Oikosulkumoottorit

Oikosulkumoottorit, also known as squirrel cage motors, are a type of AC electric motor. They are widely used in industry due to their simplicity, robustness, and cost-effectiveness. The name "squirrel cage" comes from the rotor's construction, which resembles a squirrel cage. The rotor consists of conductive bars, usually made of aluminum or copper, embedded in a laminated iron core. These bars are short-circuited at both ends by end rings, forming a cage-like structure.

The stator of an oikosulkumoottori contains windings that, when supplied with AC power, generate a rotating magnetic field. This rotating field interacts with the rotor conductors, inducing a voltage and current in them. The interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the rotor's induced magnetic field creates a torque, causing the rotor to spin. The rotor's speed is always slightly less than the stator's rotating magnetic field speed, a phenomenon known as slip, which is essential for torque production.

Oikosulkumoottorit are known for their reliability and low maintenance requirements. They have no brushes or commutators, which are common wear points in other motor types. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and machine tools. They can be started directly across the line or with reduced voltage starters to limit starting current. Their performance characteristics, such as starting torque and speed-torque curves, can be influenced by the rotor design.