Vahelduvvoolmootorite

Vahelduvvoolmootorite is a term used primarily in Estonian to refer to alternating current motors, the plural of Vahelduvvoolmootor, which translates to "alternating‑current motor." These motors convert electrical energy supplied from an AC power source into mechanical motion. They are widely used in industrial, commercial, and household applications because of their robustness, efficiency, and ease of control.

The most common types of AC motors are induction motors, synchronous motors, and universal motors. Induction motors, also known as asynchronous motors, operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction and are the workhorses of factories, powering conveyors, pumps, and fans. Synchronous motors maintain a constant speed that matches the frequency of the AC supply; they are often used in applications requiring precise speed control such as washing machines and clock mechanisms. Universal motors can run on either AC or DC, and by accepting AC they are valuable in portable tools and small appliances where size and speed variation are important.

Operation of an AC motor involves creating a rotating magnetic field that induces current in the rotor, producing torque. In an induction motor, this field is generated by the stator windings excited by the AC supply, while the rotor, typically a laminated iron core with conductors, is induced to rotate without a direct electrical connection. Synchronous motors, on the other hand, use a rotating field that synchronizes the rotor's magnetic pole with the stator’s field, often requiring a DC supply to the rotor windings for excitation.

The advantages of AC motors include simpler construction, fewer maintenance requirements, and compatibility with existing AC power infrastructure. However, they can be less efficient than some DC motor designs at low speeds, and regenerative braking is not as straightforward. Nevertheless, AC motors remain integral to modern electric power systems, contributing significantly to global automation and energy usage.