are electric motors, internal combustion engines, and hydraulic or pneumatic motors. Electric motors convert electrical energy into motion through electromagnetic interaction between stator magnets and rotor windings, and they are grouped into DC and AC types. AC motors include induction (asynchronous) motors and synchronous motors, while DC motors cover several configurations used for speed control. Internal combustion engines burn fuel to produce expanding gases that turn a shaft, driving loads directly or via transmissions; they include gasoline, diesel, and gaseous-fuel engines. Hydraulic and pneumatic motors rely on pressurized fluids or gases to produce rotation or linear motion, offering high power density in compact packages and robust operation in hazardous environments.

In operation, motors convert energy to torque at the output shaft, with performance defined by efficiency, power rating, speed, and torque. Electric motors are typically highly efficient and provide consistent torque; internal combustion engines offer high energy density but lower overall efficiency and produce emissions; hydraulic and pneumatic motors trade energy losses for simplicity and ruggedness. Advances such as power electronics, variable-frequency drives, and regenerative braking have improved control and energy use.

Applications range from industrial machinery and robotics to transportation and consumer appliances. The development of motor technology has been central to industrialization and modern transport, including electric vehicles and automation. The term motor derives from the Latin movere, move, and in many languages motoren denotes the plural of motor.